Where are they now – Tony Borrack (SPC 1953-54, PY1957)

The College recently reconnected with Tony Borrack (SPC 1953-54, PY1957) who forged a successful career in the computing industry as well as active service in the community following his time as a boarder at SPC.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I only had a couple of years at St Patrick’s because my parents moved to North East Victoria and I completed my education at Champagnat College, in Wangaratta. My father was a teacher and we shifted close to Wangaratta in 1955 (from Cohuna).

My father also attended St Patrick’s College and lost an eye in an accident in the Chemistry lab at St Patrick’s. I think he was in the Athletics, Football and Cricket teams.

I commenced work in the Commonwealth Bank Wangaratta in 1958. My father passed away shortly after I commenced work and my mother, sister and I moved to Melbourne and I have lived in Melbourne ever since. My mother and sister moved back to Rutherglen after a short stay in the city.

After 13 years in the bank, I left and worked for the Police Association to establish their Credit Co-op which is now Bank Victoria. My last three years in the bank were spent installing- computing systems throughout Victoria including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

Following that, I became involved in the computer industry and eventually became General Manager of Financial Computing Services of Australia.

I have also been involved in various community endeavours, including: Captain, Coach and President of the Commonwealth Bank Footy Club Amateurs; Secretary of the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club; Secretary of the Box Hill Chamber of Commerce; President of the Whitefrias Old Collegians Footy Club Amateurs and Secretary of the Australian Trout Foundation.

 

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

My memories of St Patrick’s are somewhat vague, but I recall pretty hard times as a young fellow moving away from home for the first time. I was keen on sport and not bad in the academic sense. I do have some old records. I remember the Chapel being completed and I think we lost the senior footy to Ballarat College. Brother O’Malley was mortified. I played in the underweight (under nine and a half stone) and kicked 18 goals in one match (against Balllarat Grammar I think). The teaching was excellent and we spent long hours in school during the day and also in the evenings.

 

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

Teachers who had an impact were Brothers Healy, Williams, Kelty and Mullins. Brother -China” Williams was a favourite. Brother Mullens wielded a mean cane. There was also a brother who taught Algebra. I cannot remember his name but if you moved during his class you always got a couple of cuts.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Education in Colleges was good and as well as imparting knowledge, discipline was encouraged and sometimes enforced.

 

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

To students of today, I would say make the most of your opportunities and always state it like it is.

*** The College was notified that Tony sadly passed away in May, 2020.