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 47 | SEPTEMBER 2019
CONTENTS HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE
AT MALVERN
Historical sexual abuse at Malvern 2
As our community has seen in
From the Principal 3
recent years, De La Salle College
Let’s Get Musical 4 is committed to working in any
way we can to address the sins of
On the road to Wilcannia & Blokes and Books Breakfast 6
the past in relation to abuse at the
Father’s Day Breakfast 7 College. Sexual and physical abuse
is totally abhorrent to each of us; as a
Politically motivated 8
College community we have worked
The New Zealand experience 9 diligently in recent years to institute
comprehensive Child Protection
Making a splash in and out of the pool 10
Policies and Procedures to ensure the
The Tobin Connection 12 safety and wellbeing of every student
at De La Salle.
Old Collegian earns a Triple Double 14
I have been working with several
All in the Family 16 local survivors of abuse to plan an
Following in the steps of Menzies 17 appropriate acknowledgement and
memorial for those affected by abuse
The winding road to work 18 at Malvern. A small committee is
The Old Collegians’ Association 19 being convened, with a ceremony and
memorial plaque being planned for
Farewell to our President 20 March 2020.
Old Collegians’ Football Club 21 As a Catholic College, we are
committed to being open and
Class of 1989 Reunion 22
transparent with our community about
Class of 2009 Reunion 23 issues relating to child protection
matters. We must acknowledge and
Class of 2018 Reunion 24
own the sins of the past, strive to
Where Are They Now? 25 provide for victims whatever healing
we may and ensure this never
From the Archives and RIP’s 27 happens again.
On behalf of De La Salle College, I
FROM THE EDITOR
would like to unreservedly apologise
Welcome to the September issue of Lasallian once again to those who suffered
Roll Call. Once again, we feature the amazing abuse under our care in the past. The
achievements of our Old Collegians, whose pain, shame and humiliation of abuse
lives continue to enrich the world around is a torment nobody should ever be
them. The variety of their stories reflects the forced to endure and all in our College
College legacy and its tradition of educating are united in our condemnation of this
fine men who aim to make the best of the stain on our history and regret the
opportunities they had as students. Whether anguish suffered by victims.
they are Queen’s Counsel, swimming
It is my hope and prayer that the
coaches, hairdressers or business leaders, the
committee’s work and outcomes will
integrity and comaraderie of the Old Collegians, I am fortunate to meet through
in some way help in dealing with the
this role, never ceases to amaze. On a personal note, I bid farewell to two
legacy of the past.
colleagues and friends, Tony McIlroy (1969) who is stepping down after serving
as the President of the Old Collegians for the past four years, and Jonathan If you would like to have some
Hewett, who is hanging up his gloves as the long-standing Production Assistant input into the process and/or be
on this magazine. I thank them for their support and guidance throughout their involved in any way and invited to the
association with Roll Call. Enjoy. ceremony, please write to
oldcolls@delasalle.vic.edu.au
Ms Kerry Martin
Mr Peter Houlihan
Editor: Kerry Martin
Principal
Cover photography: Mr Warren Bardsley
Additional photography: Jonathan Hewett, Josh Bainbridge,
Warren Bardsley, Sam Lazar
Production design: Mauro Cecchin
2 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
From the Principal
Dear Old Collegians, Youth Gathering and the Asia-Pacific
Lasallian Educators Conference
I hope you enjoy reading the latest
(APLEC). These were wonderful
issue of Lasallian Roll Call. As
events, with hundreds of delegates
always, the College has been very
from all over Australasia and South-
busy in recent months and in the
East Asia, all sharing in the Lasallian
following pages you will see a great
mission, networking, learning from
deal of what’s been going on in our
each other and celebrating the
community.
wonderful legacy of the Founder. It
One of the major developments in is worth noting that from that one
recent years has been the evolution school in Rheims more than 330 years
of an outstanding music program. ago we now have over one million
Quite possibly once considered students in Lasallian education in 80
something of a poor cousin to sport countries worldwide.
at De La Salle, music and indeed
On the Lasallian theme, a group of
the performing arts in general have
our Year 12 VCAL students travelled
enjoyed a resurgence. Significant this has facilitated a return to De La
to Wilcannia in late July to support the
numbers of students at all year Salle Secondary School, Bomana
Indigenous community at St Theresa’s
levels are involved in myriad musical in Port Moresby. We haven’t been
Parish school. This is the third year De
ensembles including Year 7 Band to Bomana for a couple of years but
La Salle has travelled to the remote
Program, Brass Ensemble, Senior this November 16 Year 12 students
town to work with the local students
Concert Band, Choir, Classical who were booked in for Sri Lanka will
and engage in a week of building,
Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Stage instead travel to PNG and assist in
cleaning, repairing, landscaping and
Band, a Year 10 Rock Band and a renovating the school chapel. These
general maintenance. This is a life-
Year 12 Funk Band. immersion experiences in another
changing experience for our young
Lasallian culture where they can meet
The music students have just returned men and they return having made a
the local students and do some great
from the annual music tour, an difference in Wilcannia and assisted in
work are a key part of our social
enormously popular and beneficial building the relationship between our
justice opportunities.
event where they travel to regional two very different schools.
Victoria and perform at a range of Please enjoy this edition of Roll Call
Our other major social justice initiative
schools. This year 55 students from and keep an eye out for upcoming
has been to travel to Diyagala
Years 8-12 toured for four days, and College events for the remainder of
Boystown in Colombo, Sri Lanka
eight different ensembles played the year and into 2020. As an Old
and engaging in similar labours as
seven concerts at schools around the Collegian, you remain very much part
Wilcannia. Sadly, we have had to
Eildon, Yea and Alexandra area. of our community and we love to
cancel this immersion experience
catch up with you.
Our senior students also perform for the 2019 Year 12 students in the
challenging scores each year for the wake of the Easter Sunday atrocities Mr Peter Houlihan
annual musical. Most schools will hire in Colombo. On the other hand, Principal
professionals for these productions,
but we are very proud of the standard
our groups rise to each year in order
to play these shows.
There is a variety of concerts
performed here at the College at
regular intervals across the school
year; the musicians would love to see
some Old Collegians drop in!
Throughout 2019, the Institute of the
Brothers of the Christian Schools
and the Lasallian family have been
celebrating the 300th anniversary
of the death of our founder, Saint
John Baptist de La Salle, Patron
Saint of Teachers (1719-2019). In
April, Melbourne hosted a Lasallian
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 3
LET’S GET MUSICAL Let’s Get Musical Winter is no time to hibernate for De La Salle College’s musicians. On the contrary, both within and outside the College grounds, our students have been delighting audiences with their musical talents, across an impressive range of genres, instrumental and vocal combinations. Most recently, 55 of our musicians skill, but also superb teamwork, which immediately bore fruit in - accompanied by six staff - as they staged seven concerts increasingly accurate and expressive completed a four-day performance independently of teacher input. Each performances. Fine performances tour of primary schools (and a student was entrusted with a clear were delivered by all ensembles, retirement home) in the Murrindindi role in the running of the events, including the Guitar Ensemble, Shire (northeast of Melbourne), while Year 12 students showed Senior Concert Band, a combined delivering concerts to delighted leadership as concert comperes. Orchestra and Choir, String and audiences in Eildon, Yea, Alexandra, When not in concert mode, the Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Buxton and Marysville. Our students students applied themselves in Ensemble and Stage Band. not only showed great musical rehearsals and tutorial workshops, 4 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
Another memorable recent event preview of an item from the 2020 vocal students also participated
was the Autumn Concert, the first Senior Musical, Typhoid Mary. in recent ACC Music workshops.
of two ensembles concerts for Underscoring the vitality of the Music
Looking to the future talent, we
2019. Performances of exciting and Program, there has been a 21 per
welcomed new performers at the
delightful music at this event were cent increase in enrolments in the
Semester 1, Year 7 Bands Concert,
reprised in the end of semester Arts Instrumental Program from Semester
whilst each of the Junior and
Assembly, which brought the whole 1 to 2, and this individual talent will be
Intermediate Concert Bands will
student and staff body together in on display at the annual Soiree, which
represent the College in coming
celebration of artistic diversity at De will be held in September.
months at the Victorian School
La Salle. The recent Winter Concert
Music Festival. Our percussion and Mr Luke Serrano
was wonderful featuring a sneak
Music Coordinator
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 5
ON THE ROAD TO WILCANNIA
On the road to Wilcannia
Travel 1,000 kilometres north of “The students learn the importance of Wilcannia students to the finer skills
Melbourne and almost as far west supporting our indigenous brothers of AFL.”
of Sydney and you’ll come across and sisters where there is a dire and
“The Wilcannia trip is a real eye
the outback town of Wilcannia, desperate need.”
opener for our students, many of
home to 549 permanent residents,
“A highlight for the students, was whom have never spent time with
the majority of whom are
spending a day at the park with the indigenous people. Spending time in
indigenous, and an inland port on
school students, staff and community the Wilcannia community provides our
the banks of the Darling River.
members.” students with first-hand experience
of indigenous issues. This is an
For the last three years, the Senior “The students engaged in lunchtime
opportunity that will enrich their
VCAL class, and support staff, have activities, soccer, T Ball, and various
appreciation of people less fortunate
made an annual trip to Wilcannia as other ball games and during physical
than themselves.”
part of a volunteer program to assist education classes introduced the
the town’s Catholic primary school, St
Therese’s Community School. With an
enrolment of 26 students, the VCAL
students worked hard to upgrade
some of the school’s surrounds
including; paving, landscaping,
repairing decks, cutting fire wood and
mulching gardens.
VCAL Coordinator, Mr Tim Hogan said
the long-term goal of the Wilcannia
program was to develop an ongoing
and permanent relationship with an
indigenous community and school in
the Wilcannia Forbes diocese that is in
real need.”
Blokes and Books Breakfast
The signature event of this year’s a hopeful way with his main character fostering their son on their reading
Book Week was the Blokes and needing to have been on a journey journey. De La Salle values reading
Books Breakfast, recently held in the and grown in some way. as an important life skill that helps to
College gymnasium and featuring create empathetic, inquiring minds.”
“He provided advice to young readers
the celebrated author and Australian
about how to get ideas for writing and Ms Kerry Martin
Children’s Book Laureate, Morris
how to form a story.”
Gleitzman. More than 100 fathers and
sons tucked into a tasty breakfast, “Gleitzman is listed as the most
catered by the College’s Senior VCAL popular in the top five most
class, to hear Gleitzman’s message. popular authors in the De La Salle
College library.”
The College Library Team Leader, Ms
Catherine Ryan said Mr Gleitzman “The theme of book week this year is
is an extremely popular author and “Reading is my secret power” was a
was a major drawcard to the event, strong message fathers were asked
which aims to encourage students to to consider. They were encouraged
read more. to nurture their son’s secret power
and bookmarks were distributed with
Ms Ryan said that Mr Gleitzman, who
messages of support from father
has published more than 40 books
to son.”
aimed for boys of all ages, including
the acclaimed, Once, Then, Now “It is hoped that this event becomes
series told the gathering that he tries an annual event celebrating the
to make everything he writes finish in important role that parents in in
6 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
BLOKES AND BOOKS BREAKFAST & FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
Father’s Day Breakfast
Mark George (1983) owns a George’s theme was ‘connection’, guidance of Meagan Selkirk, was
successful commercial property connection with the outdoors, attended by College Principal Mr
funds management and private his father, his classmates, his life Peter Houlihan and members of the
wealth business. However, he’s also partner, his family and his friends. He College Executive. The annual event
been a world traveller and adventurer urged students to turn off devices is part of the College’s mission to
who has literally gone to the ends and devote time connecting with build community and celebrate the
of the earth and back. He’s skied those special in their lives. The relationships between the students
to both the North and South Poles Breakfast, which is organised by the and their parents.
and climbed the highest peaks of all College Parent Network under the
seven continents, including to the top
of the awe inspiring, Mt Everest, to
complete both the seven summits and
adventurer’s “grand slam”. George
is the first Australian to ski solo and
unsupported to the South Pole.
George also paddled kayaks across
Bass Straight, through Prince William
Sound, and recently left the oceans to
break a world record dragging 200 kg
of water over an unsupported 650 km
crossing of the Simpson Desert.
As the keynote speaker at this year’s
Annual Father’s Day Breakfast in the
College gymnasium, George had the
500-capacity audience in awe of his
physical and mental achievements.
Keynote Speaker Mr Mark George
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 7
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
Politically motivated
“In our age there is no such work with Martin Dixon during his time a world on the verge of significant
thing as keeping out of politics.” as Victoria’s Minister for Education, technological disruption and trying not
Orwell’s words are as true after Peter Hall retired. Both were to be held hostage to a 24-hour news
today as they were when he great bosses and very conscientious cycle.”
wrote them more than 60 years politicians, and I was very lucky to
“I’m lucky to have had some
ago, so it is not surprising secure these roles at such a young
career highlights. Playing a small
that most large organisations age.” After leaving the Victorian
role in drafting legislation while in
employ political strategists to government Hennessy took up his
Government was pretty special and
manage their relationship with first government relations role with
getting to work with very respected
governments. Airservices Australia.
and very senior politicians, public
In 2016, Hennessy joined Swinburne servants and researchers is a real
As the Head of Government University, where he works closely perk of my job.”
Relations at Swinburne University of with the Vice-Chancellor and the
Recently he has taken on the
Technology, Chris Hennessy (2005) Executive Group. His role entails
University’s Multicultural Engagement
is using his knowledge of Australian providing strategic policy advice,
portfolio which is an exciting new
politics to make sure his employer drafting the University’s submissions
challenge. “This new role assumes
is well placed to engage with to Government inquiries, liaising
responsibility for ensuring the
government stakeholders. with politicians and providing the
commitments outlined in Swinburne’s
best possible regulatory and policy
Hennessy was not always interested in Charter of Cultural Diversity, which
environment for the University to
politics. “At De La Salle I developed a was a first for an Australian university,
operate in.
keen interest in Australian politics, and are embedded in our programs and
I credit my former Politics teacher, Mr “What I love most about my job is lived by staff and students.”
Brian Hayes, as a significant influence that there are no typical days. A day
The values he learned as a student at
in this regard.” could be a lobbying trip to Canberra,
the College will no doubt stand him in
responding to an evolving policy
After graduating with a Bachelor of good stead for this role. “Fairness and
challenge, coordinating a ministerial
Arts at Monash University, majoring in gratitude which were instilled during
visit, or all or none of the above,”
Australian politics, Hennessy landed my time at De La Salle are still with me
Hennessy said.
a work experience opportunity with today, and I think trying to put yourself
Mr Peter Hall, the Minister for Higher Like any profession my job also in someone else’s shoes is always a
Education and Skills and Minister for has its challenges. “I suppose worthwhile exercise.”
Teaching in the Baillieu Government. having to continually to advocate for
If you ask Hennessy what he will
what I believe is the very real value
‘My work experience snowballed into be doing in five years’ time he
proposition of tertiary education in
a policy advisor role and I went on to really doesn’t know except that he
really enjoys working in the higher
education sector. “I just hope I’m
doing something that I find interesting
and that I continue to enjoy the same
variety in my job that I do now”.
He also likes to write and would like
to have a novel published one day,
maybe a political thriller? He has also
recently taken up rock climbing after
being inspired by the breathtaking
documentary film ‘Free Solo’.
Hennessy admits, like his former
Politics Teacher, he is a North
Melbourne tragic. “I am a passionate
supporter of the North Melbourne
Football Club, although they have not
given me much joy in recent years!
Fingers crossed that is about to
change.”
Ms Kerry Martin
Chris Hennessy
8 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE
THE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE
The New Zealand
experience
During the winter break 35
senior students and three
staff spent six thrilling days
in Queenstown, New Zealand
experiencing the adventures of
the South Island on the annual
De a Salle College Ski Tour.
The Trip Coordinator, Mr Andrew
Clements said the participants got
to experience the best that New
Zealand has to offer in winter.
‘The conditions were perfect,
with blue skies and ideal skiing
NZ Ski Tour By
conditions. Everyday there was lots JacquesLudeken
of fresh snow that wasn’t too deep,
which made for some excellent
skiing,” Mr Clements said. “While on the river we actually got experience the Luge Carts, which are
to see some of the locations where small gravity-fuelled carts which, like
“The group spent two days skiing
they filmed ‘The Lord of The Rings’.” traditional luges, get to go very fast
and snowboarding the famous
through tunnels and tight corners.”
Remarkables and Coronet Peak and “One highlight was being on the
three days enjoying water sports Mountain at the last night when “The ski trip is an amazing
on the Dart River. The students we took the gondola to the Skyline experience for students.”
got to try water rafting, jet boating Restaurant which overlooks
Ms Kerry Martin
and ‘funyaking.” Queenstown. While there we got to
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 9
MAKING A SPLASH IN AND OUT OF THE POOL
Matthew Brown with Xu Jiayu - China Silver medalist Rio Olympics 2016
Making a splash in and
out of the pool
In less than 12 months the 2020 Summer Olympics will kick off
in Tokyo and one Old Collegian is hoping to make a splash in the
pool. Renowned international swim coach Matthew Brown (1979),
who swam for Australia at previous Pan Pacific Championships
and Commonwealth Games, is now working hard outside the pool,
coaching some of our top swimmers to go for Gold.
As the National Coach of the Brown is heavily involved in Chinese ‘We are hopeful he will defend his
Australian Swim teams at the London Backstroker Xu Jiayu’s Olympics’ records in Tokyo next year.”
and Beijing Olympics, Brown was preparation. “Jiayu won Silver in the
Before his success as a coach Brown,
instrumental in the Gold medal 100 Backstroke at the Rio Olympics
made quite a splash in the pool as
successes of Emily Seebohm and and since then has won the World
a swimmer himself. “I made several
Brittany Elmslie, and when the Tokyo Championship in Budapest in 2017.
Australian teams and represented at
Olympics get underway next year, he Jiayu is the current national record
the 1982 Commonwealth Games in
is hoping for another medal success. holder in backstroke in all distances.
Brisbane, where I finished sixth in the
10 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGE400 Individual Medley, and at the 1983
Pan Pacific Championships, I finished
in second place in the same event.”
“At the College I was a member
of the ACC Swim Squad for three
years, from 1977 to 1979, breaking
a few ACC records at the old 1956
Melbourne Olympic pool.”
“I swam Victorian State and National
championships at that pool. It was
always a full house for the ACC
championships, it was awesome. “
After leaving De La Salle College,
Brown completed a Bachelor of
Sports Studies and a Coaching and
Diploma of Coaching at Canberra
College of Advanced Education or
Canberra University as it is known
today.
“At the same time, I was offered a
place at the Australian Institute of
Sport in Canberra which I attended
while completing my studies.”
“Towards the end of my swimming hours training. This is repeated six was the Coach of the Chinese Swim
career I knew that I wanted to be days a week and during competition Team at the 2016 Olympics. Similarly,
involved in swimming as a coach.” season, seven days a week.” he enjoyed success in the pool, as a
member of the Australian Swim Teams
“My old club coach in Western Throughout his career Brown has
for the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth
Australia offered me a job coaching notched up a long list of Personal
Games and the 2010 and 2014 Pan
junior swimmers. I stayed in that role Bests. He is proud of his record as
Pacific Championships.
for two years and then became Head coach of the Australian Swim team for
Coach of a new program in Perth. the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, When he is not at the pool, and that is
I was there for 13 years until I was the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth rare, Brown never strays far from the
offered a role as Director of swimming Games, the 2010 and 2014 Pan water.
at St Joseph’s Nudgee College where Pacific Games and the 1996 and
“I love to fish and still surf as much
I stayed for 12 years.” 2000 Paralympics Games. In 2016, he
as I can in the warmer waters of the
“I headed back to Melbourne for Tweed river region.”
two years as Director of Swimming “I have a daughter Rosie who recently
at Surrey Park Swim Club and then graduated with a Double degree in
returned to Brisbane two years ago Nursing and Paramedicine.”
as Head Coach of the Rackley Swim
Team.” “I think the most valuable legacy
that I still cherish from my days at
In his role with the Rackley Swim the College, was the camaraderie.
Team, Brown is involved on a range I felt valued, both by my peers and
of levels, including managing staff, teachers in any endeavour I chose to
swimmers’ programs, the club and the apply myself to.”
swim centre itself as well as training
swimmers to compete at School, Ms Kerry Martin
Club, State and national team levels.
“I’m up at 4:15 am to be at the pool (above) Matthew Brown with Emily
by 5:00 am for a three-hour training Seebohm - Gold medalist - Brisbane
session. There is always administrative Pan Pacific champs - Aug 2014
work after training and then I’m back Matt Brown, (front right) ACC
on deck at 3:00 pm for another four Champions 1979
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 11THE TOBIN CONNECTION
The Tobin Connection
Late last year Des Tobin (1956) Phonse was one of those rare
launched Just a Man Called Phonse, characters who could communicate
the anything but Ordinary Life of A.V with people from all walks of life,
Phonse Tobin - the biography of his whether it was a prize fighter or a
father, Phonse Tobin, who along with prime minister, a grave digger or
his brothers, founded Australia’s a Governor, but it was a keen eye
most successful family owned funeral for business, that in 1953, led to a
service company, Tobin Brothers decision that would help shape the
Funerals. The Tobin family have been future of the College.
connected to De La Salle College for
At the time, our family lived in Sorrett
almost 80 years. All three of Phonse’s
Avenue opposite the original ‘Kinnoull’
sons, Barry (1954), Des (1956) and
homestead and dad had befriended
Gavan (1965) attended the College,
the gardener, who told him the owners
as did three of his grandsons. Phonse
were putting the property on the
also played a pivotal role in the
market but did not want it to ‘fall into
evolution of the College as we know
Catholic hands’. Slipping the gardener
it today. In this issue of Roll Call, Des
a 10-shilling note, Phonse got hold of
shares some of his father’s story with
the keys, called the College Principal
our readers. Des Tobin
and suggested he come straight
Before Tobin Brothers was established around and look at the property.
in 1934, Phonse worked as a Thirty minutes later two Brothers in ‘anti-Catholic’ vendors, the property
storeman, a salesman, a soldier and ‘civilian’ dress, escorted by Phonse, changed hands and the rest is history!
a fireman. Gifted with a fine singing unofficially inspected the property.
In 1935, Phonse married Vera
voice, he also produced many
At the time, the De La Salle Tiverton (Crough) and in the ensuing years
amateur theatrical productions.
Campus was bursting at the Barry and I came along. In 1943 we
He was also a natural sportsman, seams and there was little room for moved from North Melbourne to
particularly as a successful expansion. The Brothers quickly Malvern, where Denise and Gavan
professional foot runner. He was also realised that acquiring Kinnoull would were born. When it was time to go to
a long- erving member of the North solve the space problem so, after an school, De La Salle was the natural
Melbourne Football Club committee. offer ‘too good to refuse’, even by choice for Barry, Gavan and me - as
Tobin family
“My father, Phonse Tobin was
born in 1905, and as a young boy
he followed WW1 troops as they
marched through the streets of
South Melbourne to Station Pier
to board troop ships, earned
pocket money trapping rats for
the Council and ‘haunted’ the
Collins Street theatres. Not at all
academically inclined, he spent
a lot of time avoiding school and
ended up being sent away to
board at St Augustine’s orphanage
in Geelong, before eventually
completing his Merit Certificate
with the Christian Brothers in
Moonee Ponds in 1919.”
12 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEwas Kildara for our sister Denise - has become a successful business
and thus began a long, happy and consultancy practice.
continuing Tobin connection with
Phonse’s great-grandson Daniel
the College.
Shine is enrolled at De La Salle to
Barry excelled at sport and commence Year 7 in 2021, continuing
represented the College in Athletics the 80-year-strong connection
as well as cricket and football. I between the Tobin family and
also played football and cricket and De La Salle. Deo Duce. Top Honours for
was a member of the 1952 ACC
Since retiring from Tobin Brothers Project Manager
Championship Swim team. Gavan
in 2002, Des Tobin has published Dr Paul Steinfort (1963) has been
played under-age and first XV I I I
five biographies including ‘Just a awarded a Member of the Order
football and was the only one of
Man Called Phonse - The Anything of Australia (AM) for his services
Phonse’s sons to Matriculate and
but ordinary life of A.V. (Phonse) to the construction sector and
attend university.
Tobin.’ For further information visit to the community. Steinfort is
Barry was ordained a priest in 1965 www.destobin.com.au regarded as a leader in his field
and, before he retired in 2017, was of project management and has
Ms Kerry Martin
the parish priest of the Ormond/ worked on some of Victoria’s
Murrumbeena twinned parish. Gavan major infrastructure projects.
(Below) Book Cover
worked for RMIT University in their
accounting division before joining (Bottom) Kinnoull Mansion After Cyclone Tracey devastated
Tobin Brothers in the mid-1980s, Darwin in 1974, Steinfort
where he worked until his retirement, was engaged to manage the
while my sister Denise trained as a upgrading of 33 public buildings
teacher and interestingly taught at the to new cyclone standards and
College’s Kinnoull campus for several rebuilding projects. His Darwin
years. Her sons Patrick (1991) and experience highlighted the
Michael Shine (1994) also attended importance of a coordinated
the College. approach in managing large
scale projects. Since then he
My son Martin (1983) also an Old has overseen post disaster
Collegian, did well in sports and management in Indonesia, New
academically and succeeded me at Zealand, Japan, Pakistan, Nepal
Tobin Brothers as the CEO. He left and The Philippines. Steinfort
the company in 2011 to set up what is now focussed on Indigenous
housing and health improvement
projects and regards the
treatment of our Indigenous
peoples as disastrous.
Qualifying initially as a civil
engineer, Steinfort completed
his PhD, looking at how project
management could be applied
to relief aid projects. In 1985 he
established his company, PSA
Projects, which since then has
overseen $3 billion worth of
projects.
At the end of Grade 7, Steinfort
won a Diocesan Scholarship
to study at De La Salle, and in
1963 he completed the College’s
Proficiency (Year 9) before moving
to St Bede’s College Mentone.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 13OLD COLLEGIAN EARNS A TRIPLE DOUBLE
Old Collegian earns a
Triple Double
When Ben Jopling (2012) left school, he had absolutely no
idea what he wanted to do but an internship with the NBL
led to a dream job, a tour with the Harlem Globetrotters,
and the title of Employee of the Year.
Ben Jopling
In just three years, Jopling, has gone During his tenure he has seen the all of Basketball Australia’s assets,
from intern to a key role in the League’s NBL expand its brand and influence. and are in the process of introducing
revitalisation as the NBL’s National “Things have really changed since I a number of other properties to
Program and Major Events Manager. joined the League. We have acquired ensure that there is basketball
the Harlem Globetrotters tour rights content in the Australian market 365
After a successful Tour of China in
for numerous countries; created a days a year.”
2018, Jopling was named the NBL’s
new game, 3x3Hustle, a competition
Employee of the Year. This year To think that it wasn’t that long
which starts on a local street level
he oversaw the successful Harlem ago that Jopling was resurfacing
and ends up at the Olympic level;
Globetrotters 2019 tour of Australia, basketball courts at Rubberworx, a
established the NBL 1 – a feeder
New Zealand and Singapore, which part time job he took on while doing
league run in winter for the best
took on shows in 13 different cities in a business degree at Monash.
Victorian and Tasmanian talent,
16 days across the three countries.
obtained the commercial rights for
14 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEWhile Jopling is of the past three years, the NBL has
optimistic about the played a series of pre-season games
growth of the League against NBA teams, and has made the
he is also aware of sport in Australia a legitimate pathway
the challenges ahead. to enter the NBA.”
“One of the biggest
“The NBL is currently in the
challenges facing the
conversation as being the second-
NBL is the evolution of
best professional basketball league
the brand’s perception.”
in the world. There is definitely a
“When people think long way to go, but the foundations
about professional have been laid and the momentum is
basketball, they think building to transform the NBL into a
of the NBA. However, powerhouse in the Australian sporting
since the League’s landscape.”
privatisation in 2015,
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for
the popularity and
basketball in Australia, and I want to
perception of the sport
be a big part of the future success
has drastically changed.”
and prosperity of the League.”
“Basketball is now
Ms Kerry Martin
the second highest
participation sport in
“When I was resurfacing basketball the country and is also the only one
courts, I thought I might take on a to have experienced year-on-year
trade as I didn’t really know what I growth in national interest over the
wanted to do, but when a University past four years. The most recent
friend put me onto an Internship at season saw the NBL achieve its
the NBL everything changed. When highest attendances in history and
a vacancy in the League’s Operations had national free to air viewership
Division opened up, I thought I’d give increases and significant growth in its
a go.” global broadcast reach.
“I worked hard to learn fast and “As opposed to the NBL positioning (top left) 2019 Harlem Globetrotters Promotional
itself against the NBA as a direct Tour – Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
as my knowledge of the League’s
operations grew, I was given more competitor, the League has done a (above) 2018 China Tour – National Anthem
and more responsibility; starting with great job of working with the NBA to Ceremony, Jiyuan.
managing the business intelligence of foster a strong relationship. In each (below) Jopling earns a Triple Double.
the company, and then progressing to
facilitating major events, followed by
my current role.”
“I have been privileged to have had
so many opportunities over the
last three years. This year’s Harlem
Globetrotters Tour was definitely the
biggest project I have been involved
with, but one of the most memorable
experiences came last year when I
was managing the 2018 NBL All-
Australian Team’s tour of China.”
“Before the game, the teams and staff
stood on the court for our national
anthems. That moment of being in a
foreign country, in front of thousands
of people and looking up at the
Australian flag, whilst our anthem
played was an incredibly emotive and
humbling experience.”
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 15ALL IN THE FAMILY
All in the Family
The iconic Ripponlea shopping variety of ages and nationalities and football team, played ACC hockey and
strip, with its heritage buildings have been accepted by the Jewish was a member of the cross-country
and small specialty shops, is community to the extent that they are team. “After I graduated, I also played
a close community and thanks a major part of not only our business with the Old Collegians for a while
to one Old Collegian his family but also our friends.” before life got too busy.”
business, after almost half a “Last year we were in a car accident “I played footy up until my second
century, remains at the heart of and the local community rallied child was born, but now, I generally
that community. around us to make sure we were OK. spend any spare time with my kids,
We even got a call from Israel. We are although I have just recently started
Bonnici’s Hairdressing is an old- very grateful for the Jewish community playing basketball with a client’s
fashioned barber shop which has that we have around us.” team.”
been operating in the heart of the
Alongside the traditional kosher Like any small business operator
Ripponlea shopping strip as a family
delis and butchers, the strip has a Bonnici’s days are long. “During the
business for 49 years.
reputation as a “foodie” haven. The week we open at 8:30 am and finish at
Andre Bonnici (1999) took over the arrival in 2005 of the highly acclaimed 6:00 pm, if we are lucky, on Saturday’s
family business five years ago when restaurant, ‘Attica’, across the road we are finished by 12:30pm.”
his father retired and along with his from Bonnicis, was something of
“After work we love to spend time
wife, Fiona, is continuing the family a magnet for new eateries, which
with the kids.” Bonnici has a daughter,
tradition of providing an old-fashioned have subsequently opened up along
Codie who is in Year 8 at PCW
barber shop. the strip.
and two sons, Noah 8 in Year 3 at
“My father started the business in Bonnici comes from a long line of Ripponlea Primary, and five-year-old,
1970 and after I graduated from the barbers. “My grandfather was a Raphael.”
College, I started my hairdressing barber as well as my uncle and father,”
For Bonnici, family and community
apprenticeship with him. I worked he said.
comes first. “I consider myself
with him for nearly 20 years until he
“My wife and I continue to run the fortunate that I have been able to work
decided it was time to hang up his
business the old-fashioned way. With with my family, first with my father
scissors,” Bonnici said.
my father still coming in to lend a hand for 20 years and now with my wife,
“When my father first started 49 years during the busy periods. We are a amongst this wonderful community.”
ago there were paddocks just up the men’s barber shop that cut hair and
Ms Kerry Martin
road.” But for many years things along still do face shaves the old way.”
the strip didn’t change,” he said.
While a student at the College, Bonnici
The strip has no banks, no chain was the captain of the First XVIII
stores, not even any fast-
food outlets and many of the
businesses are operated by
the local Jewish community,
who run kosher delis and
restaurants.
The small suburb is home
to Melbourne’s largest
‘Addasinik’ Jewish community
and its small shopping strip
is a unique mix of culture and
tradition.
This ultra- conservative
Jewish community have for
decades called Ripponlea
home and most days, men
in long black silk coats and
fur hats can be seen rubbing
shoulders with school goers
and shoppers.
“We are very lucky to have
Bonnici’s Hairdressing
customers from a wide
16 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEFOLLOWING IN THE STEPS OF MENZIES
Following in the steps of Menzies
When Michael D Wyles Q.C.
(1979) was 12 years old he
read a biography of Sir Robert
Menzies. The story of Australia’s
longest serving Prime Minister,
who rose from humble
beginnings to be admitted to
the Victorian Bar and the High
Court of Australia, proved
inspirational for the young boy
who eventually would follow in
Menzies’ footsteps to the Bar.
After graduating from the University
of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts
and a Bachelor of Laws, Wyles started
his career as a solicitor at Arthur
Robinson & Hedderwicks and after
completing the Bar Readers Course,
was admitted to The Bar in 1990.
Known as someone who doesn’t Michael D Wyles
shy away from difficult cases or hard
work, Wyles has taken over 300 cases
to judgment including, the Cadbury’s Cross-examination is another skill I that ensuring it is an efficient and
battle with Darrel Lea over the use have learned over the years.” effective tool for the delivery of what
of the colour purple to sell chocolate the community accepts as the just
“In appeals I need to engage
and representing Telstra to protect and fair ordering of the affairs of the
the Court to understand where
its intellectual property in the colour individuals and companies of which
they disagree with the case I am
yellow in telephone directories. it is comprised, is an enormous
advancing. Appellate argument
challenge for the legal profession into
Earlier in his career he was retained in requires a deep familiarity with the
the future.
various matters arising from failures of thinking of the High Court of Australia.
Farrow Finance, the building society in There would not be a day in chambers A career highlight for Wyles has been
which many residents of Geelong and go by where I do not read decisions arguing cases in the High Court of
surrounds lost their life savings. delivered by the High Court.” Australia. “This is a privilege few
enjoy.”
Wyles’ days are long, starting around The day usually ends between 6:00
3:30am with a regime of exercise and and 7:00pm. While he avoids work on He believes De La Salle College
catching up on the latest news before Saturdays, Sundays are usually spent set him on a pathway for academic
arriving in chambers. on case work. pursuit and the acquisition of
knowledge as a lifelong endeavour.
When running a trial or appeal, a In 1996 Wyles became a member of
typical day, involves discussions with the Australian Institute of Company “Br Damien Harvey impressed upon
his juniors before Court, otherwise he Directors which enables him to better me at a very young age the need to
spends the day in conferences with understand matters from the client’s take a position and not just sit on the
clients and junior counsel, reading point of view, and significantly gives fence. This has no doubt caused me
materials, reading cases and writing him the ability to assist his clients to some grief over the years, but it has
opinions and arguments. find the optimum commercial outcome also stood me in a good stead and
in any dispute. was a large part of my motivation in
“Generally, I find some quiet time
designing and pursing successfully
before Court to distill my thoughts. As well as running a successful
the campaign to restore the use of the
In Court I engage in legal argument practice, Wyles also does pro bono
title of Queen’s Counsel in Victoria. “
and presentation of the client’s case work, such as developing and
- a privilege which carries with it making submissions to the Victorian “I encourage today’s students to
enormous responsibility,” Wyles said. Parliamentary Inquiry into Protecting be hungry for success every day,
Victoria’s Vulnerable Children. bearing in mind that success is a
“Whilst in Court I listen to every word
protean concept.”
of evidence and seek to internalise Wyles is passionate about the integrity
it to use for the benefit of my client. of the adversarial system. He believes Ms Kerry Martin
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 17THE WINDING ROAD TO WORK
The winding road to work
What do a winding road, a
staircase and a signpost have in
common? They are commonly
used visual representations
of that intangible thing which
we call a career, and like many
Old Collegians, Justin Lyster’s
(1989) career has taken some
unexpected twists and turns
along the way.
Lyster’s winding road started in
engineering three decades ago.
After leaving De La Salle College
and graduating with a double degree
in Civil Engineering and Business
Administration from RMIT University,
Lyster worked for Melbourne Water
and Telstra for several years before Justin Lyster
joining SEEK. While at SEEK an
opportunity arose to move into the
e-commerce space – a career move enjoyed the experience of Christmas always love Melbourne, but I was keen
he has never regretted. in a cold climate. When the sun rises to explore other parts of the world.”
at 9:00am and sets at 3:30pm, many
“SEEK was an opportunity for me Lyster said his three children, April,
traditions, such as hot, roast dinners
to move into e-commerce, which is Aiden and James have had amazing
and Christmas lights, make so much
actually very similar to engineering, opportunities due to his career moves.
more sense.”
loads of data, analytics and problem “As the family expanded along the way
solving.” After three years in the UK, and a sometimes it was difficult for us all
decade after leaving Australia, Lyster to adjust, however it did enable us to
Lyster’s next move was to Singapore returned to Sydney, to take up a grow as a family.”
where he took up a role with the position for Blackwoods, suppliers
global technology company, Premier Lyster’s career has been anything but
of more than 200,000 industrial and
Farnell, again in the e-commerce dull. “Getting the opportunity to lead
safety goods to companies like BHP
space. He embraced working a team based in 12 locations around
and Rio Tinto. Based in Sydney, Lyster
overseas and the opportunity to the world across diverse cultures has
is the company’s General Manager,
appreciate other cultures. been a highlight of my career to-date.
Digital, with responsibility for its 140
It reinforced that no matter where you
“Making the transition from one Australian businesses.
are from, great teams rely on great
workplace culture to another requires, “In my current role I get to lead an communication, being treated fairly
an open mind, a positive attitude and awesome team of e-commerce and working towards a common goal.”
the ability to adapt. professionals who manage the
Even though it is a big world you are
“Every workplace is different, and company’s websites, which trade
sometimes reminded of how small
you have to be open to new ways close to $300 million a year and are a
it can seem. “I literally bumped into
of doing things. Singapore is very key growth channel for our business.”
Tim Grogan (1989) waiting in line in
multi-cultural, and we celebrated lots While Lyster has a real passion customs at Bangalore Airport in India.
of religious festivals, Ramadan, Diwali for e-commerce he still gets to It was close to midnight and it was
and Chinese New Year, although the wear his engineering hat a lot of the first time since Year 12 that I had
flipside, was no public holidays for the time. “Given the emergence of seen him. It is always a high to bump
Easter Monday or Boxing Day.” artificial intelligence into commercial into an old friend from De La Salle. It
After six years in Singapore, Lyster applications, I actually spend a lot is good to know some things never
who by then had a young family, of time with data scientists and data change.”
moved to the UK where he took up engineers. Engineering provides a
“Success is the intersection of what
a leadership role, still with Premier very adaptable skill base.”
you enjoy and what you are good at -
Farrell, as their Global Director of “Working overseas is a great keep striving to find that sweet spot in
e-commerce Trading. experience and highly recommended. your career.”
“We quickly adjusted to the cold and After growing up in Melbourne, I will
Ms Kerry Martin
18 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGETHE OLD COLLEGIANS ASSOCIATION
The Old Collegians’ Association
In April this year, Br Bill Firman
(1961) returned to Malvern
after 10 years in South Sudan,
completing another chapter
in his life of commitment to
the De La Salle Brothers and
their mission.
Former Principal of the College and
Old Collegian, Br Bill grew up in
Wattletree Rd, Malvern, with his elder
sister, Patricia and two older brothers;
Ron (1953) and John (1957). He
commenced his life at De La Salle in
Year 3 and nine years later graduated
as the College Captain, Captain of the
First XI and Captain of the First XVIII.
He entered the Brothers in 1962, and
after graduating from the University of brought together a collective (above) Brother Bill Firman in
New South Wales, took up a position of religious from many different South Sudan.
at De La Salle Ashfield in 1968, where congregations and nationalities
he remained for five years. He came responding collaboratively”
to Malvern in 1972 for a short period Br Bill said. Today, Solidarity comprises 30
of time, before moving to St Bede’s religious men and women of 19
“The collective was known as
Mentone in 1973. A year later he was nationalities from 20 different
“missionaries of hope” following the
appointed Principal, at the age of 31, congregations.
example of Christ in his public life
a position he held for 14 years.
reaching out to the poor and needy, When I asked him what he thought
He was subsequently elected helping children receive better tuition were the highlights of his 57 years
Provincial of the De La Salle Brothers and ensuring more effective health in the De La Salle order, Br Bill said
for the Australian and Papua New and pastoral care.” his involvement in the running of
Guinea District for a four-year boarding schools for a total period of
In 2013, the Solidarity Board relocated
term, followed by appointments to twenty-four years and his most recent
the role of Executive Director from
Boystown in Queensland and New experience in South Sudan.
Rome to South Sudan, and Br Bill was
Plymouth in New Zealand.
invited to accept the role assuming I’m sure all our Old Collegians join
In 2004, Br Bill returned as Principal overall responsibility for the whole me in congratulating Br Bill on his
at De La Salle College Malvern. Not organisation. Unfortunately, this achievements in seeking to create
one to shy away from a challenge, coincided with the country imploding sustainable educational, health and
while at the College, he oversaw many into civil war. “Six years on all of South pastoral programs that will help to
building improvements including the Sudan was sucked into widening empower the South Sudanese people
completion of the St Miguel Theatre at violence, a disintegrating economy, to build a just and peaceful society.
the Kinnoull Campus. Br Bill’s return to declining law and order, lack of food We welcome him back to familiar
the College was the completion of the and a much lower standard of living. territory for a well-earned break.
circle, which for him started in Year The future of hope and optimism
Mr Tony McIlroy
3, but it was the beginning of a new have given way to uncertainty and
President
circle that would be perhaps the most insecurity.”
challenging in his career.
Despite these conditions, Solidarity
That challenge came in 2009 when he has built two campuses for teacher
was appointed to war ravaged South training and opened a Health Training
Sudan to take up a mission known Institute. Each College has over 110
as, “Solidarity with South Sudan.” students in residence who come
The Mission was to rebuild. Br Bill from different tribes and live and train
said he accepted the challenge to together to become teachers, nurses,
walk with the people of South Sudan midwives and agricultural officers who
as they endeavored to recover from will work to provide the food required
many years of civil war. “The mission for this young country.
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 19FAREWELL TO OUR PRESIDENT
Farewell to our President
Sadly, we bid farewell to Tony
McIlroy (1969) whose term
as the President of the Old
Collegians will come to an end
this year. His son Tom McIlroy
(2003), who is the political
reporter with The Australian
Financial Review, pays tribute to
his father’s contribution to the
Old Collegians.
After four years, Tony McIlroy is
stepping down as president of the De
La Salle Old Collegians Association,
his latest chapter in a lifetime of
connection with the College.
When he was invited by Principal
Peter Houlihan to help reinvigorate the
long-standing organisation for former
students in 2016, Dad described De
La Salle College as being part of his
personal DNA.
His father, Charles Ross McIlroy
was a member of the Class of 1929,
attending classes in the Tower
Building alongside future De La Salle
Brother and College Principal Br
Damian Harvey.
His own brothers and nephews
attended the College, and I graduated
in the Class of 2003. Soon after, one
of Dad’s three daughters, my sister,
Kate McIlroy, joined the teaching staff.
Some of his fondest memories and
strongest friendships come from years
as part of the Old Collegians Football Tony McIlroy with grandsons, Billy (left) and Jimmy Hall
Club, including a decade on the
committee and two years as secretary
in 1978 and 1979. He was also active At the end of 2018, Dad retired from During his time as president, Dad has
in the Old Collegians Athletics Club. a long and successful career in local attended countless College events
government in Melbourne and regional and reunions, helping foster the future
Dad served as Chairman of the
Victoria, including working at the City sustainability of the Old Collegians
College Council from 1999 until 2003,
of Camberwell, Bayside City Council and grow the spirit of De La Salle.
working closely with the Board and
and most recently completing 15 He has enjoyed and valued the role,
Br Tim Peter during a time of growth
years as the Chief Executive of Benalla helping others keep up associations
and development. He has maintained
Rural City. Now with a bit more time with the College and their peers.
a close association and warm
on his hands, he is enjoying new
friendship with many of the Brothers As Br Damian Harvey famously said,
challenges in Melbourne. He loves
in Melbourne and beyond - men “You can take the boy out of De
looking after his three grandchildren,
who shaped the hearts and minds La, but you can’t take De La out of
rarely misses Collingwood games and
of thousands of students because the boy”.
is never far from the races at Caulfield
of their commitment to the teaching Tom McIlroy (2003)
and Flemington. His willingness to
vocation.
help others with small or significant
tasks is legendary.
20 | DE LA SALLE COLLEGEOLD COLLS FOOTBALL CLUB
Old Collegians’ Football Club
Season 2019 has delivered At the time of writing, we have two • The Colts are sitting fifth with a
some amazing moments games remaining for the majority of game to make up from the two
across our nine teams, but the our teams. Our seniors are fighting to remaining, in order to clinch a spot
overarching feeling at Waverley stave off relegation, with a victory in in the business end.
Oval is one of bewilderment Round 16 positioning us well. It may
• The Thirds, Premiers in 2018, have
given our well-justified early well come down to a final round clash
endured numerous opposition
optimism for the senior side. with Old Trinity at our home ground
forfeits but look set for finals as well.
Injuries and a lack of cohesion in Round 18 to determine which team
amongst an ever-changing line- will remain in Premier grade – Trinity • The Masters Men’s team,
up have not helped the quest themselves played finals last year, continue to roll on towards a third
of the side, who as a result such is the unpredictable nature of the successive flag.
have struggled to strike and competition.
As always the effort and work ethic of
maintain form, in what has been In Summary: our players, coaches and volunteers
a challenging first season for is outstanding and the fantastic
new coach, Peter Schwab, new • The Reserves have made a
atmosphere, attendance and overall
President Matt O’Callaghan and remarkable effort considering their
positive vibe of the Club is the envy
players. ever-changing line-up in support of
of other Clubs. The Blue and Gold
our senior side are in contention for
Gala Ball, which was another sell-out,
top four.
Looking ahead the future looks bright saw Pat Maher and Ralph McHenry
with a number of new young recruits • The Women’s Masters, (The inducted as Legends. Our U19
including the recent debut, in Round Cannons), won five of 10 games program results, coupled with the
16, of Tom Deane-Johns, who at just in their opening season, with number of young players showcasing
17-years of age, acquitted himself well the vast majority of the side not their talent in the senior side this year,
in the Seniors’ side and has a bright having played the game before! An bodes for an outstanding 2020.
future at the Club. amazing effort from Coach, Pat
Troy Buntine
O’Callaghan, and the team.
Meanwhile, Ant Forato, Will Mackie www.delasalleocfc.com.au
and Adrian Indovino, all notched their • The open age Women’s team, (the
100th games for the Club this year. Guns), had a great season with
Club legends Peter Harrison, Andrew three wins.
Mackintosh and Ben Corin each
• The U19 program, coached by
played their 300th game on the same
Gabe Deane-Johns, is set to do
day, in what was a special day for
battle with Old Xaverians and St
them, their families and the entire Club
Kevin’s for top spot.
and a third successive flag (and fourth
in eight years) awaits the Masters • The U19 Golds are in line for a final’s
team this year. place, sitting fourth and clear by a
game, with two to play. Caption text to go here
LASALLIAN ROLL CALL 2019 | 21You can also read
