Where are they now – Chris Brown (SPC 1966-67, PY1968)
September 4, 2024
Chris Brown chats with the College’s Business Manager Andrew Jirik at the SPC stand at the 2024 Mallee Machinery Field Days.
The College recently reconnected with Old Collegian Chris Brown (SPC 1966-67, PY1968) who loved his time wearing the green, white and blue and credits SPC for encouraging him to give back to his community and giving his all to the people of the Mallee, which he has done for over 60 years.
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
After I left St Pat’s, I came home to the family farm at Underbool to be a third-generation farmer on the land and I have loved it.
Chris, representing SPC’s BPS Athletics Team in 1967.
Do you have family ties with SPC?
My brother Kevin is the only other family member to go to St Pat’s and he won a B&F in seniors in 1974.
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
My fondest memories are playing in the seniors in Year 10 under Br Tuck, then Year 11 under Br O’Brien, as well as the friendships that I made, as we relied on each other so much as boarders.
Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
Br Stallard was a great headmaster and leader of the school and Br O’Brien and Peter Farley left an indelible mark on me by wanting to be a leader in my community and also embrace the challengers of changing farming practices.
To list just a few of Chris’ community involvements is difficult because there are so many, but they include:
* Mallee Football League life member, awarded in 2005
* Victorian Country Football League (now AFL VIC) life member, awarded in 2013
* Walpeup/Underbool Football Club life member, awarded in 1995
* Underbool Fire Brigade member for 57 years
* Underbool Recreation Reserve committee of management for 40 years; committee for 49 years
* Underbool Cricket Club secretary between 1970-1987 for 17 years
* Ouyen & District Cricket Association delegate for 22 years; vice president for 14 years
* School Council for 13 years; president for six years
* Linga Silo Committee for 10 years
* Underbool Cemetery Trust secretary for 10 years
* Players Tribunal Advocate 1982-1990
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
The best message to any young student today is to value your friends and contacts and make sure you stay in touch as they will be the ones who will stand by you for the rest of your life.
It was a pleasure to go to St Pat’s and I will always be a Paddies Boy.
Chris, pictured in his Leaving class photograph, as published in the 1967 College Annual.
Chris was a member of the SPC First XVIII & BPS Football team in 1967.
Chris was a member of the U16 premiership Under 16 McCarthy House Competition team in 1966.
Chris was also a member of the Second XVIII Football team in 1966.