ROLL CALL LASALLIAN LEARNLIVELEAD - De La Salle College
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LEARNLIVELEAD
LASALLIAN
ROLL CALL
A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY | ISSUE 48 | MAY 2020
CONTENTS LETTER TO EDITOR
Dear Editor,
Letter to Editor 2
My years at De La Salle and
From the Editor 2
education by the Brothers,
From the Principal 3 commenced in 1944 at St
Joseph’s Boys School. I was
Warm welcome to new students 4
Dux of that school in 1949.
College Leaders for 2020 4 I then moved to the College
next door to further my
Outstanding VCE results 5 education. The rules there were strict compared to
Outside their Comfort Zone 6 the Primary. A school rule was no extracurricular work
for the students. I delivered newspapers morning
Tower Building gets a new lease of life 6 and afternoon. The school overlooked my jobs,
Splash and Dash is back 7 as I delivered the papers to St Benedict’s Hospital
(now Cabrini), which was managed by the nuns.
Bomana Bound 8
We students were a bit fearful of the Brothers, but
Experiencing the Arts and Culture of Italy 9 generally respected them, as they had a hard job to
do, and some of the boys were a handful and had
College premieres new play 10
to be kept in line. Br Peter was the Principal, and
Wes Agar - 2020 Bradman Young Cricketer 11 Br Stanislaus was my main class teacher. Great men.
I studied Proficiency and Intermediate, and left in
Australia Day Honours 12
1951. I was in the cadets at school, and served my
The Brexit effect 13 National Service in the RAAF at Point Cook in 1954.
Geoffrey Tozer ‘musical genius’ 14 My work life consisted of 50 years on the Melbourne
waterfront. As a Tally Clerk, I worked on many ships,
The best English-language writer alive today? 17
both big Passenger Liners, and cargo only vessels,
Music can be a good doctor 20 acting as a rep for the various shipping companies.
I progressed to become a Head Clerk, and was in
Hope flies high 21 charge of all aspects of discharging and loading of
Having a Ball 22 various cargoes. I moved to the new form of shipping,
containerisation, in 1976. This was with the Blue
De La Salle Mothers for Social Justice 23 Star Line. I spent the last 10 years with P&0, retiring
Old Collegians’ Association 23 in 2001.
From the Archives 24 In retirement, I spend a lot of time reading, especially
World War 1 books. I have been to the Western
A 70 year friendship 24 Front twice. The computer keeps me busy, usually
researching family history.
Old Collegians’ Amateur Football Club 25
I have many great memories of school days. I am
Where Are They Now? 26
still in close touch with a few of the old classmates,
2020 College Reunions 27 but sadly, many have passed on. Now living in
Mornington, I have been married to Robyn for
Rest In Peace 27
57 years, and have grand and great grandchildren.
COVER The College has certainly changed a lot from my
2020 College Captain Andrew McGaw days, but it’s great to see it thriving and still a very
and College Vice-Captain Aaron May. prestigious institution.
EDITOR Keep up the good work with Roll Call. I look forward
Kerry Martin to every issue.
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Ken Bowman (1951)
James McPherson Mornington
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Peter Pearse, James McPherson FROM THE EDITOR
PRODUCTION DESIGN Welcome to the May issue of Lasallian Roll Call. This
Mauro Cecchin issue is significant in that it includes two feature length
profiles about two of our most prominent alumnus.
PRODUCTION
De La Salle Marketing continues page 27.
2 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
From the Principal
Dear Old Collegians,
Welcome to this latest edition of Roll
Call; I’m sure you will enjoy the terrific
range of articles provided covering
Old Collegians from many eras. As
I write, the world is engulfed by the
COVID-19 and the College is closed
to protect our students and staff –
literally unprecedented times. Staff are
preparing to deliver remote learning
should we remain closed next term.
This will be a challenge for all schools
but we are realistic, well-prepared
and working hard to make sure this
interruption to our students is handled
as well as possible.
This year we have adopted the
Lasallian Core Principle of Respect
as the College Theme for 2020. We
have utilised this to shape staff and from the public in relation to terrific an issue and deal with it appropriately.
student leadership and related issues. behaviour and good deeds on public I have reminded every De La Salle
At the very centre of strong, effective transport and in the street. They have student our policies and processes
and successful leadership is a high set a high standard and of course we are strong, up to date and reliable.
level of respect – and as our Lasallian expect each of our young men to be They know, in 2020 it’s safe and right
Guiding Principle says – Respect for aware of their responsibilities in this to report any concerns to a trusted
all persons. area – be respectful and do what they staff member to be then addressed
know is the right thing. with respect and confidence.
I think all of us are well aware of
the recent controversy surrounding College staff are emphasising with Most schools deliver a well-rounded
Catholic boys’ schools. While I have the students what it means to be a education but at at De La Salle
no intention of commenting on other quality young man in contemporary College, the tradition we are most
schools’ affairs, the situation does times. The key is that each of them proud of is the generations of quality
throw into a very stark light a range of must show leadership in this area and young men we develop and send
themes and issues for contemporary it is one of the challenges facing not out into the world, ready to act
boys’ education and Catholic schools just the students today but for all our respectfully and responsibly and make
in general. young men. a positive difference.
This is where the critical importance This 2020 College Theme of Respect Peter Houlihan
of leadership comes to the fore. must be translated into practice, to Principal
Leadership from staff and students, mean respect for all in the community.
which is built on respect, generates Students and staff are emphasising
respect and enhances our Lasallian respect for our peers - all of them -
culture of respect because they all deserve it - Respect
for teachers and families and
Boys’ schools are very much in public
Respect for the traditions and values
eye, Catholic schools probably more
of our College.
so. The good news for our College
is that our students largely represent It is through respect we can help
themselves, their family and their address the critically important
school very well in the public domain society issue of respect for
and understand the importance of women and gender equity, and
that. I feel very strongly about this – it is through respect we increase
I’m proud to be their Principal and it’s our understanding of - and reject -
important I acknowledge and thank misogyny and associated behaviours.
them for the positive manner in which
Another issue to come out of the
they conduct yourselves.
news this year is a school’s obligation
In the early weeks of this term, I to support any student who reports
received five positive messages
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 3
WARM WELCOME FOR NEW STUDENTS / COLLEGE LEADERS FOR 2020
Warm welcome to new students
New students in Years 5 and 7 and Br Michael Carroll FSC. At the
received a warm welcome at this conclusion of the Mass, each new
year’s Welcome and Opening Mass student was presented with a special
at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Fr John gift and students in Year 7 were
Sherman OMI officiated the Mass issued with a commemorative College
before a capacity packed Cathedral badge. Another important part of the
of students, families and staff. It was Mass was the acknowledgement of
heartening to observe the invitation the 2020 Student Leadership Group.
of our three College Captains as they The Opening and Welcome Mass
joined Fr Sherman, deliver the homily is an important annual event on the
and give witness to the words of the College Calendar bringing families and
College Leaders of 2020. We also students together to celebrate and is
welcomed the presence of De La a true central to whom we are as a
Salle Brothers, Br Peter Smyth FSC Catholic and Lasallian Community.
College Leaders for 2020
The College community and in his first address to the College thought
invited guests attended the community, spoke to the 1,300 strong unimaginable.
2020 College Investiture in audience about the College’s positive This brotherhood
February to welcome the new culture. “We must maintain a positive is alive and
Student Leadership Group, culture, a culture that supports all well within the
which this year comprises those amongst it, a culture that College, but it is
43 students, across three welcomes and adopts, a culture that the responsibility
campuses and four Houses. is not a group of people, but more like of all of us who
a family, a family united by the blue don the blue and
and gold, McGaw said. “Only with gold to embrace
2020 College Captain, Andrew
this sense of family will we be able to these family values and promote them
McGaw, College Captain 2020,
achieve things that we have previously to ensure its presence lives on after
we have left the College behind.”
Deputy Principal Students, Jessica
Alger said the focus for this year’s
student leadership group would
be respect, camaraderie, integrity,
initiative and unity.
“Our College leaders play an integral
role in setting the tone for the entire
student community. They show
respect through their actions and
model the values of our Founder,
St John Baptist de La Salle.”
Andrew is supported by College
Vice-Captains, Aaron May and
Oliver O’Brien.
4 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
Outstanding VCE results
Our 2019 VCE results are • The Median ATAR is 72.35. This who achieved an outstanding ATAR
the best in a decade, with fractionally, is below, the high of 98.55. His extraordinary results
a continued increase in the water mark of 73.15 set last in six diverse and very challenging
number of students attaining a year, but continues the excellent Unit 3 & 4 Studies are the result of a
Study Score above 40. progression from 67.60 in 2017 disciplined, organised approach, a
and 64.18 in 2016. dedication to maximising his potential
and a willingness to work closely with
• The Median Study Score for 2019 The Principal, Peter Houlihan
teachers and peers. Amedeo has
was 31, comfortably above the congratulated students and teachers
also made a tremendous contribution
State median of 30. for the positive result. “The overall
to the wider life of the College as
improvement in 2019 is testament to
• The best ever achievement in Vice-Captain and his significant
the targeted approach and diligent
relation to students attaining involvement in the music program.
attention to detail evident among the
ATARs in the 90s. (13.9% of He is an excellent role model for
students and the positive relationships
the cohort attained an ATAR his peers.”
our teachers enjoy with our young
of 90 or above, representing
men,” Mr Houlihan said. “As ever, the Congratulations again to all our Year
an improvement in 2019 of
organised and intrinsically motivated 12 students and teachers on this
almost 3%).
performed at the highest standard.” tremendous achievement for our 2019
• The percentage of students with VCE results.
“The most able and diligent are to
ATARs in the 70 – 99.96 range
be congratulated but perhaps even
was 54%.
more so of those with lesser gifts
• The percentage of Study Scores who strove for personal success and
40 and above is 7.85% – our best maximised their results through sheer
ever – and up from 7.22% last devotion to the task.”
year, 6.43% in 2017 and 5.3%
“Congratulations to our 2019 College
in 2016.
Dux, Amedeo Perri (pictured right),
Top Achievers (ATARs over 90): Standing (left to right): Nathan Barrow, Anthony Ryan, Joel Thompson, James Giullani, Dominic Gehrig,
Timothy Loughnan, Jing Nao Ng, Sean Butler, Joel May. Seated (left to right): Jack Barnard, Manuel Gashi, Luke Bonso, Patrick Walsh,
Principal Houlihan, Amedeo Perri (Dux), Byron Gelagin, Remus Care Parsi, Travis Gaughan. Not present: Curtis Sayers. Samuel Russ.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 5
OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONE & TOWER BUILDING GETS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Outside their Comfort Zone
Since the Duke of Edinburgh comfort zone. “The program helps
Awards were launched in 1956, build resilience as well as practical
more than eight million young skills aimed to improve career and
people from 130 countries have social outcomes in the future.”
participated. Last year saw 160 “For the Adventurous Journey
Year 9 students participate – the challenge, students embarked on
first time a whole year level from a 40 kilometre trek over two days,
the College had done so. including an overnight camp, cooking
with Trangias and setting up their
The week-long program saw own tents.”
Students volunteered for a week in
students involved in a range of
“The Program is an important part aged care, childcare and various
outdoor activities in Anglesea and the
of the new Year 9 program at Holy charity works in the community. It was
Mornington Peninsula. Students were
Eucharist Campus which aims to great to see students developing their
required to meet challenges across
provide students with experiences social skills in settings outside their
three areas; Physical Recreation,
outside the comfort of the classroom.” comfort zone. This certainly helped
Skill, Service and Adventurous
develop their maturity throughout
Journey. Program organiser, Mr Ryan “For the Service challenge students
the year.”
McDonough said the objective was completed their Lasallian Service
for students to try things outside the across the community sector. by Kerry Martin
Tower Building gets a new lease of life
The newly refurbished interior of St side of the
the building, which is now home to building, with
the Year 8 cohort, is a far cry from its impressive
the blackboards and platforms of terrazzo
the past. Lasallian Star.
This entrance
The Principal of the College, Mr
would have
Peter Houlihan, said the Tower was
originally been
ready for a new lease of life. “It has
the front of the
remained pretty much unchanged
school where the
for nearly a century so it was ready
Principal’s office
for an upgrade. “The old fashioned
was located.
platforms have gone and the interior
spaces reflect contemporary learning,” “The terrazzo Star was refurbished
Mr Houlihan said. by stone specialists from Stone
Restoration Australia who filled cracks
“Throughout its proud history,
and cut and polished the stone,
the Tower has seen thousands of
bringing it back to life.
students pass through its doors but
the time had come to give it a new “The Tower is one of Malvern’s
lease of life and bring it into the 21st historically significant buildings and we
century,” Mr Houlihan said. are proud that we have been able to
The College’s iconic Tower
retain its heritage, while turning it into
Building has had a $450,000 The opening of the new Tower
a contemporary learning space.”
facelift to update and upgrade Building in 1929 marked a momentous
its teaching and learning year for the College. The College by Kerry Martin
facilities. The refurbishment moved from its first school building
of the Tower Building, which in Stanhope Street West, to its new
opened in 1929, includes the location, now known as the Tiverton
creation of new open learning Campus. The new Tower building
and teaching spaces, new audio saw the College grow in size and
visual and ICT equipment, new public profile.
carpets, whiteboards, lighting
A feature of the new-look Tower is
and furniture.
the refurbishment of the “church”
door entrance, which faces the Dalny
6 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
SPLASH AND DASH IS BACK
Splash and Dash is back
The newly resurrected Splash
and Dash swim event was held
at the Carnegie Swim Centre in
February. Nine Old Collegians
took the plunge in the 50-metre
freestyle event, with former
College swim champion,
Matthew Northage (2012), taking
out the much sought-after
trophy in 28.41 seconds.
Former College swim co-captain and
current College Swim Squad assistant
coach, Angus McLean (2018), believes
resurrecting the swim race was a
great way to connect the College’s
swim squad with some of the its
former champion swimmers.
“The new reincarnation of the Race,
which in the past was a regular event
on the College Calendar, took place
at the end of the College swim trials
so lots of current students had the
opportunity to see the race and
feel part of a larger community,”
McLean said.
Back (left to right): Sean O’Callaghan (2016), Killian Cheah (1982), Darren O’Loughlin (1977),
“There was a great atmosphere on the Matt O’Callaghan (1986), Nick Brasher (1977), Peter Stewart (1973).
night with lots of excitement around Front (left to right): Phil Green (1983), Matt Northage (2012), Angus McLean (2018)
the pool as the Old Colls fought it out
during the heats leading up the final
Dash,” he said. McLean and Co-captain Ben Richter “I swam for the College from 1978 to
“It was great for the students to see (2018) led the College ACC Swim 1986 and have lots of great memories
the Old Collegians still hungry for first Squad to victory in 2018 and in the of great characters.”
place.” following year McLean was assistant
O’Callaghan, who also the President
coach of the Squad when they took
“The competition was very close with of the De La Salle Old Collegians
out the ACC pennant for the second
swimmers separated by as little as a Amateur Football Club, said that after
year in a row.
10th of a second.” all these years it was firs-time he was
McLean said while some of the a competitor in the Dash.
“It was also fantastic meeting Old
Dash participants still swim regularly,
Collegians who all shared a passion “It was great to catch up with some of
however a couple of the guys were
for the pool.” the old boys like Phil Greene (1983),
putting the bathers on for the first time
who was the Swimming Captain
“The race was a great opportunity in a while.
when I was a very young bloke. I was
to reconnect with some of my older
One of those to getting back in the disappointed my son Sean broke the
peers who were in the College swim
pool was Matthew O’Callaghan (1986) starter’s gun to miss out on claiming
team at the same time as me,”
who with his son Sean (2016), also family honours.”
he said.
competed in the Dash.
McLean said it is hoped that the Dash,
“I remember as a timid Year 7 student
O’Callaghan said the Race was always which was last held in the 1980s, will
joining the Swim Team for the first
a big event on the College Calendar be a recurring event for next year and
time, these guys were my heroes.”
when he was a student. many years to come.
McLean, who is currently at Monash
“I recall the race back in the 1980s, by Kerry Martin
University studying a double degree in
it was very competitive with blokes
Design and Business, also coaches at
such as former College Captain, Garry
Loreto and Ashburton Pool.
Connolly (1977) competing for the
trophy,” he said.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 7
BOMANA BOUND
Bomana Bound
As many members of our
College community know, last
year the “Yaluwo” Immersion to
Sri Lanka was postponed due to
the sad and unfortunate Easter
Bombings. Given the security
warnings from the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the
Immersion to Sri Lanka was put
on hold for 2019.
However, as an alternative, the
College was fortunate enough through
contact with the De La Salle Brothers
in Papua New Guinea, to establish an
alternative arrangement for the 2019
Year 12 group to travel to De La Salle
Secondary School, in Bomana, Papua
the right place is always profound. If supported us on site each day.”
New Guinea.
there is one thing to take away from
“The people of Papua New Guinea,
The Deputy Principal Faith and such an experience it is that whilst we
and especially the community at
Mission, Ms Rana Brogan, who was can’t always do everything, we can
Bomana, must be thanked for their
one of four staff who accompanied do something, and we can do it well,”
warmth, hospitality and generosity
the students said it was wonderful to Ms Brogan said.
of spirit. St John Baptist de La Salle
travel to with a group of 16 students
“The group worked tirelessly day in reminds us to “often ask God for the
who were committed to making a
and day out rebuilding the old Chapel Grace to touch hearts,” but it was
difference to the community.
on the school grounds. A complete us who left with our hearts touched
“Travelling with a large group of team effort support by four local and spirits moved by the staff and
students and staff with their hearts in Papua New Guinean tradesmen that students at De La Salle, Bomana.“
8 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
EXPERIENCING THE ARTS AND CULTURE OF ITALY
Experiencing the
Arts and Culture of Italy
What better way to enhance your learnt to make homemade pasta – “It was interesting to see how they
appreciation of all things Italian, and eat it.” picked up on local customs such as
than spending two weeks visiting “The students returned a little bit
dress codes. They started dressing
Italy’s magnificent art galleries, wiser and more mature, learning how
up for dinner in the evenings which
learning to cook authentic local to get along with people from other
was a nice touch.”
cuisine and taking classes in cultures taught them patience and The Group visited the Uffizzi Gallery,
an Italian school. The recent respect. It also made them more St Mark’s Basilica, the National
Language and Art Culture Tour socially aware.” Pavilions at the Venice Biennale, the
of Italy saw Year 9, 10 and 11 Galleria dell’Accademia, the Duomo
students immersed in a 17 day and the Orvieto Underground.
tour to Rome, Florence, Orvieto,
Pisa and Venice. The students also attended classes
at the Istituto Dante Alighieri where
they were encouraged to speak only
One of the Tour Leaders, Mrs Lillian
in Italian.
Russo said it was an enriching
experience for the group. Mrs Russo said the students were
a credit to the College. “During the
“The trip was an enriching experience
Tour the students were praised for
for the students who experienced so
their, enthusiasm, engagement and
many amazing places.”
respect for local customs.”
“A highlight for the group was an
by Kerry Martin
Italian cooking class, where they
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 9
COLLEGE PREMIERES NEW PLAY
College premieres
new play
intriguing. I did some research – by
book, encyclopaedia – because
this was pre-Internet and found out
she was real,” Murrell said. “I asked
Melchoir to write the book/script and
we did a first draft, had a reading of
it with actors, did a second draft and
then had another reading.”
“By this time, it was early 90s, and our
families took priority, so the play went
on to the back burner.”
“When I first arrived at De La Salle in
2007, I came across Sibelius, a music
writing software so James and I got
going again and 10 years later, voila!”
“Mary is a bit of a villain but unlike
the famous villains like Sweeney Todd
there is not much known about her.”
“Mary was a determined woman and
her attitudes towards the authorities
and the public at large reveal much
about this nature. The play explores
so many themes; power, free will,
Over the years Roll Call has wealthy families in the better suburbs isolation, contagion, media vilification
published numerous stories on of New York. Unfortunately, many and the belief in science.”
the College’s vibrant performing members of those families fell ill with
arts scene and for the last Typhoid and some of them died. “All are very relevant today as they
decade, the College Drama Eventually it was revealed that Mary were in her time and when we started
Coordinator, Andrew Murrell was a carrier and she was arrested writing 30 years ago in the time
has been the man behind the but survived incarceration, by of AIDS.”
scenes making it happen. This promising never to cook again. “And is she really a villain? Did she
year, for the first time, the College Murrell, who has headed the mean it? Or was she just a person
will be staging an original work College’s Drama Learning Area for trying her best to survive?”
co-written by Murrell. This the past eleven years, is himself an
is a marvellous opportunity Murrell said the students had really
accomplished actor and musician. engaged with the production. “This
for students to engage with He made his first appearance on the
a director who has produced group of students are amazing, so
stage at La Mama in Carlton in 1987, talented, switched on and perceptive.
the work. followed by a busy theatre schedule Our leads are growing in their
until the late 90s. At the same time characterisation and understanding
Murrell’s play Typhoid Mary, which he has made numerous television with every rehearsal and the singing
will premiere later in the year, was appearances in Neighbours, Blue and dancing is wonderful.”
inspired by a book called The Ballad Heelers and a substantial body of
of Typhoid Mary. The play, with music work for well-known advertising “I am really looking forward to
and lyrics by Murrell and script by campaigns. getting it on stage, finally and I really
James Melchior, tells the story of a hope everyone can come and see
Murrell’s inspiration for the play was this piece. It will be as close to a
young woman who emigrated from
sparked almost 40 years ago. “I came professional standard as we can
Ireland to New York around the year
across a book called ‘The Ballad of manage.”
1900. She was a cook by profession
Typhoid Mary’ in 1988 which I found
and prepared wonderful meals for by Kerry Martin
10 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEWES AGAR NAMED BRADMAN YOUNG CRICKETER OF THE YEAR
Wes Agar - 2020 Bradman
Young Cricketer
Fast bowler Wes Agar (2014) years later with only four one day
was named the 2020 Bradman games under his belt he was back
Young Cricketer of the Year at in Melbourne, having failed to earn
the Australian Cricket Awards consistent selection in South Australia
in February. Agar’s outstanding and Victoria.
fast bowling talent places him He admits he was a bit over weight
in a prestigious roll of honour, and unfit, but sheer determination
including Brett Lee and David solved that, and his return to South
Warner, as the nation’s best Australia has been nothing short of
young male cricketer. Agar stellar. Now in peak physical condition,
spoke to Roll Call from Adelaide he is regarded as one of the best fast-
where he is now based. bowling prospects in the country.
Agar made his Big Bash debut with
“To be honest I was a little bit
the Adelaide Strikers in BBL|06 and
surprised when I found out I had won
famously went head-to-head with
the Award. I was in Brisbane at the
older brother Ashton (2011) against the
time and I get a call from the Players respectful and give to others and that
Scorchers in his second season.
Association to let me know I had won. has humbled me and allowed me to
I was so excited - my first reaction Agar has grown up a lot since build great relationships off the field.”
was to get off the phone so I could a student at the College. He is
confident, determined and totally Living in Adelaide, Agar doesn’t get
call mum and dad.”
focused on achieving his childhood to see his family as much as he would
“The Awards night was a who’s who like, although he sees Ashton regularly
dream of playing for Australia.
of cricket. I took my girlfriend, Emma, on the cricket pitch. “I don’t get to see
it was an amazing evening.” At the tender age of 23, Agar says he my family often, but now I am playing
is motivated by his dream to make it to against Ashton, it is great that I get to
“It’s actually been a bit of a whirlwind
the highest level of cricket. see him a lot.”
of a year.” And so it should be, his
impressive fast-paced bowling has “It was my dream as a kid to make it The two share a healthy level of
unsettled some of the best domestic at the highest level. I always dreamt competitiveness. “I’ve got him out
batsmen in the country. to play cricket for Australia and that’s twice or three times and he always
what motivates me.” had my number, but now I am finally
Agar said the Award secured him a
place at a level of cricket which he had “I’ve got so much to achieve and getting him back.”
worked hard to achieve. “Winning the every day I wake up and I want to be a I remember when we would play
award was a bit of a relief, as it meant better player and a better person.” backyard cricket we dreamed of
I could relax in the knowledge that I making it to the top. “We believed
Luckily for Agar his senior cricket
had secured a position at the level I we were good enough to get there
career has been injury-free. “I’ve had
was at.” and now years later our dreams are
no real injuries which is very lucky for
Agar’s rise to fame has not come me. I had lots of injuries when I was coming true, for both of us.”
without its disappointments. He left young and that taught me how to ride Given Agar’s positive outlook and
his home in Melbourne in 2015 to the lows as well as the highs.” sheer determination there is no doubt
try out with the Redbacks, but two he will go far. In the short term he
It seems a bit premature asking a 23
year old about career highlights, but hopes to stay in Adelaide. “Hopefully
Agar doesn’t draw breath, he has I can get my contract extended with
a long list but the most significant South Australia, I then plan to do a bit
is his first class cricket debut. “A of travelling with my girlfriend.”
career highlight would be making my The Bradman Young Cricketer of
first class debut for South Australia the Year is awarded to the leading
last year.” player who is under the age of 24 and
He says that De La Salle taught him who has not played more than 10
how to be a good person off the field. first-class matches before the voting
“You have to have good relationships period began.
and De La Salle taught me how to be by Kerry Martin
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 11AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
Australia Day Honours
Two Old Collegians were Shiel spent 45 years in academia,
recognised in this year’s first at RMIT followed by the AEDC
Australia Day Honours. Vianney (Australian Electronics Development
Shiel AM (1964) was awarded a Centre) and then at La Trobe
Member of the Order of Australia University, where his expertise led to
for his significant service to many new initiatives. His innovative
electronic engineering and streak emerged as a student at
education and Paul Stewart OAM the College, where he and another
(1979) was awarded a Medal student made a Demonstration
of the Order of Australia for Cathode Ray Oscilloscope for the
services to the community and Physics Lab. It was on the Physics Paul Stewart
to the performing arts. syllabus at that time. The unit ended
up having a provisional patent on it. Honoured
Vianney Shiel has distinguished himself Fast forward several years, and Paul Stewart OAM (1979)
in the field of electronic engineering and as a final year Communications was awarded a Medal of the
education. A leader in his profession, Engineering student, Shiel was a Order of Australia for services
his recognition in the recent Australia trail blazer in community television. to the community and to the
Day Awards was well deserved. Shiel “I was asked by the University performing arts.
said he was honoured by the award. to help oversee, what is now the
“It means “a hell of a lot” to receive Channel 31 Studio, during their first Stewart is a committed advocate
an AM”, he said. “As an engineer and test broadcasts. “I was in charge of for social justice and runs the
educator it means that all those hours the studio during the week-long live ‘Just Voices’ program for Jesuit
preparing lectures, developing courses, transmissions test of broadcasts, Social Services. A forming
learning new things, stretching the it was very exciting.” member and front man of the
mind outside the box and being away legendary Melbourne band, The
In 1989, Shiel was seconded from Painters and Dockers, Stewart
from my family are valued.”
RMIT to the AEDC as one of the has been a formidable presence
“I am most proud of knowing that a founding staff members. Working for in the performing arts scene in
lot of my past students have actually the AEDC, he travelled extensively Australia for more than 30 years.
learnt a lot of practical things from learning from industry leaders and
my lectures which has helped then to developing training programs here in Stewart has been a long time
get good employment. I am proud to Australia and around the world. campaigner for East Timor,
have represented Australia in many following the tragic death of his
Alongside his academic career, Shiel older brother. Anthony (Tony)
situations around the world and I
established Airtronic Circuits Pty Ltd Stewart (1971) was a 21-year-old
am very proud to have been able to
in 1969, which provides company sound recordist on assignment in
help Australian and New Zealand
specific training and expert consulting East Timor when he was gunned
companies involved in electronics
in all areas of electronics design and down by Indonesian forces,
embrace the SMT (Surface Mount
manufacture as well as low volume along with four other newsmen
Technology) revolution of the 80s
electronic design and manufacture. in 1975, known since as the
and 90s in electronic design and
manufacture.” by Kerry Martin Balibo Five.
Stewart travels regularly to East
Timor where he works closely
with the Alma Nuns, who are in
Australia this month. Stewart
and the nuns visited the College
to talk to students about the
disabled and abandoned
children they work with in East
Timor. Alongside his numerous
other charitable roles, Stewart
is a founding member of the
Mirabel Foundation and The
Transplants, a band made up of
organ recipients who promote
the work of Donate Australia.
Shiel with Br Calixtus
12 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGETHE BREXIT EFFECT
The Brexit effect
As a Governance Advisor for the UK
Department of International Development,
Matthew Clancy (2001) is well aware of the
impact Brexit is having on the world, especially
in the developing world, where Clancy works
on the UK’s foreign aid program.
“Brexit is affecting nearly every aspect The work is hectic and no two days
of life in Britain and my work, and are the same. “Working with countries
the work of the Department, are no around the world, a typical day for me
exception,” Clancy said. “As the whole generally involves copious phone calls
of the UK government gears up to and video conferences with partners
respond to Brexit, many of my team and colleagues based in our offices in
members were transferred to other developing countries.”
government teams to prepare for
“It’s fast-paced work that involves a
‘no deal’ scenarios.”
lot of analysis, advice, and negotiation
“We’ve been preparing for what with everyone, from government
long-standing aid relationships ministers, to UN officials, or teachers
with developing countries will look and principals. A typical day will often Matthew Clancy
like now that the UK has left the involve shifting from advising teams
European Union.” in Bangladesh who are setting up
classrooms for the Rohingya refugees,
“Working in a ‘Governance Adviser’
to talking to ministry officials from the Music is still an important part of
role in the Department does not come
Ghanaian government about options Clancy’s life and as well performing
without its ironies. “Many people
for school inspections, to briefing in pubs in Melbourne, he has been
have pointed out the irony of the
my UK minister in preparation for known to perform in restaurants and
UK government advising others on
questions in the House of Commons.” house parties in Bangladesh, and
‘governance’ issues at a time like this!”
rooftops and festivals in Lebanon
In 2015, Clancy was in Nepal when
Clancy’s career in international and Sudan.
the earthquake struck the Kathmandu
aid started when he joined the
Valley. “I had just arrived in Nepal “I feel very strongly that my time at De
UN in Bangladesh in 2008. Since
to start a new role with the UK La Salle taught me the importance of
then he has worked for the United
government. Just four days later – as service to others, which I think takes
Nations, the International Red
I was coming back from the ANZAC many different forms. I see it in guys
Cross, and international charities in
Day memorial at the Australian from my year, and others who I am still
Bangladesh, Lebanon, Nepal and
Embassy – Nepal experienced in touch with, who are volunteering
Sudan. He completed his Masters in
its largest earthquake in over 70 at local sports clubs, taking a stand
Middle Eastern Studies at the ANU
years, which tragically killed almost against prejudice or inequality in
in Canberra.”
9,000 people.” Australian society, working in the arts
“At the moment, I work in the or business, or really just working on
“Those first few minutes during the
education team for the UK being really great dads.”
quake, were the most terrifying of
government’s Department for
my life, however over the next few of “My memory of the guys from my
International Development, also
weeks and months I felt privileged year was of a bunch of young men
known as UK Aid. The Department
to work alongside the Nepalese and who were funny, strong, passionate
is responsible for the delivery of
people from around the world rolling and unpretentiously kind to others in
humanitarian and development aid in
out a critical emergency response and the world around them. The College
over 40 countries across sub-Saharan
humanitarian recovery work.” played a large part in teaching us
Africa, Asia and the Middle East. My
these qualities.”
team works to support teachers, While at the College Clancy, explored
schools, local communities and a range of extracurricular pastimes. by Kerry Martin
ministries of education in around 28 “I was very involved in the preforming
countries to improve children’s access arts and loved singing in the choir.”
to quality education. “
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 13GEOFFREY TOZER ‘MUSICAL GENIUS’
Geoffrey Tozer
‘musical genius’
Late last year, The Eulogy, the story of Geoffrey Tozer attended the College
until the end of Year 9, when he left
Australia’s ‘most accomplished pianist,’ for London to take up a Churchill
Geoffrey Tozer (1971) opened in cinemas Fellowship to study music. At the
time he was the youngest person
around Australia. The film, directed by Janine ever to be awarded the prestigious
Hosking, was inspired by a panegyric eulogy award. As a tribute to Tozer’s
musical legacy, the following extract
delivered by former, Prime Minister, Paul is an extract of Keating’s eulogy.
Keating, at Tozer’s funeral at St Patrick’s
Cathedral in 2009.
14 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE“Geoffrey Tozer’s death is a national just heard his mother teaching to Geoffrey playing Bach’s Concerto
tragedy. For the Australian arts and a pupil. in F Minor was filmed in February
Australian music, losing Tozer is like 1964 with Dr Douglas conducting the
When Tozer’s mother Veronica Tozer,
Canada having lost Glenn Gould or Victorian Symphony Orchestra.
realised that her son was possessed
France, Ginette Neveu. It is a massive
of vast musical ability, in 1958 she Later the same year he gave at least
cultural loss. The kind of loss people
relocated with her two sons to eight more performances, playing
felt when Germany lost Dresden.
Melbourne. concertos of Bach and Mozart with
In fact, if you think of our greatest
the orchestra in Melbourne and
artists, those who are so regarded It was here, in Melbourne, that the
Ballarat. The phrase ‘musical genius’
in world terms, three come to mind: world first discovered the young boy
was applied to him right from the
Nellie Melba, Percy Grainger and Joan who was quickly dubbed a ‘musical
beginning.
Sutherland. genius’ by Australia’s foremost
musicians. Within five years of his How was Australia to develop such a
In terms of musical comprehension,
arrival in Australia, Geoffrey’s life as rare and prodigious talent, one that
intellectualism and facility, Geoffrey’s
a professional musician began in was already nationally recognised?
talent was simply off the scale.
earnest. This was an extraordinary The solution came when the
Geoffrey made his international
period of his life, one during which he committee of the Churchill Fellowship
musical debut at the age of fifteen,
began to receive the patronage and decided to lower the minimum age
playing Mozart’s Concerto No. 15 with
recognition that would enable him to by five years and award Geoffrey a
the BBC Symphony Orchestra under
develop the full range of his virtuosic Churchill, extending it to two years
Sir Colin Davis at the Royal Albert Hall.
abilities, and become a concert pianist instead of the usual one. Four years
Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, of the highest standard. later the committee awarded Geoffrey
Geoffrey’s infant years were filled a second Churchill as he began
In 1963 when Geoffrey was eight,
with music. His earliest memory of to make the difficult and, for many
Dr Clive Douglas auditioned him for
the piano was when, as a three-year- gifted teenagers, usually impossible
a concerto performance for ABC
old, he began to play Beethoven’s transition from child prodigy to fully
television. The performance, with
Appassionata Sonata, music he had mature artist.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 15GEOFFREY TOZER ‘MUSICAL GENIUS’
In 1969, the first of Geoffrey’s Churchill Geoffrey loved Australia and This was the inspiration for the
Fellowships enabled him to travel to believed that the time had come Australian Artists Creative Fellowships,
England. That year he entered the when an Australian of international a Commonwealth-funded program
Leeds Piano Competition and became standing could build and sustain an paid to artists at about one-and-a-
the youngest semi-finalist. The same international career from here. This half to two times the average weekly
year he won the prestigious Alex de involved substantial costs and, while earnings and paid for periods of one
Vries Prize, making his debut with he could generate a living from his to five years.
the English Chamber Orchestra soon touring engagements, once he had
In Geoffrey’s case it gave him a
afterwards. In May 1970, he won First covered the costs, there was very little
chance to develop works in parts of
Prize out of 157 contestants in the left. So it was then that he accepted a
the piano repertoire.
Royal Overseas League competition job at St Edmund’s College, Canberra
and was presented to the Queen. to help him pay the rent. So, in 1988, as Treasurer, I made my
way down from London to Colchester
In 1971 Geoffrey returned to Australia It was owing to his decision to work at
in the High Commissioner’s car to
to begin the next phase of his career; St Edmund’s that I first heard Geoffrey
engage the founder and managing
the difficult years of transition when play. The playing was breathtaking.
director of Britain’s foremost recording
the musical world had to decide When the formalities ended I made
company, Chandos Records.
whether he was just another prodigy, my way over to him to inquire of his
That person, Mr Brian Couzens, said,
albeit one of seemingly superhuman playing and career. It was then that
‘why on earth would someone like
ability, or whether, like Mozart, he I understood the under-realisation
you be making an appointment with
was in fact a great musician whose
someone like me?’
artistry would continue to develop and
improve as he gained maturity. I said, ‘I have come to introduce to
you one of the greatest pianists of
At least once a year throughout
world’ and he said, ‘Who is that?’
the 1970s he toured Australia
and I said, ‘The Australian, Geoffrey
playing concertos with all the major
Tozer’. He said, ‘Yes, I have heard of
orchestras around the country, while
him but not recently. Has he done
frequently travelling to America, Britain
anything I can listen to?’ I immediately
and Europe for concert appearances.
brought forth a number of audio tapes
In 1977, Geoffrey won the first of for his listening. But Couzens said,
his two Rubenstein medals, being ‘Audio tapes are often compositions
awarded the prize personally by Arthur themselves, many artists break
Rubenstein who described him as ‘an down and can’t complete a full work
extraordinary pianist’. across the dynamic range of the
composition’. I said to Couzens,
The 1980s were halcyon days for
‘Well, I will get him over here. He will
Geoffrey. In 1983 he decided to base
astound you’. Well, Geoffrey did get
himself in Canberra. He was briefly
over there. Couzens rang me to say
on the staff of the Canberra School
he was unbelievable.
of Music until it became clear that
his national and international touring Geoffrey went on to make 36
engagements were as incompatible recordings with Chandos, which for
of Geoffrey’s international standing
with such a position as some other any pianist is a major recorded legacy.
and of his straitened circumstances;
aspects of institutional life. By now
earning $9000 a year at St Edmund’s, In 2001, Tozer undertook a concert
Geoffrey had become immersed in
relying on a bicycle for his transport. tour of China at the invitation of
the music of Liszt. He toured Australia
the Ministry of Culture, playing the
and New Zealand at least twice a It was Geoffrey’s power and
Yellow River Concerto to a massive
year playing concertos and recitals, poverty that caused me to realise
television audience. His last grand tour
while constantly expanding his how little Australia valued artists of
of Australia in 2004 was a privately
international career. accomplishment, especially those in
promoted one, where he gave over
mid-career: in his case, the explosive
During the 1980s he began his 20 performances around the country,
power of his playing, yet his meagre
commercial recording career. In including to a sold-out recital at the
capacity to afford the basics of life.
1986 he made his first commercial Sydney Opera House.”
recording, the John Ireland Piano This sharp reality caused me to study
Paul Keating’s full Eulogy can be
Concerto in E Flat with the Melbourne the circumstances of other Australian
found at http://theeulogy.com.au/
Symphony Orchestra, a recording that artists who, while accomplished,
tozer-eulogy
is still ranked by most critics as the found themselves marooned in
best recording available of that music. mid‑career.
16 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGETHE BEST ENGLISH-LANGUAGE WRITER ALIVE TODAY?
The best English-
language writer alive
today?
Gerald Murnane at The Wheeler
Centre in September last year.
Photo by Scott Limbrick
The New York Times’, Mark Benelli has The 1956 edition of the College Year
Book, Blue and Gold testifies to
described Gerald Murnane (1956) as one of the Murnane’s abilities. He topped his
best English-language writers alive, and with class in every subject, was the Dux
of the Matriculation Class, captain of
a nomination for a Nobel Prize for Literature, a the senior debating team and Vice-
Patrick White, a Prime Minister and a Victorian captain of Edwin’s House. His poem
Before the Dawn, won the College’s
Premier’s awards to his name, he is showing top literary prize revealing the deep
no signs of slowing down. Last year, Murnane seam of gold of this now celebrated
writer’s literary imagination.
turned 80 and published his first book of poetry, Melbourne historian Val Noone,
Green Shadows and Other Poems and a novel, (1956) a classmate and friend of
his 14th, A Season on Earth. Murnane remembers him as a good
student with a sense of humour.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 17THE BEST ENGLISH-LANGUAGE WRITER ALIVE TODAY?
“He was capable and committed, “Like most of the class, Gerald was 80, after many books of fiction, he
keen on English literature, an serious about the Catholic faith. In published his first book of poems. I
opponent of the prevailing emphasis religion class we took it in turns at have not become a poet but I enjoyed
on sport, and sceptical of the value of giving short talks. I made a note mulling over his,” Noone said.
maths and sciences,” Noone said. in my diary that on one occasion
“I find Gerald’s fictions thought-
Gerald went for half an hour on
“Gerald was witty, inclined to be provoking yet puzzling – they
human liberty.”
sarcastic, and had a sense of fun.” concentrate on the images and ideas
“He and I discussed whether we in his mind, often about colours,
“Our last day at school was the day
had vocations to the priesthood or horse-racing and the plains of western
after the Olympic Games had started
religious life. Gerald was interested Victoria, all the while reflecting on his
in Melbourne, and three days after
in joining a contemplative monastery, processes of writing and the meaning
two Afro-American Olympians, Ira
and won a prize that year for his poem of life. His criticisms of his unnamed
Davis and Lee Calhoun, graduates of
about Cistercian monks. I went to fictional secondary school have been
a De La Salle College in the United
the diocesan seminary, while Gerald severe,” Noone said.
States, had visited the College. Things
went, for a few months only, to the
were fairly quiet but Gerald brightened For the past 10 years Murnane
Passionist Fathers’ seminary. That’s
up the atmosphere by running around has lived a remote life in the small
treated at length in his latest novel.”
the school yard with a make-believe township of Goroke on the edge of
Olympic torch.” “As a student, Gerald was an the western plains of Victoria, where
enthusiast for poetry and tried to he maintains in metal filing cabinets
At school his nickname was Lou, but
persuade me to take it up. A couple meticulous records of his life. Much
Noone can’t remember why.
of months ago, 63 years later, at age has been written of his insular
Courtesy of The Wheeler Centre
18 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGETHE BEST ENGLISH-LANGUAGE WRITER ALIVE TODAY?
existence and reluctance to travel, his dislike of
cinema and refusal to learn to use a computer.
A Letter from
His existence could be said to account for the Gerald Murnane
interior and somewhat eccentric characters
who inhabit his novels. He speaks Hungarian,
plays the violin, enjoys brain teasers, and golf
Dear Roll Call Editor,
and above all, horse racing, which is a passion
inherited from his father Reginald. However he I appreciate your interest in
has never travelled out of his home country and me and I believe you must
rarely leaves Victoria. In Goroke, he helps run have gone to a great deal of
the Men’s Shed and pulls beers behind the bar trouble to compose the set
at the Golf Club. of questions that you sent
me. I’m a polite person who
Before devoting his life to his writing he spent
doesn’t like to disappoint people of goodwill. Rather than
13 years as a public servant, teaching in
address the questions, I’ll send you a few paragraphs that may
primary schools and working as an editor in
be of interest to you.
a government office. In 1966, when he was
27 he married Catherine Lancaster, who The letter, by the way, is being typed on a Remington Monarch
also worked as a teacher. They settled in the bought in 1965 and used almost daily since the mid-1970s,
northern suburbs and fortunately for Murnane, when I overcame lifelong fear for technology and taught myself
his wife supported his decision to quit his to type using the index finger of my right hand to press the
day job and take care of their three sons. He keys and the middle finger on my left hand to press the key
received a Bachelor of Arts from the University that brings the upper-case letters into play.
of Melbourne in 1969 and lectured in Creative
When computers were coming into use, friends of mine would
Writing. In 1974 he published his first book,
urge me to adapt to them. My friends pointed out how much
Tamarisk Row and two years later A Lifetime on
faster and efficiently I could write with new technology. I used
Clouds. Since then there have been 12 more.
to reply that efficiency were of little interest to me when I
Val Noone is a fellow of the School of Historical wrote. I preferred to compose my sentences at my own pace
and Philosophical Studies at the University of and in keeping with the rhythms of my thoughts.
Melbourne.
Until three years ago, I could not use a mobile phone, but
by Kerry Martin living in a remote district obliged me to change my ways.
I now own a smart phone and I can make use of its basic
functions, although I’ve never learned to install any of the
mysterious-looking apps arranged in a row on my screen.
When I finally learned how to send text messages, a
momentous achievement which took place in mid-2016, I
sent a brief, humorous message to each of the two sons of
mine who live in Melbourne. They conferred by phone at once
and then contacted the police in the district where I live. My
sons believed that someone must have broken into my home
or assaulted me and stolen my phone. Both agreed it was
impossible for their father to have mastered the art of sending
text messages.
Many people recall their schooldays with fondness, speak
gratefully of the sound education they received, and even
single out one or more teachers who inspired them and set
De La Salle College Senior Debating Team 1956 them on their way to their future success. I am not one of
those people. My five years at De La Salle were by no means
Seated: B. Broderick, G. Murnane, (Captain),
Mr Conway, M. Murphy the best period of my life, although this was no fault of my
teachers, of whom I recall with gratitude, Brs Edward, Colman,
Standing: M. Cleary, B. Parker, R. Meehan,
M. Shadbolt, V. Noone.
Julian and especially Gerard.
Yours sincerely
Gerald Murnane (1956)
Goroke
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL MAY 2020 | 19MUSIC CAN BE A GOOD DOCTOR
Music can be a
good doctor
Music, like a good doctor, can heal
and in the case of Joseph Phillipos
(2009), music plays an important
part of maintaining a healthy work
balance as a junior doctor.
The life of a young doctor can be “In the emergency department you families put their trust in you.”
frenetic with so many things to see patients at the start of their
After graduating from De La Salle,
remember and long hours on the journey, and get the chance to come
Phillipos completed a Bachelor of
job. To maintain a work life balance, up with a diagnosis and formulate
Science with an additional year
Phillipos uses his music to relax. plans, while still discussing all
of honours research, and then
your thoughts and decisions with
“Music is really important to me, studied a Bachelor of Medicine and
a senior doctor. You then refer to
it helps me relax and maintain a Surgery. ”I worked sporadically
other specialties when required, and
good life balance. I still play guitar throughout this time. I worked in
prepare patients for discharge or
and see live music whenever I a bank, a furniture store, a meat
admission.”
can. Music was my main passion packing factory, and a candy buffet
while at school,” Phillipos said. “I “On medical rotations the patients company. You could say my resume
was part of the string ensemble are often quite complex with multiple has a lot of variety.”
throughout primary and in my early medical issues, so ward rounds can
Initially, Phillipos was interested
high school years. I joined a band go until the mid-afternoon, and then
in Gastroenterology, however he
with some friends and I took guitar the rest of the day is made up of
really enjoyed his surgical rotation
performance as a VCE subject.” completing outstanding jobs from
during internship. “This year I have
the round.”
Phillipos is in his second year as a taken more surgical rotations to help
junior doctor. “I had five rotations in “Being a young doctor comes with further consider surgery as a career.”
2019 - General Medicine, General its challenges. Having to make
“De La Salle has left me with an
Surgery, Aged Care and two decisions when you have limited
extremely tight group of friends.
Emergency rotations.” clinical experience is difficult,
After graduation I wondered how
however there is always support,
The workload is significant and it long it would be until I lost touch
and the skills and knowledge you
is important to maintain a healthy with all but my closest friends,
gain in medical school stand you in
attitude. “A typical day on the but it’s been a decade and I still
good stead. Working with patients
General Surgery unit started at keep in touch with so many of my
who are going through difficult
6:30am. It would start with a quick classmates. I’m even better friends
circumstances can be emotionally
ward round where we see all our with some of them now than I was
taxing, so it’s important to have an
patients, before the senior doctors when I graduated.”
outlet like music, as well as people
head off to theatre. The role of
you can debrief with. Regardless by Kerry Martin
an intern is then to manage the
of the challenges, you soon realise
ward, enact patient plans and deal
you’re in a very privileged position.
with new issues that arise. You
The work is very rewarding and it’s
are also called to assist in theatre
humbling to have patients and their
when required”.
20 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEYou can also read
