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Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Life鈥檚 journey has tracked not as I envisaged, but I have achieved more than I expected. From university to bookmaking and form analyst, international airline operations, and for the past two decades I have been working as a Protective Security Adviser and Program Security Manager for major Australian Defence Programs including the Future Submarine Program stationed in France, and now with the SEA 5000 Hunter Class Frigate program.

I married a Swiss-French girl (should have kept up French at school) and have two children and now one granddaughter.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

I was one of seven brothers with two sisters. Six of us attended SPC.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

I definitely enjoyed the sport as well as being a member of such a large community where I was guaranteed to find friends and appreciate the diverse range of interests of others.

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

I can鈥檛 single out one teacher because it took six years and multiple teachers who were instrumental in my education and experiences. If I had to call out a few it would be:

• Br Peter Noonan for his common sense and sincerity
• Vicki Richards for her professionalism and strength
• Br 鈥淩A鈥� – well he was an institution, as large and solid as the 鈥渙oga-dooga鈥� tree.
• Br Trevor Parton for his unique style, humility and humour.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Although I didn鈥檛 recognise it at the time, our education was not just schoolwork, it included developing teamwork and creating community. St Pat’s opened my eyes to the power of teamwork that we developed whether it was in class with fellow students, at recess with friends, or on the field with teammates. The experience, situational awareness and resulting skills have often been – in principle – the foundation for sustained personal and career success or in some cases, survival. I learned a lot observing the boarders noting their solidarity and commitment to work and live as a team; success followed them.

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

Again, I reflect back on the broad community and the eclectic nature of successful individuals and groups. The most important team in anyone鈥檚 life is family, whatever I takes! My son is an engineer – pray for me!

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

Define a vision, establish a plan, and when events do not go your way – Reset, Adapt and Go again.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I went to Ballarat University for a while before getting a job at IBM. I have been in IT as solution Architect (designer) for Cloud Computing for most of the last 20 years, now based in Melbourne at another IT Company (Datacom). I live in the outer suburbs of Melbourne but still have strong ties to Ballarat and am often back in the Ballarat at a poker night with friends or visiting my brother.

I have travelled overseas multiple times to Canada, US, NZ and Asia. And now I am married with two young children and am a bit settled. I don’t travel much now outside of Victoria but I love exploring parts of our state.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

Yes, my brother Shane (SPC 1992-97) is a teacher at SPC currently and his children (my nephews both attend).

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

One hundred per cent my favourite memory of the school is the Jerk (Handball) Courts. I was sad when I learned that were no longer there but for most of my first few years I was there EVERY recess and lunch.

Beyond that I think my fondest memories were people. Two of my favourites were Mr (Peter) Farley and Mr (Michael) Brady who were always willing to say a nice hi to me when I see them (even though they were never actually my teacher).

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

I think it would have to be Mr (Fred) Spittle. I had some issues growing up with behaviour and it was probably when I started art in his class that he sort of took me under his wing to help me get my behaviour on the right track. He was always available for a chat or otherwise as I needed.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I think there has been a significant amount of my time at SPC that has helped in that regard. I built my career without a university degree (in IT, I have one in Accounting) but my first real access to computers and programming was in the 90s in SPC and that Computing program (I remember the time that they got those new Macs when I was in Year 9 or 10 and it was where I think learnt the basics of computing and led to what I do now).

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

I think my values were shaped immensely by my time at SPC. The mentors I had there such as above mentioned teachers as well as Football and sports coaches instilled community and caring into my values. I like to think a lot of the way I am now in my late 40s was from that time.

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

Value the bonds and relationships you build and the words of those mentors. It is as important to be able to walk through the world with reason and kindness as it is to know the facts and figures you might encounter.

The world is not an easy place to live but having those friendships and bonds will help make it a better one.

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听

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

It has been a journey, one where I never settled on what I really wanted to do with my life since leaving school. At the time IT was moving rapidly so I thought I’d chase a career with that. I did several IT courses in the next two to four years. I was in and out of different part-time jobs and my career was never going anywhere!

Still being young and partying and having a good time was high on my agenda. My life settled once I met my partner Renee in 2005. She is from a farm east of Hamilton, Victoria.

I landed a good job at VicRoads in 2007. At VicRoads I worked on the front counter in the Customer Service Centre (CSC) Wendouree where I conducted licence testing and听registering vehicles. I probably served many ex St Pat鈥檚 boys! I loved that job apart from the work politics.

I also had the great opportunity听to undertake听secondments in different departments in VicRoads of which one such role was being a Surveillance Officer of which I enjoyed and was fascinated with road construction.

As time grew with VicRoads at the height (also lows) of 2020, I was burning out at the CSC and my next big career break came in 2022 when an email from another VicRoads Department expressed interest in a Surveillance Role with External works. So I responded听to the email and got the job. I haven’t looked back since, I have my own work car which is my mobile office and get to see the best of听western Victoria from Geelong to the SA border.

I work in conjunction with developers and their contractors that build private infrastructure that connects to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) (Ex-VicRoads) assets. My role is to make sure they build as per DTP has allowed them to construct. Pretty exciting stuff.

Renee and I have a daughter Tabitha who is 14. I played footy for the Ballarat Swans (reserves) up until 2004 and still play cricket for VRI-Delacombe since 2001. I have taken over 400 wickets. I still open the bowling although in the lowest grade we have as the mind is willing but the body is shot.

I enjoy fishing, the weather (storms), cars (I have a Mark 2 Escort panel van) and I have a Youtube channel –

We still live in Ballarat in Mitchell Park and I have a man cave!

Do you have family ties with SPC?

There have been a few Baxters who attended SPC. My younger brother Tristan (SPC 1994-99) and my cousins听Paul (SPC 1994-97, PY1999) & Joseph (SPC 2006-11) went to SPC. My uncle Kieran Baxter taught at SPC.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

Honestly, I can’t remember many memories! I got up to no good. But most of the time I was a quiet reserved student.

I enjoyed both cricket and footy. I used to love playing jerks (handball). I enjoyed maths, woodwork and metalwork classes. I was never driven to school, I either rode my bike or walked, rain, hail or shine from Alfredton.

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

I can’t remember them as such. Although Br Zoch’s maths classes were brilliant, Sin, Cos, Tan. And the fact we reckon he had a tunnel network under the school. I did have some good teachers such as: Michael Brady, Malcom Barnes, Peter Farley (well I was never on his bad side; I was his unofficial secretary in Year 10?), Harry Gibcus, Peter Gutteridge.

In Year 9 we were terrible; I blame hormones.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Can’t complain. Such is life!听If I had my time again, I would’ve pursued a trade; plenty of money to be made and lots of work.

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

Being a Christian it instilled good Catholic values of treating people with respect. My motto is to treat others the way I’d like to be treated. Also life is too short to hold grudges. Yeah you get cross at times but 99 per cent it is a waste of energy and where does it get you?

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

Enjoy school, you are only young once, have fun! It isn’t the end of the world if your plans and dreams don’t go as expected. The world is in a perilous place at the moment and it has gotten so small; thanks to the internet which wasn’t really around in my days at SPC.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I graduated from SPC in 1963 and completed a Valuations degree at RMIT University in Melbourne.

I attended the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA) Sydney in 1971, where training was undertaken for Patrol Officers (Kiaps).

I then became a Patrol Officer of the Papua New Guinea Constabulary. As the officer-in-charge of the Komo Patrol Post in the Southern Highlands, I was responsible for maintaining law and order, council, roads, schools, bridges and health centres, along with building community engagement and agriculture, capacity building and carrying out extensive jungle patrols and settling disputes.

I later returned to Victoria and worked as a ranger in charge for the National Parks Service at Werribee Gorge.

I then shifted to Cobourg Sanctuary in 1977 (now named Gurig) in the NT as a fisheries and wildlife officer.听 Other postings in the NT included Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Darwin, which involved wildlife management, enforcement research and feral animal control.

I was in charge of the Northern Territory Feral Animal Committee and managed their program and projects, involving integrated feral animal control exercises with landholders, state and federal agencies, pursue co-operative research gaps with universities and other agencies; and co-ordinate refinement of their aerial survey techniques.

It鈥檚 worth noting the Northern Territory of Australia has an area of 1.4 million square kilometres.

I was then appointed as the chief wildlife ranger for the Northern Territory, overseeing training and wildlife enforcement, researching data collection, monitoring and undertaking aerial survey work. I represented NT at national conventions and implemented the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) C.Porosus Management Plan.

As chief Wildlife Ranger I was responsible for undertaking crocodile management in the NT and the removal of saltwater crocodiles from Darwin Harbour and relocated to crocodile farms.

As part of the role, I organised ranger training in 1080 baiting, range and aerial marksmanship and led national simulated exotic (Foot and Mouth Disease) disease exercise and developed training for crocodile capture and handling for rangers.

I was also involved with the implementation of satellite (training) tracking collars on camels in the Simpson Desert, for research and potential harvesting.

I moved on and became the Arnhemland Area Manager for Parks and Wildlife. As part of this role, there were many highlights including collaborating on wildlife management with Aborigines, island feral animal control, research on Crown of Thorns starfish, establishing a crocodile farm, coordinating Aboriginal Ranger training, funding from Nabalco and Gemco mining companies and Cape Arnhem (Wanuwuy) (Nhulunbuy) becoming part of formally protected area.

I later became the regional director of Parks and Wildlife in Katherine, managing a multi-disciplined team of 65 staff.

As part of this role, I was responsible for developing strategies and priorities for the region, chairing heads of government (including recovery and reconstruciton post Katherine floods in 1998), representing the region on boards and at various conferences, negotiating new parks for the National Reserve System, capacity building and the indigenous joint management of Parks.

While working in Natural Resource Management as director, I established a new division in the DPI&F (Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and also developed strategic direction, policy and legislation, identified knowledge gaps and collaborated on research and funding and represented NT at a state and federal level. This included rangeland management, feral animals and weed control.

I oversaw the NT Weeds Act and arranged enforcement training and was involved in the development of great partnerships with the Aborigines.

I have also written and co-authored a number of publications on wide-ranging subjects, from the breeding habits of Peregrine Falcon, crocodile capturing techniques in the Northern Territory and aestivation in the Australian freshwater crocodile, to the homing instincts of C. Porosus, exotic disease in buffalo and pigs in Arnhem land and the field evaluation of 1080 baits for dingo control.

During my working life, I held a number of national appointments, including the Australia New Zealand Environment & Conservation Council as well as a member of the working party. I was also the NT representative on the Australian Weeds Committee.

I also held numerous local appointments, ranging from a board member on the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge), Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Parks & Wildlife and regional assessment panel for the National Heritage Trust.

In 2006, I interviewed with Conservation International in Washington DC for the position of country director in Cambodia, which I won. The focus was mainly on the protection of endangered species under the IUCN red list (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in the Cardamon mountains.

My last consultancy work involved the recording of “Biodiversity along the Stock Routes of Western Queensland”.

I am still a volunteer life member of the Noosa Parks Association, involved in the re-introduction of oysters into the Noosa River. I have been a member for the last 15 years.

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Do you have family ties with SPC?

My son Sean attended SPC in 1990 & 1991.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

My fondest memories are of the lifelong mates I made and听the sporting events. This included Brother Williams (Chinny), who had a good rapport with all of us and visited me in the NT in his retirement.

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How has your education shaped your professional life?

Determination and prioritisation were helpful tools through my pursuit of an outdoor occupation and a career.

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

I would advise any student to pursue what you really want to do, rather than what is expected of you.

听

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Following my year in 1987 I moved with my family to Gippsland. Fast forward to now – I鈥檓 happily married with two beautiful children. I am living in Melbourne and I am a partner of a successful digital marketing agency.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

Yes, two of my cousins also went to SPC, Shane (SPC 1985-87) and Kevin Pritchard (SPC 1986-91).

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

It was a long time ago, however I had some great friends from my primary school (每日大赛网址首页进入 – Drummond St) that also went to SPC, along with the various sporting events and of course playing Jerks at recess and any opportunity to beat Mr Kelvin Porter on that court!

I also really enjoyed cheering on SPC at the regatta鈥�”who are, who are, who are we? We are, we are SPC.鈥�

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
I only really remember Mr (Kelvin) Porter. He was my 每日大赛网址首页进入room teacher and helped me settle in to secondary school and again I have great memories of many Jerks competitions that he would coordinate.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

It was later in life that I realised my Catholic upbringing made the person I am – along with the discipline and direction I think that was necessary at the time.

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

Times were different back then and the discipline, support and direction it provided me helped me become a stronger person with values, compassion and respect for my fellow person.

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

Enjoy your younger years at school, take it all in and know it will help shape the rest of your life.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After leaving 每日大赛网址首页进入 in 1976, I did teacher training at Aquinas College. After graduating in 1979 I started my teaching career at Holy Spirit PS in Casuarina Darwin.

I taught there for two years until the sudden death of my father to cancer. 听I returned to Victoria to teach in three different primary schools, Our Lady of the Pines, Donvale, Holy Spirit North, Ringwood and Holy Trinity ,Wantirna South.

At Teachers鈥� College I became interested in art and design, especially ceramics. In 1986 I started further studies at Chisholm College Frankston. In 1989 I completed an Associate Diploma in ceramic design. This allowed me to teach secondary art and design. I taught at St Joseph鈥檚 College Ferntree Gully in the Art and Design department for seven years. I gained much from these years from a number of great mentors.

In 1996 I started a 23-year career at Scotch College in their Art Department, 10 of those years as Head of department. In 2000 I completed a Degree in Applied Arts majoring in Ceramics. At Scotch I introduced Visual Communication and Design to VCE students.

Many of my students went on to become architects, product designers and graphic designers. It is very rewarding to me that I still hear from many of them and continue to monitor their careers.

I was a State reviewer for Visual Communications and Design and worked on the review of the study design.

In 1997 I completed an Associate Diploma in graphic communication. While at Scotch, I was involved in the boarding house and coached rowing, rugby, football, basketball and volleyball. I was an officer of cadets for 10 years and also designed the scenic art for the senior school plays.

I was a leader of three overseas tours, one to Nepal and two art tours to Italy. I also led four outback trips to northern Australia.

After a very rewarding teaching career, l retired in 2018 to Castlemaine. I have built my own studio and enjoy my time now creating my ceramics. I sell my work in galleries and continue to hold exhibitions, under Mark Mason Ceramic Design.

During this busy time, I was supported by my wife Imelda. We were married in 1985 and have three wonderful children. My wife is an excellent special education teacher. We have three children, Laura is an architect, Lucy, a teacher of speech and drama and Lachlan is a graphic designer.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

The only family connection is my two younger brothers, David (SPC 1975-81) and Simon (SPC 1976-80, PY1981) both went to St Pat鈥檚.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

I was a bus boy and travelled from Ballan each day. Which could often be a challenge. It also limited my ability to be involved in sport. I did manage to do swimming and rugby. I was born on St Pat鈥檚 Day (17 March) and remember that the school always celebrated that day, so it was extra special for me.

I remember in Year 7 having to wear a cap and suit coat which spent most of its time in my bag. I remember singing in the mass choir. It wasn鈥檛 until Year 9 that I formed a strong friendship group, mostly from cadets. I was in cadets for three years and went to two promotions courses at Puckapunyal. I was promoted to a CUO and led a company.

My time in cadets is where I have my fondest memories, made great friends and where I gained the insight to become a teacher.

I remember in Year 12 Brother Nangle asked me to do a reading at mass. I wasn鈥檛 a very good student and found reading difficult and this was a huge challenge for me. I couldn鈥檛 stop shaking from nerves but managed to get through it.

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

I remember two teachers fondly. Mr Shelly Bond taught me in Year 8 and 9. I got on really well with him and enjoyed his sense of humour and his relationships with his students. He left and I always wondered where he went. I always tried to form strong relationships with my students and always tried to have a sense of humour.

The best teacher I had was in Year 12 was Br Noonan. He taught me Australian History, which was my best grade. He had a great knowledge of his subject and gave us many great insights. He was on the study board and could predict the areas that we would be tested on. He was the only teacher that was explicit in his teaching and developed each student鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses. He was the only teacher that actually taught me how to write an essay. He gave us many practice essays and always returned our work promptly with notes on how to improve. I tried to model my own teaching on his style.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from my time in cadets and from some of the teachers I had.

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

Follow your dreams! Find something that you are good at and pursue it. Make lots of friends and try and keep as many as you can. Family is important. Work to live not live to work. Relationships are important.

Check out Mark’s ceramic work on Instagram and via his website – Mark Mason Ceramic Design – 听

听

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

Following Year 12 in 2006, I went on to study economics and finance at the University of Ballarat, graduating in 2010.

Work-wise, I went on to work for Kempe Engineering in a commercial graduate role, which led to some travel opportunities and eventually a move to Melbourne 2012 to work for Macquarie Bank in their new bulk grain export business doing cargos of Australian wheat and barley into Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

This led to a lot of focus on maritime and trade, where I went onto spend five years with a BHP/Rio Tinto JV 鈥� RightShip, in various strategy roles focusing on providing bulk exporters of mining and agricultural commodities with supply chain and vessel analytics and risk management solutions, while also completing an MBA at RMIT University.

For the last five years I have been working with PwC Australia as a Director in their management consulting business, using my experience help solve a range of problems out in industry across mining, energy and FMCG.

Life is very different these days as a dad to two girls. I married my wife Zoe in 2016 in Melbourne, where we have settled in the Northern suburbs.

Do you have family ties with SPC?

Unfortunately not. Just myself.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

Twenty-plus years on, I look back at things like the Year 9 program, where we had four camps for the year across the beach, city, snow and bush, along with a lot of different immersion-style learning modules, which was very different at the time and memorable.

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

Geoff Brodie was an important figure in my journey. I was an average student across most areas, where Mr Brodie was able to challenge me in a positive way with more abstract concepts applied to the content that helped me look at things differently and accelerate, along with being more prepared for uni life. His 鈥榮tructure of knowing鈥� still rings true today 鈥� shout out to Mr Brodie.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

It鈥檚 enabled me to work as part of a team and lead with integrity, along with continuing to learn and evolve professionally which is important in my current work.

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

It has made me want to ensure my daughters get to experience similar things in their journey, where it鈥檚 a really important part of development and life in general.

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

Working hard and being good to people goes a long way, and almost always results in good things.

Peter came from Horsham and was boarding captain of Treacy House. Peter was on the senior council and immersed himself fully into the sporting life of SPC during his two years at the College, completing Form 5 & 6.

He played in the SPC First XVIII Football team across both years, and was captain of the co-premiership-winning BPS football side in 1972.

Peter was also vice captain of the First Cricket XI side, representing the BPS senior side.

He excelled in athletics and cross country, and was named the senior athletics champion alongside David Smith.

Peter enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce some of these memories while coming across photographs in the College canteen area.

We thank Peter for reconnecting with the College and coming to visit!

Sam (SPC 2019-22, PY2024) proved forecasters correct with his first-up pick to the Richmond Football Club.

Year 12 student Ollie Hannaford followed at pick 18 for the GWS Giants, while classmate Jack Ough was selected soon after, at pick no. 36.

It was a tense wait though for fellow Year 12 classmate Harry Charleson, who had to wait until the next day to be chosen in the AFL Rookie Draft at pick no. 9 by Carlton.

Six months on, and Sam Lalor has excelled for the Tigers, recording 18 disposals and kicking two goals in front of a crowd of 80,009 people at the MCG in a 13-point victory over Carlton on debut, earning him a rising star nomination for round one.

The powerful midfielder-forward suffered a major setback with a hamstring injury in round 11 against Essendon, and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.

Ollie Hannaford, Jack Ough and Harry Charleson are each working hard for their opportunities to debut.

Despite living away from home as a boarder for three years, the College鈥檚 former Boarding Captain is living a dream.

鈥淟ife has been very different,鈥� Ollie says.

鈥淚鈥檝e moved out of home, I am living with three other young footballers. And football is now my job! I love it. Whilst I do still love when I get the opportunity to catch up with family and friends from back home.鈥�

Ollie said he has encountered several challenges in stepping into the AFL environment.

鈥淢oving away from family and friends 鈥� and I have spent quite a few weeks in rehab after undergoing surgery on my wrist and ankle.

鈥淚t can be really isolating at times, times where I would love to just sit on the couch at home with my family. But the club at GWS are like another family to me. So supportive and they look after me very well. Whilst it is challenging, I think that GWS is the best place I could鈥檝e landed.鈥�

While Ollie is no stranger to routine, his typical day is now focused solely on football.

鈥淥n a main training day, I get to the club at 7am. I have team/opposition meetings and then I go out and train. I have lunch at midday and from there we would do line meetings, Pilates and spend some time in the gym and also doing some craft.鈥�

Ollie has a clear personal goal for his first AFL season.

鈥淭o rehab well and get back to playing some good footy by the end of the year!,鈥� he said.

Likewise, Jack Ough has found there to be some challenges stepping into the AFL environment.

鈥淧robably the overall physical load, with the amount of sessions and the high level of intensity each one is expected to be at, as well as the mental loads with understanding structures and game plans, and also dealing with the stress and pressure of being a footballer,鈥� he says.

Jack remembers the moment he was drafted as feeling quite surreal.

鈥淚t honestly didn鈥檛 feel real at first. I remember just sitting there, kind of stunned. It was everything I鈥檇 dreamed of since I could remember and suddenly it was happening.

鈥淚t was probably the best moment of my life but I also knew it was just the beginning.鈥�

Jack is thankful for the many positive influences he encountered during his time as a student at St Pat鈥檚.

In my time at St Pat鈥檚, I was super lucky with the mentors I had. Some that stand out in the classroom were Mr (John) Richards and Mr (Shane) Murphy whose enthusiasm to teach not only being a good student, but a good young man I鈥檓 grateful for.

鈥淚n a footballing sense Mr (Jason) Lappin and Mr (Howard) Clark were incredible and their dedication and love of the game I鈥檒l forever cherish.鈥�

Equally, Jack says he has been fortunate to have received great support at his new club, the Giants.

鈥淪tephen Coniglio (GWS teammate) has been unreal, (he鈥檚) taken me under his wing, and I鈥檝e learnt so much from his professionalism and attention to detail.

鈥淎lso the way he carries himself as a leader of the club, and his caring nature is incredible and something I look up to.鈥�

每日大赛网址首页进入 has a long and proud footballing tradition, having educated 121 VFL/AFL football players since 1893, with at least a dozen currently playing at this elite level in 2025.

I understand you have recently returned from Antarctica with the Royal Australian Navy, please tell us more.
I was fortunate enough to be deployed to Casey Station as an Aviation Weather Forecaster working on the ice for four months during summer. This deployment was part of Operation SOUTHERN DISCOVERY, the Defence Force contribution supporting the Australian Antarctic Division鈥檚 scientific endeavour in Antarctica. Each year, Navy deploys one Meteorology and Oceanography Officer for the summer season. This provides us an opportunity to develop our aviation support skills in a challenging, data-restricted environment.

What was your role during this trip and some of the highlights?
I was down south primarily to support inter-continental aviation movements by the Royal Australian Air Force C17 Globemaster and the Antarctic Division鈥檚 contracted Airbus A319, and intra-continental air movements of DC-3 and Twin Otter aircraft provided by Kenn Borek Air and BK-117 helicopters provided by HeliRes. The inter-continental flights covered the movement of personnel and stores in and out of Antarctica, while the intra-continental flights were more directly in support of scientific missions around the continent.听

While in Antarctica, I had the chance to stay overnight at several field huts, including playing a Dungeons and Dragons session in the historic Wilkes Hut, a former communications station near Casey. Plus, seeing an Emperor Penguin visit the Station and watching a Leopard Seal hunting were pretty cool too.

Were there any lowlights or tough moments you would like to share?
Antarctica is quite remote and communication, while much better than it used to be with the roll-out of satellite internet, is difficult at times. I missed my first wedding anniversary while down south, so my wife and I both found that to be a lowlight. Thankfully, the ADF has support programs available for the families of deployed personnel, we were able to talk over the internet, and it was only four months.听

Did you have to prepare in any special way for this trip due to the terrain and environment?
The Australian Antarctic Division and the Bureau of Meteorology both run preparation programs. The AAD covers the safety equipment and procedures to work in Antarctica. The gear they issue is very good and kept me warm the entire time I was down there, even in a blizzard. The Bureau focusses on how to apply our forecasting training and experience to this radically different environment. Antarctica lacks the network of weather observation stations that feed into the computer models which assist forecasters, so often it is quite difficult to forecast anything greater than two or three days out. Having weather observers at Casey, Davis, and Mawson station provides an outsized impact on those global weather models given the sparseness of data from Antarctica.听听

Has this trip ticked off a bucket list experience?
It definitely has. During the final weeks, the annual Kenn Borek Challenge was held to commemorate three aviators who lost their lives in a crash in 2008. During a favourable weather window, participating stations walk, run, ski, or row 10km competing for a perpetual trophy. As part of this, myself and seven others decided to run a marathon around the Casey Ski Landing Area. I finished in 4h 29m and found the hard ice surface and cold, clear conditions to be very good for distance running. Ticking off an Antarctic marathon leaves me with only five very achievable continents to run one on. Antarctica is by far the hardest to get to.听

Where else have you travelled with the Royal Australian Navy so far?
I鈥檝e served at sea on four ships, HMAS Ships Warramunga, Launceston, Adelaide, and Benalla, and on each I have left Australian waters. I鈥檝e been privileged to visit Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, and Singapore, in particular, many times. In addition, I鈥檝e visited many major Australian cities including Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Perth, and Townsville. Each time, there was the opportunity for shore leave to explore the local area. As an Officer of the Watch, it was my job to safely get the ship from one place to another and to ensure the daily routine occurred as planned. Working on the Bridge meant that my colleagues and I had the best view as we sailed all around the Pacific and South East Asia. Life at sea on our ships is very good, with excellent food and more comfortable accommodation that you鈥檇 probably expect.

Why did you decide to join the Navy?
My family has a history of service in the Army and Air Force, so the ADF was always looked upon favourably as a career choice. But, I didn鈥檛 really have a plan for what to do after school. I recall a visit from the ADF Careers team and thinking that I鈥檇 give it a go, but didn鈥檛 know much about any of the jobs. After selecting Seaman Officer, later renamed Maritime Warfare Officer and now Surface Warfare Officer, I decided to try it out and see if I liked the lifestyle and the job. Luckily, I did and since then I鈥檝e made the most of my career.

Were there any special moments, teachers or subjects who inspired this career choice?
Throughout, the school鈥檚 development program that focused on developing us for our future careers and making us into good young men was fairly influential. Certainly, the support of teachers Sara Taylor, Howard Clark, Geoff Brodie, Hamish McCrum, and many others contributed to my successful graduation from the school with pretty good marks and a grounding in academic study. I鈥檝e definitely returned to some of the lessons they taught me or the examples they set at times through my undergraduate and postgraduate education and more broadly in my career.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time at SPC?
I enjoyed my time as a boarder during Year 11 and 12. I recall fondly being involved in the football program, as an umpire since my AFL skills were pretty poor, including the Ireland trip in 2010. I also remember the thrill of boat race, as a cox of the Thirds, and the shenanigans on rowing camp.

What are some of your favourite memories of your time in the Navy so far?
Aside from the travel opportunities I mentioned earlier, it would have to be the sporting events I鈥檝e got to participate in. This includes playing badminton in Singapore with the Five Powers Defence Agreement countries, umpiring an ANZAC Day pre-match on Adelaide Oval, representing Navy in netball, or just the regular unit and area sporting competitions at numerous bases around the country.听

What would the public find surprising about the Navy?
It would probably be the diversity of job roles available. When a ship sails, it needs to take with it the chefs, the medics, the physical training instructor, the logistics and administrative personnel, the mechanics, and the electronics technicians that might be needed to keep everything running and the people fit and well. It鈥檚 like a floating city with all of the services needed to keep everything running smoothly. Each of these jobs has their training provided by the Navy, be it a trade, an engineering degree, or the Officer of the Watch training. I鈥檝e been surprised repeatedly throughout my career at the breadth of job roles available across Defence, both domestically and in overseas positions.听

What would you say to our current students considering a career in the Navy?
My advice would be to keep up the study. Many jobs only need Year 10, but passing Year 12 Maths, English, and Science makes you eligible for all 300+ jobs in the ADF. Whether you see yourself working in the Navy as a submarine acoustic warfare operator, in the Army as a recovery mechanic, or in the Air Force as a communications technician, keeping the options open might surprise you with a career you hadn鈥檛 expected. I certainly didn鈥檛 join with the aim of becoming a meteorologist, it was something that opened up to me along the way and I was fortunately able to make the most of that opportunity given my academic background. There are options available to upskill yourself, and any training you need for your job is provided by Defence.听

Through the Navy, I鈥檝e been funded to complete a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Organisational Leadership, a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology, a Graduate Diploma in Physical Oceanography, and am now halfway through a Master of Oceanography. Each of these qualifications has been relevant to my career, helped me advance, and (best of all) left me with no HECS debt.

You were a singer and had a role on stage during the recent Lest We Forget Concert at the Sydney Opera House, which was broadcast live on Channel 7, how did this evolve?
I was singing in a Remembrance Day concert with a choir in Sydney in 2018 and offered to the director that I could wear my uniform and read the Ode for the occasion. The following year, we organised a flag party and some older veterans attended in uniform. The concept grew from there while I was away in Cairns. By the time I returned to Sydney in 2024, the event had moved to ANZAC Day and was held at the Sydney Town Hall and featured Little Pattie, Normie Rowe, Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle), Christine Anu, and many others. I was fortunate enough to be invited back to assist with ceremonial and singing. It is a fantastic event which sits nicely alongside the dawn services, marches, and football matches in commemorating ANZAC Day and those who have gone before us in service of the nation. The recordings are available on YouTube

What are your future ambitions?
I intend on remaining in the Navy and pursuing the many and varied opportunities available to me through the Service. I enjoy the work I do and the people I work with.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I鈥檓 very grateful to the College for all the support I was given during my time there, and also for that afforded to my younger brother. St Pat’s is an excellent school and I enjoy seeing the updates in The Shamrock and the Green, White and Blue, it鈥檚 a privilege to appear in these publications myself.听

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I have enlisted into the Singapore Police Force as part of my mandatory National Service to the country. I am one of the many men that are essential in keeping the public security in Singapore.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?

My fondest memory would probably be playing football/soccer with my teammates from St Pat鈥檚 as they were very welcoming and nice to me.听We also won many games as a team.

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

I would say Mr (Daniel) Willey. He was my business management teacher in Year 12. He really knew how to conduct a class and make it fun and educational at the same time. He was really approachable and I enjoyed talking to him about basically anything.

Mr (Howard) Clark also talked to me a lot when I was there and he talks to my brother (Pritesh) who is currently studying there now.

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Education shaped my personal life in terms of opportunities and a sense of respect.

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

SPC has been really accommodating towards me and family ever since we step foot into the school grounds.

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

The main thing SPC taught me would be perseverance. Those who persevere through the tough times while doing what they are meant to, will succeed.

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
Since graduating SPC in 2001, I completed my Bachelor of Education at ACU Ballarat and began my teaching career at South Geelong Primary School. After several years there, I had the privilege of supporting the establishment two new Department of Education schools, first as Campus Assistant Principal in the Latrobe Valley and then as Sub-School Principal in the Western Suburbs. Since then, I鈥檝e served as Principal at three additional schools and now lead a wonderful community in Geelong West. Along the way, I have served as an Executive Chair to two School Principal Professional Networks, one in Central Highlands and the other in the Barwon areas.

I was awarded an Australian Council for Education Leaders (ACEL) scholarship as 鈥楴ew Voice in Educational Leadership鈥� 2024. I co-authored three educational resource texts between 2007 and 2010 and, more recently, authored a leadership book, The Art of Skimming Stones: Leading Sustained Improvement in Schools release in mid-2024. Which is a culmination of my 15 years in senior leadership positions in education.

Shifting the spotlight on leading improvement from something that can cause stress and overwhelm, to a process where leaders can embrace challenge and enjoy the journey of leading improvement.

Do you have family ties with SPC?
Yes, my uncle Graham Duff (SPC 1956-59) was an Old Boy well before my time at SPC.

What are your fondest memories of your time at 每日大赛网址首页进入?
Many of my closest friendships today began during my years at St Pat鈥檚. These mates and I have stood by each other as groomsmen at our weddings and celebrated building our families together.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
Howard Clark. He moved from St Francis Xavier, my primary school, the same year I started Year 7 at St Pat鈥檚. I always admired Howard鈥檚 firm but fair approach to teaching – he built strong relationships with his students while maintaining high expectations. He was someone I looked up to and emulated in my early teaching career.

How has your education shaped your professional life?
I hold education in the highest regard. My time at SPC offered me a wealth of opportunities to explore diverse extracurricular activities that complemented my classroom learning. I participated in the Stage and Concert Bands, enjoyed several team sports, and served as House Captain in Year 12. Many of the skills, opportunities, and friendships I treasure from my time at SPC were forged outside the classroom through these varied experiences.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
每日大赛网址首页进入 instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, resilience, respect and mateship. These values have guided my approach to both my personal and professional life. My commitment to fostering a supportive, values-driven environment at home and in my leadership, roles is something I attribute to my formative years at SPC. Although many of these values were in their infancy, at SPC, they have definitely provided guidance as I have grown both professionally and personally.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Embrace every opportunity that comes your way – both in and out of the classroom. The skills, relationships, and memories you build during your time at school can have a big impact in shaping the person you become. Success is not just about individual achievements but also about the positive impact you have on those around you.