- Catholic College Bendigo

Alumni News
Issue 11 - May 2015. Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter
Welcome
Brian Turner commenced as Principal of Catholic College Bendigo at the beginning of Term 4
2014. Brian’s previous position was Principal of Blackfriars Priory School in Adelaide. Prior to that
he held senior positions at Notre Dame, Shepparton and MacKillop College Swan Hill. Brian was
educated in Echuca at St Mary’s Primary School and St Joseph’s College.
Since arriving at Catholic College Bendigo, I have been welcomed and supported by the community and
the students who have been keen to share their traditions and culture with me. I have been impressed
by the overwhelming themes of involvement and a sense of community. It is clear from the attendance
at reunions and the past students I have met that our alumni are very active in our community.
Throughout the past six months I have been working with Mercy Education Limited, staff and students
to consider developments at both Coolock and La Valla. Works either under consultation or in planning
stages include: the View St corner of the Ursula Frayne Building, the La Valla ovals and proposed
community centre and the refurbishment of the quadrangle at La Valla. The restoration of the area in
front of the original St Mary’s school building and hall is currently nearing completion.
It is a busy and exciting time for Catholic College Bendigo. There has been lots of reflection and
planning and the wider community will also be invited to put forward their ideas in time.
Mr Brian Turner, Principal
Rhodes Scholar
Alexander Eastwood CCB 2003-2008
In November 2014, former College Captain and Dux (2008) Alex Eastwood was
announced as the recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship for Victoria. Alex, who was
also Bendigo Young Citizen of the Year in 2010, has devoted a considerable part of
his life to community work. After completing a gap year at Catholic College Bendigo as a Faith
and Ministry Trainee in 2009, Alex majored in neuroscience during his science degree at the
University of Melbourne. He then spent a year at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental
Health researching autism and communication impairment. At Oxford University, Alex will
study a 4-year doctoral program in neuroscience. After the announcement of the scholarship,
Alex dropped into the staff room at Catholic College Bendigo to be congratulated by his former
teachers who are justifiably very proud of his achievements so far.
Below, from left: Jocelyn Leversha, Marg White, Richard Graham, Alex Eastwood and Brendan Ryan.
Top: Principal Mr Brian Turner looks over plans for the
upgrade of the La Valla quadrangle with students.
Middle and above: The Mercy Courtyard has undergone a
major restoration.
In this issue...
Reunion Wrap up
2
From the Archives
3
Farewell
4
Where are they now? 6
Reunion
Noticeboard
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R ap
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Left: SMC Commercial Class of 1964 – 50-Year Reunion.
Below: SMC Proficiency Class of 1952 Belles of St Mary’s – Annual
Reunion May 2014.
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Above: St Mary’s College Proficiency Class of 1954 – 60-Year Reunion,
October 2014.
Below: CCB Class of 1994 – 20-Year Reunion, December 2014 at the Exchange.
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Above: SMC Proficiency Class of 1945 – Annual Reunion November 2014.
Below: St Mary’s College Boarders – various get-togethers.
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ers
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Left: CCB Class
of 1989 – 25Year Reunion,
January 2014 at
the Icon Bar.
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Right: SMC/MBC/CCB Class of
1984 (CCB first graduating Class)
– 30-Year Reunion, 4 October 2014.
Below: St Mary’s College
Proficiency Class of 1954 – regular
lunch.
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Above: St Mary’s College Matric Class of 1964 – 50-Year
Reunion, November 2014 at Masons of Bendigo.
2 Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015
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Ned the Musical
Anna Peterson Lyon
CCB 1995-2000
Adam Lyon
CCB 1993-1998
Fresh from the success of King Kong, Adam Lyon’s new project
Ned the Musical is an exciting collaborative venture for Bendigo.
Adam conceived and created the show as well as composing the
music and lyrics. In cooperation with the new Ulumbarra Theatre,
Adam has assembled a stunning cast of actors and singers to develop
the production. The musical is also a chance for Adam’s wife Anna
Peterson to be involved in the creative process.
Above, left to right: Adam Lyon, Anna Peterson Lyon, Chris Emond and Abe
Watson.
Trained as a paediatrician, Anna recently moved back to Bendigo to
work in the hospital as well as in private practice. Anna has a long involvement with local theatre including Bendigo Theatre Company and CT
Productions. For Ned, Anna has co-written the script with Loclan MacKenzie-Spencer.
Other Alumni involved in the project are Chris Emond CCB 1986-1991 and Abe Watson CCB 2009-2014, both in the ensemble. Also Mrs
Catherine Moore (staff) is playing horn in the orchestra and Mrs Karen Lichnovsky (staff) is playing oboe. Ned the Musical will make its world
premier at the Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo in May 2015.
Our ANZAC Connections
From the Archives
Marist Brothers’ College
Throughout the commemorations to mark 100 years since the landing at
Gallipoli, our students were involved in making poppies for the RSL. The
local poppy project was led by past student Helen Roberts Coughlan (SMC
1980-1983). The banner Catholic College Bendigo students contributed to was hung on the
building on the eve of ANZAC Day. The poppies were crochet, knitted or felt and the school
attached names of Alumni who had served in WWI, including four nurses. The banners hung
in Bendigo had over 17,000 poppies attached, representing men, women and animals. We
have nearly 400 Alumni associated with WWI; mostly boys from Marist Brothers’ College.
One of the most famous, Sir Gilbert Dyett was one of the foundation students and after
barely surviving Gallipoli, he went on to dedicate his life to the welfare of returned soldiers.
Stephen DeAraugo, William Howard and Frank Poliness were among those from Bendigo who
exemplified themselves in Turkey and France.
Top left: Sir Gilbert Dyett. Top right: Stephen DeAraugo. Above: Helen Coughlan with Lisa Wheeldon
(CCB Archive Officer) and Ken Bowen from the Bendigo RSL and some of the students who worked on
the poppy project.
Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015 3
Farewell
Sr Kathleen Cussen RSM
SMC Staff 1974-1980
11/6/2014
Sr Kathleen Cussen, former Principal of St
Mary’s College, died peacefully at Mercy Place
East Melbourne on June 11, 2014 in the 68th
year of her Religious Profession.
Sr Kathleen was Principal of St Mary’s College from 1975 to 1980.
After being appointed Vice Principal in 1973, she became Principal
during the school year of 1975. Sr Kathleen’s leadership was
characterized by her warmth and humility and by her ability to be
available to parents and students alike. She had great faith in her
staff and during her tenure she used their strengths to develop the
curriculum to be more encompassing of student needs. The late 1970s
was a time of growth and development at the school and also saw
several building projects completed.
Sr Kathleen will be remembered for her Educational endeavours
in a number of Mercy schools throughout Victoria. Her gentle
good humour brought joy and inspiration to all of these College
Communities.
Fr Robert James Pocock
MBC 19477 May 1935 - 30 December 2014
Fr Robert Pocock was born in 1935 the son of a Maiden Gully market
gardener. He and his two brothers Gerald and Brendan were educated
at St Liborius’ Primary School and Marist Brother’s College in Bendigo.
Robert received his seminary formation at Christ the King Seminary
in Melbourne. He was ordained to the Priesthood on 22 October
1963 by Bishop Arthur Fox for the Congregation of the Most Blessed
Sacrament. Fr Pocock carried out his ministry in the Diocese of
Geraldton since September 1972.
Nicholas Tonti-Filippini
SVC 1969-1975
July 1956 - 7 November 2014
After a long illness Professor Nicholas
Tonti-Filippini, Associate Dean and Head of
Bioethics at the John Paul Institute for Marriage and Family, died
peacefully with his family by his side in November 2014. Nicholas was
dux of St Vincent’s College in 1975. He gained a BA (Hons) and MA
from Monash University and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.
He held a number of advisory positions and was widely published.
Reflecting on Nicholas’ great contribution to the community,
Archbishop Denis Hart said “Nicholas had a great passion for ethics
and for human life. His dedication to learning and public discourse
went far beyond any requirement.” In 2009 Nicholas was appointed
a Knight Commander of St Gregory the Great by Holy Father Pope
Benedict XVI.
of months until she got a job
at Howard’s Electrical.
After marrying Bill Murphy
in 1954 and producing four
children, June was the owner
of the Fifeshire Hotel until
her retirement in 1976. June
enjoyed many years of family,
charitable works, travel and
Above: June Rodda Murphy at her 90th
community involvements
birthday with her daughter Jenny Murphy
which included Meals on
(SMC 1969-1974).
Wheels and the Palliative
Care Auxiliary. After a lifetime
of good health, June died peacefully on Friday 26 September 2014
surrounded by her loving family.
Sr Justinian Gildea RSM (Mary Therese)
SMC 1931-1935
9/10/1916 – 9/9/2014
Mary Gildea was born to James and Mary Kate in 1916. Sr Justinian
died peacefully on Tuesday 9 September 2014 at Rice Village Geelong
in her 98th year and her 76th year of Religious Profession. She was a
teacher and a loved member of the Institute of Mercy Australia and
Papua New Guinea and sister to John and Eleanor.
Fr Graham John Orwin CP
MBC 1948-1954
3/12/1938 – 19/8/2013
Graham Orwin was born into a large family
to parents Leonard and Marion nee Schultz.
He attended Marist Brothers’ College from
Grade 4 and was received into the Catholic
Church at the age of twelve. Growing up he
possessed a beautiful speaking and singing voice and was a member
of the Bendigo Operatic and Drama Societies. After completing school
he entered the Passionist Novitiate in 1956 and professed his vows
in July 1957 in Goulburn NSW. In the late 1960s Graham returned to
study and was ordained a priest in Bendigo in November 1974. His
ministries included Papua New Guinea, South Australia and Tasmania.
Graham retired to Marrickville in 2011. After a short illness, Graham
died in Marrickville on 19 August 2013.
Maureen Meehan Birt SMC 1957-1959
22/9/1944 – December 2011
Maureen was born to Lalbert farmer James Meehan in 1944 and came
to board at St Mary’s College in 1957. After completing her Leaving
Certificate, Maureen went into nursing.
Mary McIntosh Jeffrey
SMC 1927-1937
June Ethelyn Rodda Murphy SMC 1938
14/01/1921 – 26/11/2014
15 June 1924 - 26 September 2014
Mary and her brother Fred were born in the
City Family Hotel in Bendigo. She attended St
Mary’s College from Prep through to seniors
before finishing her education at Mandeville
College in Melbourne as an honours student.
June was born on 15 June 1924 in Bendigo to Bill and Susan Rodda.
She was the youngest of eight children. She won a scholarship to St
Mary’s College when she was 14 but due to financial hardships she
could not accept it. She was able to stay on at St Mary’s for a number
4 Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015
Continued next page.
During her school years, Mary showed a great talent for music and
singing, the love of which remained with her throughout her long life.
Mary was a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir until her
75th year. While Mary’s children attended school (Bill SMC 19611964, MBC 1965-1973, Ann SMC 1954-1966) she was very involved
in school life including the tuckshop, Parents and Friends and the St
Mary’s Past Pupils Association. Mary’s grandchildren attended Catholic
College Bendigo. Mary died peacefully at Lilly Lodge in November
2014 with her extended family close by.
Sr Mary (Florence) Harrington RSM
SMC 1925-1930
12/3/1913 – 13/6/2014
Mary was born on a farm at Fosterville and attended St Mary’s College
from Grade 5 to Leaving Certificate. She was a teacher and a loved
member of the Institute of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea
She died peacefully at Mercy Place Parkville in her 73rd year of
Religious Profession.
Alys Marie Laity Holt
Fr Gerald Gallagher MBC
19/12/1942 -7/7/2014
Gerald was born in Bendigo to Gerald and
Eileen Gallagher. He attended St Monica’s
Primary School and later caught the bus to
Marist Brothers’ College. At one stage all
five Gallagher brothers were at MBC at the
same time. Gerald studied for the priesthood
at Corpus Christi College, Werribee and completed his studies at
Propaganda College, Rome. He was ordained a priest in Bendigo on
10 August 1968. Gerald served in the parishes of St Kilian’s, Tatura,
Beechworth, Wangaratta and Myrtleford where his command of Italian
endeared him to the local Italian community. In 1984 Fr Gerry was
the first Director of the Catholic Community and Family Service (later
Centacare, now Catholic Care, Sandhurst). Fr Gerry served on the Board
of Bethlehem before it became Mercy Health and was Parish Priest of
Golden Square/Kangaroo Flat before he retired due to ill health.
Sr Marie E Ryan SMC 1940-1941
3/5/1925 – August 2014
SMC 1943-1946
May she rest in peace.
26/9/1929 – 20/10/2013
Vincent Michael Drechsler MBC 1961-1963
Alys and her sisters Betty and Moira boarded
at St Mary’s College from Korong Vale. Their
parents made sacrifices to allow the girls to
go, for which they were very grateful. After
completing her Leaving Certificate, Alys
trained as a teacher. She lived in Wedderburn
and had five children.
Last Mass at Cathedral
Rev Mons Frank Marriott PA
SMC 1942-1945, MBC 1946-1947
After being ordained by Bishop Stewart at the Sacred Heart
Cathedral in 1962, Mons Frank’s ministry came full circle
when he said his last Mass there in January 2015 and
commenced his retirement.
Educated at a number of different Catholic schools throughout Victoria,
including St Mary’s College and Marist Brothers’ College Bendigo, Mons Frank
entered the seminary in 1955 in Adelaide. His first appointment as a priest was
to Cobram and from there he had many posts throughout the diocese before
returning to Bendigo to the Cathedral parish after the death of Mons John
Duffus in 2008.
Throughout his working life, Mons Frank also travelled extensively including
many trips to Rome. Following the sudden death of Bishop Joe Grech at the
end of 2010, Mons Frank was appointed acting Bishop of Sandhurst, which also
made him the first Alumnus to be a Governor of our College.
In 2012 Mons Frank was appointed Vicar General and Canonical Administrator
of the Cathedral and he also celebrated his Golden Jubilee. He was instrumental
in developing the South East Cluster of St Joseph’s Quarry Hill, St Mary’s Golden
Square, St Monica’s Kangaroo Flat and the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Despite his retirement, Mons Frank continues on the Board of the Aspire Cultural
and Charitable Foundation which is overseeing the development of the Cathedral
precinct.
21/11/1948 – 23/4/2015
After leaving school Vin helped with his father’s Sedgwick farm before
starting his own sand and soil business with wife Helen. He had a
great love of sport including football, cricket and horse racing. He was
very involved in the Sedgwick and Mandurang CFA. Vin died in April
after battling illness.
New Marist Icon
Marist Brothers’ College
At the end of 2014 the Marist Brothers Old Boys
Association presented the Sacred Heart Cathedral
with a new icon which
celebrates the life of St
Marcellin Champagnat.
The icon was
commissioned from
the Redesdale-based
iconographer Ivan
Russ. Displayed with
the icon is a plaque
which acknowledges
the connection
between Monsignor
Frank Marriott as
the former Vicar
General and Canonical
Administrator of the
Cathedral and past
student of Marist
Brothers’ College
Bendigo.
Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015 5
Annual Reunion
Marist Brothers’ College
Almost eighty ‘Old Boys’ enjoyed the Marist Brothers’ College
Annual Reunion on Easter Sunday. Sponsorship was generously
provided by the Sheehan family and the Mulqueen Family
Funeral Directors.
Bernie O’Farrell (right) was
recognized on the occasion
of his 60th consecutive
attendance at the Annual
Reunion. Bernie attended
Marist Brothers’ College
from 1946 until 1953. He
told those present that he
went to his first reunion
in 1955 and liked it so
much, he just kept going.
The most senior ‘Old Boy’ present at the Reunion was Fred Shroder who
attended Marist Brothers’ College from 1940 to 1947, while some of the
Class of 2013 represented the youngest present.
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Sandra Nicholson O’Connor
CCB 1989-1995
In 2014 Sandra O’Connor was nominated for the
Aus Mumpreneur Awards. In 2015 she has been
nominated for the Telstra Business Awards. While
building up and running her business, Sandra was
also awarded a National Emergency Medal for her
fire-fighting efforts during the 2009 bush fires.
Amy Scholes Mochi
CCB 1987-1992
Also nominated for the Aus
Mumpreneur Award in 2014, Amy
Mochi developed glasses which
were easier for young children to
wear. Her company Speccles has
since developed glasses for all ages and abilities including glasses that stay
on adults during sport.
Jackson Saunders
CCB 2004-2009
Jackson Saunders has been accepted to study
for the priesthood at Corpus Christi Seminary,
Carlton after spending three years in Youth
Ministry.
Jessica Stewart Cartwright
CCB 1997-2001
In 2014 Jessica was awarded the National
Emergency Medal for her role as dispatcher at
the Emergency Services Telecommunications
Authority (ESTA - 000) in taking calls during
Black Saturday. On Black Saturday there were
in excess of 10,000 emergency calls. 362 call
takers and dispatchers were awarded the
medal.
Zak Dempster
CCB 2000-2005
Former track cyclist, now
professional cyclist for
team Bora-Argon 18, Zak
competed in the Tour de
France in 2014, Milan-San
Remo, Tour of Flanders and
Paris-Roubaix. He is now
looking for success at the
Tour of Qatar.
Continued next page.
6 Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015
Chloe Watson
CCB 2007-2012
Alana Conway
CCB 2003-2008
Former Bendigo netball defender is playing for
Melbourne Vixens. Her personal achievements
so far include 21/U Victorian State Team 2014
and 21/U Australian Team 2014.
Talented harpist Alana Conway performed at the
2015 TV Week Logie Awards. Alana performed a
moving tribute to all those who worked in the
television industry who had died in the past twelve
months.
Luke Shavak
CCB 1993-1997
As an advocate for safe organic living, Luke
Shavak published Mummy Why is There Petrol
in My Shampoo? in 2014. The book give
facts from leading experts about potentially
harmful toxic chemicals found in personal care
products.
Brady Threlfall
CCB 2000-2005
Early in 2015, elite distance runner Brady Threlfall was
named the 2014 Echuca Sports Star of the Year. Brady
comes from a long line of CCB Alumni: mother Jo Kelly
Threlfall SMC 1974-1980, Grandfather Stan Kelly SMC 1948-1951, MBC
1952-1957 and Grandmother Joan Kelly Staff 1972-2009, as well as several
aunties who attended St Mary’s College.
Amy O’Keefe York OAM
CCB 1992-1997
Navy nurse, Lieutenant Commander Amy York,
RAN was awarded the Order of Australia Medal
in June 2014 for outstanding service to Australia
in the field of general and peri-operative military
nursing, during a decade-long service in the
Navy.
Brodie Jeavons
CCB 2004-2009
After studying Outdoor Recreation and
working as an Outward Bound instructor,
Brodie has cycled solo around Tasmania
to raise awareness about the Tarkine
Wilderness Area. The Tarkine Wilderness
Area is the second largest temperate
rainforest in the world and is at risk of
being mined and logged. During the ride,
Brodie also raised funds for the notfor-profit organisation ‘Beards On For
Conservation’ which is campaigning to protect
areas of Australia’s natural beauty such as the
Tarkine.
Molly Johnston
CCB 2008-2013
In May 2014, Molly was awarded the Premier’s
Award for Industry and Enterprise.
Kevin Dullard
MBC 1964-1968,
Staff 1974-2007
Busy in his retirement, Kevin was recognised
in July 2014 for his 200th donation of blood
at the Red Cross Bendigo. A ceremony was
held at the Capital Theatre Bendigo to
recognise outstanding contributions.
Kate Fogarty
Staff 2006-2008
Former teacher and Director of Catholic Identity, Kate
Fogarty has taken up the position of Principal at Assumption
College, Kilmore. Kate is the first female Principal in the
school’s 121-year history. Since leaving Catholic College Bendigo, Kate had
been Principal at St Joseph’s College Echuca.
W h e re a re th
e staf f n o w?
Paulo Tarquinio
Staff 1979-2014
Paulo retired from teaching midway through
2014. Since 1979, Paulo taught Maths,
Science and Religious Education at Marist
Brothers’ College, then La Valla and Coolock.
Patsy Finning Williams
SMC 1969-1970, Staff 19761981, 1993-2014
After boarding at St Mary’s College
as a senior, Patsy gained her teaching
qualifications in Melbourne. She returned
to St Mary’s College as a teacher in 1976
and held many positions of leadership
throughout her career. In 2014 she retired from full time teaching
and has since travelled overseas and returned to Coolock
periodically to cover staff on leave.
Brendan Ryan
Staff 1986-2015
Brendan Ryan started work at the McCrae
Street Campus shortly after amalgamation.
He taught maths at Coolock for many years
and had a particular interest in the CCB
football teams.
Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015 7
St Vincent’s Anniversary
After more than a decade of planning, the first boys sat down to classes at St
Vincent’s College on 8 February 1955. The College was established to allow
country boys to receive a Catholic education in a rural setting. By the early 1970s,
bus travel led to a decline in the need for boarding schools and in 1977 the College
closed. In February 2015, many past students of St Vincent’s College, including a number from
the original intake, returned to their old school to remember and celebrate the College.
In further celebrations, a formal dinner will be held on 10 October 2015 at the Bendigo Club, to
renew acquaintances and celebrate the history of St Vincent’s College Bendigo.
Alumni Sponsored Prizes
and Awards
Our College has a long history
of financial support from
the community and Alumni.
Our current project is to find
ongoing support from our
Alumni for the Instrumental
Music Program. The aim is
to provide financial aid to
enable students to undertake
individual music tuition. It is
envisaged that one student
from each year level would
Above: Marcia King visited Coolock to present the 2014 Marcia King
benefit from this support each
Scholarship in 2014.
year. The successful student
would then give back to the College by performing with the College bands or ensembles at
suitable events throughout the year. If you would like to contribute to this Bursary Fund or support
another aspect of College life, please contact the Alumni Office on 03 5445 9100.
Thank you to the following Alumni who are already contributing financially: The Marcia King
Scholarship to a Graduating Yr 12 Arts Student – awarded in 2014 to Mikayla Berryman;
Mulqueen Family Gift; Van Emmerik Family Music Bursary; St Vincent’s Past Students Technology
Award.
Save paper
If you would prefer to receive your copy of this newsletter by email instead
of printed, please send your email address to the Alumni office: alumni@ccb.vic.edu.au
www.ccb.vic.edu.au
Reunion Noticeboard
SMC Proficiency Class of 1945
70-Year Reunion, Saturday 7 November 2015
St Vincent’s College
60th Anniversary of Foundation, Saturday
10 October 2015
SMC Proficiency Class of 1955
60-Year Reunion, October TBC
CCB Class of 1991
25-Year Reunion date TBC
CCB Class of 1995
20-Year Reunion date TBC
Marist Brothers’ Annual Reunion
Marist Brothers’ College Old Boys are invited
to attend their Annual Reunion on Easter
Sunday, 27 March 2016 in the grounds of the
old College following 10am Mass at
St Kilian’s.
www.facebook.com/#!/CatholicCollegeBendigoAlumni
Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter Compiled by Barbara Lomas, Alumni Officer
Coolock Barkly Street Bendigo VIC 3550 Phone: 03 5445 9100 Fax: 03 5443 7137 Email: alumni@ccb.vic.edu.au
Catholic College Bendigo – A Ministry of Mercy Education Limited
ABN 69 154 531 870
8 Catholic College Bendigo Alumni Newsletter 2015