Where are they now – Dylan White (SPC 1997-98)

The College recently reconnected with Dylan White (SPC 1997-98, PY2002) who visited the College in Term 3 in his role as Lieutenant Commander (Executive Officer) of HMAS Ballarat. Since this visit, Dylan was busy preparing for deployment in the Middle East when his ship had to make an unexpected detour, making the national news, with an emergency trip down the Southern Indian Ocean to pick up a yachtsmen who needed rescuing during the Golden Globe Race. Dylan said the yachtsman was -fine and a very nice bloke, so good news-. Dylan attended SPC in Year 7 and 8 and sadly left when his family moved to Queensland. Here are some of Dylan’s fondest memories of his time at shool.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I finished my high schooling in Queensland at Iona College (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) before attending Queensland University of Technology where I completed a Law Degree. I joined the Navy whilst at uni in 2005 and I have remained in the Navy ever since. I am Warfare Officer in the Navy and have served in HMA Ships Warramunga, Sirius, Perth and Ballarat having been predominantly stationed in WA. I have deployed to the Middle East, Asia and the South West Pacific during my time. Career highlights have been mainly associated with developing the tactical capability of the ANZAC class Frigate and its weapons systems.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

Lunch time sport – played a lot of football and cricket at lunch time – even when very cold and wet.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Mr Barry Homewood – he had an excellent approach to the teaching of English and was very good at communicating with students at all levels.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

The combination of academic and physical development, both at SPC and Iona I believe are most beneficial to assisting me to become who I am. It has given me the ability to communicate and relate to people of all backgrounds and interests which is highly beneficial when leading Officers and Sailors at sea. I feel that having the well-rounded education that I have has given me a lot of opportunity to make the best out of any situation I am put in.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Looking after those less fortunate and doing your best to make everyone feel included and valued I believe can be directly traced to SPC and obviously my parents.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Look for the good in everything – no matter what happens, there is always something good to be found. In circumstances and people.