Old Boys in the News – June 2017

Our Old Boys have been busy boys in all sectors, including:

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• Adelaide 36ers NBL star Nathan Sobey (SPC 2008), pictured above,- who has just signed a deal to play with the Utah Jazz in the NBA Summer League competition. Nathan will become the first SPC Old Boy ever to represent an NBA team. If successful during the summer league, Nathan could then be drafted onto the Jazz’s full-time roster for the coming 2017-18 NBA season. Nathan has- also been named in the Australian Boomers’ Asia Cup training squad. Well done Nathan – exciting times ahead!- To read more, go to this link,- this link– and this link

• We encourage all in our community to support this upcoming CHFL fixture between Buninyong and Clunes this weekend as the two teams compete for the Shanahan Cup – named in honour of Old Collegian Nathan Shanahan (SPC 1988-93). Nathan, a former soldier and fireman, succumbed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder last Christmas and funds raised at this match will boost the work of Soldier On, which supports men and women physically or psychologically affected by their service. Nathan’s father John Shanahan (SPC 1967-69) is working tirelessly to raise awareness surrounding PTSD. To read more, go to this link– – John will be a guest speaker at this year’s second annual MENtal Brekky at St Patrick’s College on Friday, October 20. To book a ticket, go to this link

• Thanks to Ben Couch (SPC 2004-09) who returned to the College this week to chat to our senior students. Ben is now with the Royal Australian Navy and has served on HMAS Launceston in a number of humanitarian activities.

• Oscar McDonald (SPC 2011-13) talks about the pressures of AFL, but on a lighter note, his recent commanding performances at this link

• Western Victoria MP Josh Morris (SPC 1995-2000) promised a swag of new policies for decentralization by the year’s end as the state opposition reaffirmed its commitment to Ballarat. To read more, go to this link

• Waubra footballer Adam Jarvis (SPC 1996-2001) was rushed to hospital after- breaking his arm in the reserves match against Hepburn on- Saturday. To read more, go to this link

• Carngham-Linton Football Netball Club welcomed three former Essendon stars, including Nick O’Brien (SPC 2006-11), Jason Winderlich and 400-game star Dustin Fletcher to the Snake Valley Reserve on Saturday- against Buninyong in the Central Highlands FL. It wasn’t the fairytale result that Carngham-Linton was hoping for, but- the Saints supporters are happy to have Nick- return home to -The Valley- to play for the club, while Winderlich and Fletcher- were at the club- in one-off appearances. To see how the day went, go to this link

• The College is mourning the great loss of Old Collegian and College Legend,- Dr Geoffrey William Torney, AM (SPC 1946-1952) who died last Wednesday, June 14, aged 82. Read more about Geoff’s enormous- legacy at this link– and this link

• Noah Wheeler (SPC 2017) lined up for the first time for the Bendigo Pioneers recently after taking up an apprenticeship in Bendigo. The SPC boarder was up against his new team earlier this year, when he played for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels while studying in Ballarat. To read more, go to this link

• Media lawyer Justin Quill (SPC 1989-91) weighed in on Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson’s latest defamation courtroom win during a radio interview recently, to read more, go to this link

• An interesting read on David Bourke (SPC 1944-52) and his involvement in Channel Ten’s history-making first to broadcast colour television in Australia in 1967. The feed, from the Pakenham races on June 15, 1967, was not broadcast to the public, but viewed by Reg Ansett, TV representatives and the press. David, who died in 2005, was Pakenham club secretary, and credited for being a -good networker-. To read more, go to this link

• Fantastic to see Richmond young gun Daniel Rioli (SPC 2012-15) leading the way and taking a contingent of Tigers players and coaches to his home on the Tiwi Islands recently. The players and coaches were introduced to Rioli’s family and learnt more about indigenous people. To read more, go to this link– and this link– Daniel is also featured in an interesting read about -Aboriginal football’s first family- – the Rioli’s at this link and- we love this video featuring Tigers coach Damien Hardwick talking about the lessons he has learned from- Daniel, to watch, go to this link

• Good on Olympian Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-80) for donning a Cathy Freeman suit to slip down the slide into icy waters for a good cause recently, in the third annual Big Freeze during the Queen’s Birthday AFL clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. Steve was nominated by Neale Daniher as one of the Australian sporting legends to hit the water. For see Mona in action, go to this link– and this link

• Jason Knowles (SPC 2001-06) has announced that he will return to Brown Hill as playing coach in the 2017-18 season after a brief stint in the Geelong competition. To read more, go to this link

• Jarrod McCorkell (SPC 1997-2001) has arrived at Beaufort mid-season to help the Crows with their push to the finals. Jarrod, a versatile onballer/forward, is a former North Ballarat Rebels captain and ex-Northern Bullants player and was cleared from Newtown and Chilwell to play in the Central Highlands league. For more, go to this link

• Peter Blenkiron (SPC 1974-77) and Steve Moneghetti (SPC 1975-80) headlined a special Men’s Health Week event at the Ballarat Library recently to encourage the evening’s healthy body, healthy mind theme. To read more, go to this link

• A true testament of bravery and friendship is that of Tom Quinlan (SPC 2010-13) who saved the life of his close mate Brad Simpson (SPC 2011-15) in a freak wood chopping accident at Springbank two months ago. Find out how Brad is going on his road to recovery and Tom’s act of bravery at this link

• Watch out for the AFL Vic Country senior representative squad, including former SPC boarder Rory Taggert (SPC 2011) ahead of its first clash on July 8. Coach of this year’s squad is fellow Old Boy, Danny Frawley (SPC 1976-79). To read more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Dan Butler (SPC 2009-14) who was named recently as the AFL’s Rising Star Nomination for Round 11. Read more on how Dan is making waves with the Tigers, all with the blessing of his former North Ballarat Rebels coach and fellow SPC Old Collegian David Loader (SPC 1982-85) who is now in a development coaching role at AFL rivals, North Melbourne. For more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Fr Kevin Flanagan (SPC 1942-44) who is retiring as a parish priest in Albury after serving an amazing 54 years in the role. At the spritely age of 88 Fr Flanagan quipped that he is “not planning on running a marathon any time soon”. He has been a much loved and respected parish priest at Sacred Heart North Albury for more than four decades and will be sorely missed by its congregation. Congratulations on a wonderful and inspiring career! To read more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Hasker Dawborn (SPC 2011-16), Jacob Wheelahan (SPC 2010-15), Hamish Coulton (SPC 2015) and Jarrod Korewha (SPC 2015-16), who have been selected in the Vic Country U19 squad. To read more, go to this link

• Joel Parnis (SPC 2004-06) is loving his life in the spotlight, currently performing in My Fair Lady at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre and working with veteran Julie Andrews, who is directly the show that made her a Broadway star. To read more, go to this link

• St Patrick’s College is delighted to learn that a statue in honour of George Treloar (SPC 1900) will be built in Ballarat’s main street. The statue in Sturt Street will recognise Mr Treloar’s work as a refugee advocate at the conclusion of World War I, during which time he helped resettle 100,000 people in Greece. Two years ago the College installed a plaque and olive tree in honour of Mr Treloar’s legacy and each year a $500 prize is presented in his name to a current student who does the most work for the good of the wider community. It is fantastic to see our city now honouring his legacy too! To read more about the former SPC student’s latest honour, go to this link

• St Patrick’s College was incredibly proud to have strong representation at the Keilor East RSL recently for the official launch of a documentary and publication on the life of Old Collegian Laurie Larmer (SPC 1935-40). Year 11 students Sam Willams and Tom Murphy, current teacher Miss Jen Casey, Director of Development Paul Nolan and former Headmaster Br Bill Wilding were on hand to witness the launch and to congratulate Laurie on his remarkable, inspiring and uplifting life story. Those interested in obtaining a copy of the documentary are urged to contact the Keilor East RSL. For those unfamiliar with Laurie’s history click on- this link

• Our thoughts and prayers are with Luke Taylor (SPC 1995-99) and his family and friends after Luke suffered critical injuries while cycling on Saturday, May 27. A fundraising page has been set up to assist the Taylor family as Luke continues to recover while in the Alfred Hospital. We hope our wonderful community can rally around the Taylor family at this time and we pray Luke makes a full recovery. To read more about Luke’s- accident, go to this link– and this link– or to give a donation and view regular and recent updates from Luke’s family on his current condition and brave recovery, go to this link

• Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom Downie (SPC 2010-11) who has decided to quit football as he focuses on dealing with mental illness. To Tom, we hope you get all the support and care you need on your path to recovery. To read more, go to this link

• Dr John Stekelenburg (SPC 1974-79) has announced his retirement as chair of the Barwon Health board. John’s six-year reign will end on June 30, at the completion of his second term. John oversaw Barwon Health’s biggest capital works program in the organisation’s history, and helped secure funding for improved services in Geelong’s northern suburbs. John told the Geelong Advertiser that -six years is a long time, and I’ve given my everything to the Geelong community -¦ it’s just time to move on-. To read more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Andrew Jirik (SPC 1980-85) who has moved from his role at Wesfarmers to the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat as Business Manager. We also congratulate Ashley Wiseman (SPC 1988-93), who has also joined the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat in the role of Manager – Planning, Infrastructure and Risk.

• Old Collegian and prominent Australian barrister Colin McDonald (SPC 1967-70) QC has vowed to renew a fight to free Brisbane Catholic Scott Rush and the remaining members of the Bali Nine in jail in Indonesia. Speaking at an Assembly of Catholic Professionals luncheon in Brisbane recently, Mr McDonald, who now lives in Bali, said he was motivated by the plight of Rush, who was 19 when he was caught, and his parents, Lee and Christine. To read more, go to this link

• Paul Armstrong (SPC 1969-74) has taken on the role as AFL Goldfields chairman. To read more, go to this link

• Good to see John Bourke (SPC 1969-75) in the news, searching for photos and footage of Ballarat’s Regent Cinema to be put into a movie. To read more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Old Collegians Brett Bewley (SPC 2008-13) and Nick Rippon (SPC 2007-12) who were selected in the VFL state team to play the WAFL state team on May 27 at North Port Oval.

• We recently heard from Mark Thomas (SPC 1972-77) who was disappointed he could not return for- his 40-Year Class Reunion as he is currently working in China. Mark is based at Henan University delivering English to the students- as part of a joint program between Victoria University Melbourne and Henan University. Mark also mentioned he thought -it’s, of course, ridiculous to think it’s 40 years since our final year at SPC because none of us has changed a bit!–

• Congratulations to Steve Bracks (SPC 1968-71) who has been appointed as the chair of the MCG Trust. To read more, go to this link

• Congratulations to Dallas Willsmore (SPC 2010-13) who became the 114th SPC Old Boy to play footy at the highest level, making his debut for the Hawks against the Swans at the SCG. Well done Dal! A full list of the previous 113 can be found by clicking on this link

• James Coghlan (SPC 1960-66) was the expert on beer recently, giving a presentation during the Beers through the Years Festival in Ballarat during May, on the evolution of beer in Ballarat. James is a descendant of some of the city’s most prolific brewers from the Ballarat Brewing Company. To find out more, go to this link

• Watch what great work Will Austin (SPC 2010-14) is doing as facilitator of the Koorie Youth Summit at this link

• Danny Moore (SPC 1983-84 and current staff) was recognised with a 30-year service award by the Catholic Education Office recently. Well done Danny! Read more about Danny’s time as a student and teacher in the June edition of the “Green, White and Blue” e-newsletter for our Old Collegians or at this link

• We recently heard from Jim James (SPC 1956-64), who was a full-time boarder and remembers Bros Tuck, Wynn, O’Malley, Rope and others. Jim is now living in South Africa and would love to attend a reunion if he was a little closer.

• Congratulations to Nathan Hucker (SPC 2012-16), along with current students Isaac Muller (Year 11) and Aiden Domic (Year 12) on their incredible performance in the -‘Dreamtime at the G’ pre-match entertainment during May’s AFL Indigenous round. They had the privilege of representing their culture in front of a crowd of 85,000 people. Old Collegian Josh Muir (SPC 2004-07) designed the Richmond Guernsey for the Indigenous round match, which was worn by Daniel Rioli (SPC 2012-15) and Shaun Grigg (SPC 2001-06).

• Take the time to read about the interesting journey of Jon Kanoa (SPC 1995-2000) who is currently the Director for Family Support Services with the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative and has also been appointed on the AFL Goldfields Commission this year. Jon also celebrated the recent Indigenous Round in the AFL and tells his story in this- read at this link

• Congratulations to Andrew Bongiorno (SPC 1992-97) who recently won a Lead Performance Award in the celebrated Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle’s 48^th annual awards for distinguished achievement in theatre for his role in the US production of -The Boy From Oz- by Celebration Theatre. -The Boy From Oz- also won a Production award, along with other awards. To read more, go to this link– and this link.