ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Old Camberwell
Grammarians’ Association
Notice of Meeting
Annual General Meeting 2026
Tuesday 3 March, 6.30pm
Camberwell Room
Camberwell Grammar School 55 Mont Albert Road
Canterbury Victoria 3126
AGENDA
1. Welcome
1.1 Present
1.2 In Attendance
1.3 Apologies
2. Minutes of 2025 AGM
3. Business of the Meeting
3.1 President’s Report (tabled)
3.2 Presentation of Honorary Life Membership
3.3 Financial Statements
3.4 Election of Auditor
3.5 Election of Committee
4. Other Business
5. Closure
Guest speAker - Henry sewell (2025)
Standing at 6’10”, Henry will share personal reflections on his school life before heading to the US in June to play Division 1 Basketball at Portland University. Henry will remain with Melbourne United as a development player for the rest of NBL26.
Henry has represented Australia at the junior level three times, winning gold at the 2022 FIBA U15 Oceania Championship and 2023 FIBA U16 Asia Championship, while also hitting the court at the U17 FIBA World Cup. Henry also won two AGSV Championships with CGS.
AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinG
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association
Minutes of The Annual General Meeting held at 7.00 pm, Tuesday, 4 March 2025 in The Camberwell Room , Camberwell Grammar School
1. W ELCOME
1.1 1.2
1.3 Present
G. Taplin, T. Henley, G Powell, A. McCall, E Smith, B May, N Schildberger, M Pountney, J. Giovannucci, B. Chesler, J. Amling, T. Graves, M. Dimatos, G. Gong, C. Kalas, L. Winkett, B Pang, T Kalas
In Attendance
R. Whitehead (Head of Community and Development), B. Jeacocke (Principal), C. Parker (Development Associate)
Apologies
G. Ballard, I. Lenton, W. Edney, J. Mills, M. Koswig, P. Deliyannis, J. Fitzgerald, R. Desai, P. Homes
2 . M INUTES OF THE 202 4 AGM
The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
3 . B USINESS OF THE MEETING
3.1 President’s Report (tabled)
The President’s report was tabled, and Nick highlighted the following:2024 was a year of connection, celebration, and remembrance. The year kicked off with the Generations Breakfast, where families with deep ties to the school, some going back four generations, came together for a beautiful reflection of the lasting legacy of Camberwell Grammar.
A significant milestone for the School was Dr. Paul Hicks completing his 20th and final year as Headmaster. We had the privilege of celebrating his incredible legacy at the OCGA Annual Dinner, where he delivered the Toast to the School.
We also remembered the loss of Ian Mason, a beloved figure in both the School and OCGA community, whose impact will continue to resonate.
We introduced Wellbeing as a key strategic priority, hosting successful events in collaboration with Craig Turton from 100Words. Looking ahead, we are planning our inaugural health and wellbeing event in 2025, bringing our entire community together.
Other standout events on the busy calendar included:
• The Battle of the Decades Tennis Tournament at Kooyong, where alumni from across the decades competed,
• The OCGA Golf Challenge at Kew Golf Club,
• Many Reunions (all over Australia), including the 50 -year lunch in this room which set a new record for attendance!
• We presented OCGA cufflinks to Year 12 boys and it was special to have Graeme Ballard attend to greet his grandson – it was Graeme who initiated the Cufflink Ceremony 30 years ago!
On the sporting field, both our Cricket and Football clubs had strong seasons, with the OCGA Cricket Club winning the Grand Final in the 2nd XI competition – a fourth premiership for the Club since its inception in 2015.
And the Football Club reaching new heights by being promoted to B Grade (for only the 3rd time in its history), finishing a very respectable 6th. The Under 19s narrowly missing out on a premiership following a controversial finish to the Grand Final.
Both clubs have seen a growing number of CGS alumni joining their ranks, and as a committee, we are thrilled with the strong connection and continued support they provide to our School programs.
The Camberwell Grammarians Theatre Company put on a powerful performance of Paper Lanterns, Paper Cranes, and we look forward to more exciting productions in 2025.
As we reflect on our successes, I must acknowledge the tremendous support of our community. I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Paul Hicks for his enthusiastic support, as well as to the School Council and staff for their invaluable contributions.
I’d also like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who made our packed event calendar possible, especially Ryan Whitehead, Cindy Parker and their team in the CGS Community and Development Office.
Finally, thanks to our Committee Members for their hard work and dedication.
As we head into the new year, we are excited about the possibilities ahead. We continue to thrive because of the active participation of alumni across all ages, and we look forward to more engaging events in the future.
I encourage you all to stay involved and share your ideas as we continue to grow and support each other.
Thank you all for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you at an OCGA event soon!
3.2 Presentation of Honorary Life Membership
Trevor Henley (1969) was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the OCGA.
3.3 Financial Statements
The Treasurer’s report was tabled, and N. Schildberger highlighted the following:-
• The Annual Accounts of the OCGA for the year ending 31 December 2024 have been circulated to members.
• The OCGA continues to maintain a strong financial position, with total equity at year-end of $1,890,534. This marks an 8% increase from the previous year, largely due to the performance of our investment portfolio, which increased by 9.5%. We outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index by 1.95%.
• Income and expenditure were largely consistent with 2023, with the main difference being the increase in receipts and costs associated with the Annual Dinner held in 2024.
• The OCGA generated an operating surplus of $31,469. However, due to the decision to dispose of some underperforming stock holdings, we incurred realised losses on investments totalling $27,853, resulting in a net surplus of $3,616 for the year.
• Total income for the year was $139,491, with the three major sources being dividends from the investment portfolio, Life Memberships, and receipts from functions.
• Total expenditure was $108,022, with the main costs being related to functions and grants to sporting bodies.
• N. Schildberger thanked t he Finance and Investment Committee, chaired by Warren Edney, and Treasurer, Peter Deliyannis, for their continued hard work in delivering these results.
3.4 Election of Honorary Auditor
N. Schildberger thanked McPhail and Partners for their work this year.
McPhail and Partners were nominated as Honorary Auditors for the coming year.
McPhail and Partners were elected Honorary Auditors unanimously by the meeting.
3.5
Election of the Committee
The OCGA Committee for 2025 was accepted
Jack Amling (2019)
Peter Deliyannis (2013)
Warren Edney (1975)
Jack Fitzgerald (2018) – Vice President
Julian Giovannucci (2011) – Vice President
Geoffrey Gong (2020)
Michael Koswig (1986)
John Mills (1984)
Michael Pountney (2001)
Nick Schildberger (1997)President 4 . OTHER
5
. C LOSURE AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The meeting was closed at 7.22pm. The Annual General Meeting 2026 will be on Tuesday 3 March at 7.00pm
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ assOCiatiOn President’s Report
The Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association (OCGA) enjoyed another strong and engaging year in 2025, with alumni from every generation coming together through a wide range of reunions, network functions, sporting events, and professional and community gatherings. These occasions continue to reflect the depth of connection and pride that define our alumni community.
A significant milestone for the school was the appointment of Ben Jeacocke as Principal of Camberwell Grammar School. Ben’s warm engagement with our alumni at events such as the 50 Year Lunch, reunions and interstate functions set a positive tone for this new chapter in the life of the school, and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.
We were also proud to support the school financially for the newly established David de Kretser Scholarship, helping to give a boy the opportunity to attend Camberwell Grammar School who would not otherwise have been able to do so, and reinforcing our shared belief in the transformative power of education.
This year marked an important step forward in our wellbeing focus with the delivery of our first major event under this strategic pillar. Our Health and Wellbeing evening, held during Men’s Health Week in partnership with The Man Cave, Josh Glover (2014) and Joel Hines, created a powerful forum for open and meaningful conversation.
As we reflect on our work, it is important to reaffirm our guiding principles:
Purpose: The OCGA exists to foster a supportive and inclusive community for Old Camberwell Grammarians to maximise their happiness and well-being in their personal and professional lives.
Mission: To provide opportunities and experiences that motivate Old Camberwell Grammarians to connect and engage with the community and become the best versions of themselves.
Strategic Priorities:
• Communication
• Connection
• Career
• Wellbeing
The success of our full calendar of events and activities is made possible through the dedication of many volunteers. I extend my sincere thanks to the Committee and to the Community and Development Office, led by Ryan Whitehead (1994), with invaluable assistance from Cindy Parker, for their continued commitment to our alumni community.
Life Membership
All 188 leavers from Camberwell Grammar School in 2025 joined as new Life Members of the OCGA and we are delighted to welcome them to the association.
Finance & Investments
The reporting period for the OCGA is from 1 January to 31 December 2025. The OCGA continues to maintain a strong financial position with total equity at year-end of $1,809,390. This was a decrease of 4.2% from the prior year, largely due to the under performance of the investment portfolio which decreased 5.7%. When compared to the relative benchmark of the S&P/ ASX 200 Accumulation Index, the OCGA was outperformed by 12.15% for the year.
Income was relatively consistent with 2024, with the main exceptions in expenditure being the contributions made by the OCGA to the David de Kretser Scholarships of $40k in 2025 and the Annual Dinner which was held in 2024. Whilst the OCGA generated a near breakeven Operating Surplus, being a loss of $1,028, due to decisions made during the year to dispose of and cement gains in a number of stock holdings, realised gains on Sale of Investments totalled $105,814, resulting in a Net Surplus of $104,786 for the year.
Total income for the year was $133,080. The three major sources of income for the OCGA continue to be dividends from the investment portfolio, Life Memberships from the cohort of Year 12 students, and receipts from functions. Total expenditure for the year was $134,108. The major expenses are costs of functions and grants to sporting bodies.
I would like to thank the Finance and Investment Committee, Chaired by Warren Edney (1975) as well as our Treasurer Peter Deliyannis (2013) for these results.
Reunions & Special Events
5 February – OCGA v Old Scotch Lawn Bowls. A team of pennant, social, and new bowlers faced off against Old Scotch for the “Keith Weymouth Shield for Lawn Bowls.” The OCGA team, made up of 7 alumni, 5 current and past staff, and 2 guests, couldn’t match the strength of the Old Scotch side, losing 77 shots to 53. Despite the result, both teams always enjoy the friendly competition and great conversation.
26 February – Generations Breakfast. The Horskins family had two of their four generations in attendance, with their connection to Camberwell Grammar School dating back to 1920. Additionally, two families had a grandfather, father, uncles and sons attend. The families had the chance to have a professional photo taken. In 2025 we had 20 Year 12 students whose fathers are alumni, along with another four who have other family connections to the school. The Class of 1991 boasted the largest cohort, with 15 alumni from that year having sons at the school. Alumni attendees were 27 fathers, 2 grandfathers, 9 uncles, 2 brothers and 34 students.
4 March – Annual General Meeting (AGM). President Nick Schildberger (1997) highlighted some of the key events of 2024, provided an overview of the affiliated Football, Cricket, and Theatre groups, and reviewed the association’s financial position. Trevor Henley (1969), former Director of Music, was honoured with an Honorary Life Membership of the OCGA for his continuous support, including regularly attending reunions and leading group singing at gatherings. Christos Kalas (2020), President, Lewis Winkett (2020), Vice President, and Michael Dimatos (2020), Treasurer, presented the progress they’ve made in relaunching the Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Soccer Club (OCGSC). 17 alumni and three staff attended.
14 March – Golf Challenge. 22 alumni, one parent and 38 sponsors played at Kew Golf Club.
• Nearest the Pin 4th: Damian Kane (Fletchers)
• Nearest the Pin 11th: Bryce Greaves (Konica Minolta)
• Straightest Drive: Steve Moriarty (KMS Financial Solutions)
• Longest Drive (Men): Thomas Cooper (2022)
• Longest Drive (Women): Michelle Cole (Accru Melbourne)
• Winning Team: Konica Minolta – Blake Warwick, Mario Tizzani, Bryce Greaves and Colin Johnston.
27 March – Battle of the Decades. 30 alumni spanning from the 1970s to the 2020s, including father-son duos Jeff Rimington (1974) & Nick Rimington (2002), and Justin Smith (1989) & Ryder Smith (2024), came together for the Battle of the Decades Tennis Tournament at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. The youthful energy of the 2020s alumni propelled them to a back-to-back victory. Joey Govenlock (2024) was named best individual player, followed by James McCann (1990) and Projit Banerjee (2017). After the tournament, everyone enjoyed a lovely dinner and drinks.
4 April – Careers Night. 34 alumni provided valuable insights to Year 10 students into their daily routines, work-life balance, strategies for managing stress, and the journey they took to reach their current roles. The panel discussions, which covered areas such as Building/Planning, Media, Marketing & Design, Business, Engineering, Law & Society, Medicine & Allied Health,
Science, and Technology, inspired students as they look ahead to work experience and life after school.
4 May – 50 Year Lunch. The Camberwell Room was filled with laughter and memories as alumni from 1948 to 1975 came together for the 50 Year Lunch. Principal Ben Jeacocke gave his first welcome to the 50 Years Chapter, with Grace by Rev Sean Gilbert (1975) and a heartfelt toast by Dean Newlan (1975), who shared reflections from his time as a student and parent. Dean noted that although his six years at Camberwell Grammar represented just a small portion of his 67 years, the school instilled values that continue to guide him to this day. The attendees enjoyed a special performance by cast members of The Pirates of Penzance – first performed at the school in 1975. The day wrapped up with the singing of the School and Sport songs. 89 alumni, 24 guest, four current staff and three past staff attended.
14 May – ACT Network Function. New Principal, Ben Jeacocke and Head of Community and Development, Ryan Whitehead (1994) recently hosted a gathering for alumni living and working in Canberra. Eight alumni from 1959 to 2003 game together for drinks and savouries.
30 May – 5 Year Reunion. The Class of 2020 reunited to celebrate their 5 Year Reunion. Many former teachers joined the gathering, eager to catch up on what their past students have been doing since graduation—some have embarked on their first career journeys, while others are continuing their studies or pursuing further education. It was especially heartwarming to see their smiling faces, after spending much of Year 12 behind mandatory COVID masks. 67 alumni and five staff attended.
30 May – 10 Year Reunion. The Class of 2015 celebrated their 10 Year Reunion. Principal Ben Jeacocke welcomed the group and highlighted the school’s recent sporting achievements. He noted that the Class of 2015 narrowly missed out on experiencing the new sports centre, which was built shortly after their graduation. Former classmates enjoyed reconnecting and sharing updates on their careers and personal lives. 54 alumni and four staff attended.
11 June – Men’s Health & Wellbeing Event. To celebrate Men’s Health Week, the Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association, alongside Josh Glover (2014), The Man Cave and Joel Hines, Speakeasy Facilitator hosted a powerful Movember SpeakEasy workshop. Alumni, current staff and parents of various ages shared their stories and together learnt the power of opening up and having authentic conversations to strengthen their connections. Bottling things up doesn’t only impact individuals — it can impact families, friendships, and entire communities. Ten alumni, one parent and four staff attended.
17 June – GAT BBQ. Senior students were delighted to find a BBQ lunch waiting for them during the break in the GAT (General Achievement Test). Three members of the OCGA committee and three staff cooked the BBQ, marking their third consecutive year supporting the event.
26 June – NSW Network Function. For over 20 years, Ian Robertson AO (1973) has graciously hosted the NSW Network Function at the Holding Redlich offices in Sydney. Alumni leaders from business, law, engineering, and allied health gathered for an enjoyable evening of drinks and savouries. The event provides a valuable opportunity for alumni who have recently relocated to Sydney to build both personal and professional connections. 15 alumni, one guest and two staff attended.
27 June – QLD Network Function. The Lobby Bar at The Langham Gold Coast, located on the beachfront, was the perfect venue for alumni living and working on the Gold Coast to come together. It was wonderful to see alumni of all ages attending the QLD Network Function, some for the first time. The event provided a valuable opportunity to catch up on the latest school updates, especially when living and working interstate. 16 alumni, four guests and two staff attended.
15 August – 20 Year Reunion. Attendees travelled from interstate and overseas to join the Class of 2005. The evening began with a tour of the school, followed by drinks and reconnecting with classmates. 22 alumni and five staff attended.
15 August – 30 Year Reunion. The Class of 1995’s 30 Year Reunion saw a great turnout. Some attendees hadn’t been back to the school in many years, while others are current parents or have sons starting in the coming years. It was wonderful to see such a strong presence from the Class of 1995. 59 alumni and four staff attended.
27 August – Gallery of Achievement & Life Governors’ Dinner
The Gallery of Achievement and Life Governors’ Dinner was held to honour the newest inductees into the Gallery of Achievement, celebrate former Headmaster Paul Hicks as a Life Governor of the school, and recognise the outstanding 25 years of service by staff members Nick Appleyard and Paul Brincat.
We proudly welcomed the following alumni into the Gallery of Achievement:
Walter (Bruce) Steele AM (1949) – Recognised for his exceptional service to scholarship and the arts. Bruce was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
James William McCann PSM (1990) – Honoured for his outstanding public service in leading and managing Victoria’s Youth Justice Centres, contributing significantly to their recovery and development. James was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
Hugh de Kretser (1991) – Recognised for his significant contributions to law and justice, having served as Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission, Director of the Victorian Sentencing Advisory Council, Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre, CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and now President of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Mr Joshua Daicos (2016) – Celebrated for his achievements in the AFL with Collingwood FC. Josh was awarded the AFL Goal of the Year and named in the 22Under22 team in 2020, and was selected for the All-Australian Team in 2023.
Congratulations also to Year 12 student Saveen, recipient of the Charles Francis Award for Ethics, who delivered an inspiring address at the dinner. He reflected on how his Year 8 camp experience laid the foundation for lasting connections within the school. Returning as a leader in Year 11 proved a full-circle moment, offering lessons in leadership more powerful than any textbook.
11 October – Open Day. Many alumni returned for Open Day to take on our school teams in a variety of friendly sports competitions
While the alumni brought heart and experience, the school teams were too strong, winning the following events:
• The Wayne Arthurs Doubles Tennis Cup
• Simon & Terence Chong Badminton Trophy
• Stuart Webster Shield in Hockey
• OCGA vs CGS Firsts Basketball
A big congratulations to the Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Soccer Club who claimed the first-ever Taliadoros Schwab Soccer Trophy! After the matches, alumni caught up over refreshments and cheered on Harry Watson (2023) as he sprinted to victory in the CR Bence Cup Open Day Gift. A fun Table Tennis exhibition match added to the day also.
17 October – Year 12 Cufflink Presentation. Sixteen alumni fathers and one grandfather had the honour of presenting cufflinks to their child and the 2025 cohort — a special tradition shared alongside OCGA President Nick Schildberger (1997) and Head of Community & Development, Ryan Whitehead (1994).
24 October – 40 Year Reunion. The Class of 1985 had a fantastic time reminiscing about their school days – from tuckshop treats of hot buttered rolls and games of “knuckles” out the front, to memories of the First XI Cricket team facing a young Shane Warne at Mentone. A highlight of the evening was a wonderful speech by Rod Heath, who brought laughter with a few props from the past – a folded hymn book, a school dates book, and his old school tie (minus the gold thread that had been removed with a compass!). 38 alumni and six staff attended.
13 November – WA Network Function. Eleven alumni living in Western Australia came together for drinks, savouries and great conversation with Principal Ben Jeacocke and Head of Community & Development, Ryan Whitehead (1994). Alex Marsden (1991) from Marsden & Associates generously opened his Perth office to host the event.
14 November – SA Network Function. Nine alumni living in South Australia gathered at Septimus House of Cheese & Wine to catch up on the latest school news and build professional connections.
19 November – 60 Year Lunch. We welcomed alumni spanning 1950–1965 for a memorable lunch – the first time the Class of 1965 has joined the gathering. Principal Ben Jeacocke opened the event and Rev. Stewart Taplin (1965) offered Grace. The afternoon was filled with lively conversation, laughter and shared memories. 42 alumni, 9 guests and 4 staff attended.
Gallery of Achievement
This year we inducted four men into the Gallery of Achievement for 2025. Some of these men were nominated by other alumni and some were identified through research of archival material. Once again this year the inductees span a range of achievements. They are highlighted later in this booklet.
General
The OCGA continues to work closely with the school and be involved in several other major ongoing projects. The following is a brief review of that participation:
• Participation in the Annual Giving program and supporting the David de Kretser Scholarships through the CGS Foundation;
• Support for the School archives and museum;
• Providing grants and sponsorship to current students and Alumni to pursue sporting events representing Australia, as well as some smaller specific grants for particularly worthy overseas study or volunteering;
• Providing grants to OCGA sporting and arts clubs/ associations – and encouraging a strong link between these groups and current aligned bodies within the school; and
• Organising speakers for the School Careers Night.
Mentoring Program
For a number of years now, the OCGA has facilitated a mentoring program for members which is powered by a software driven package called Mentor Loop. The OCGA Committee has been impressed by the take-up by both mentors and mentees and
will continue to seek opportunities to support alumni on their career journeys. If you’d like more information on the mentoring program, or would like to participate, please make contact with the Community and Development Office.
Conclusion
I would like to thank Principal Ben Jeacocke, the School Council, and staff for their ongoing support of the OCGA and its activities throughout the year. Their partnership remains central to the strength of our association.
I am also deeply grateful to the Committee Members for their dedication, thoughtful advice, and hard work, and to the Community and Development Office team for their outstanding organisation and support of our events.
It has been rewarding to see so many alumni actively participating in OCGA activities during 2025, from milestone reunions and network functions to wellbeing and careers programs, as well as enthusiastic involvement in our sporting and theatre clubs. We remain keen to hear your ideas and welcome new opportunities to broaden our offering and better serve our community.
I wish everyone in our community a positive and successful year ahead and look forward to seeing you at an OCGA event in the near future.
Nick Schildberger (1997), President Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Association
Sporting Clubs & Affiliates
Cricket Club
The 24/25 season saw the 1st XI finish 8th in their first year in division 2 of the MCC Club XI, where they struggled to compete at the much-improved grade. Andrew Richards (2010 - Club President) finished in the top 10 for runs scored.
The second XI finished second, continuing their multi-year finals run, but were unable to overcome Old Scotch in the semi-final. Club stalwarts Nick Johns-Wickberg and Attrish Sharma finished in the top 10 for league wickets taken.
The 25/26 season has been positive for both teams as they both look set to make finals with the first XI, now competing in division 3 in 3rd. Drew Tudor, Mark Nothdurft (2010) and Sanuka Gunatilake are all in the top 10 for league wickets and Andrew Richards, Rish Nagpal, Arth Guha and Aryaman Bhardwaj are in the top 10 for runs.
The second XI currently sits in second place, starting the season with an unbeaten seven-game win streak. Attrish Sharma, Doug
Potts and Rhett Nothdurft (2012) are in the top 10 for batting across the league and Jon Gumley (2006), Attrish Sharma and Nick Johns-Wickberg are in the top 10 for wickets taken.
We have welcomed a few new faces to the club this year, including some younger members. We have also welcomed Anthony Sherwin (2003), who after a long hiatus from cricket, has come back into the fold after seeing the article published in Spectemur
The club has continued its strong financial position thanks to the generous support of the OCGA, including the privilege of using the School’s facilities for training. We have also organised and run another Bunnings BBQ, our most successful yet. The club purchased new playing kits, including new baggy caps.
The club has focused on creating content this year, especially on Instagram and Facebook, with multiple videos reaching over 100,000 views, with one topping a million and generating hundreds of comments. This content, always portrayed in a positive light, highlights the fun, supportive and social nature of the club.
This year has still seen a complex ground sharing arrangement between Bulleen, Mt Albert and the introduction of East Doncaster, all sharing Wilsons Road Reserve. We are hoping that this will be the final year of use of Wilsons Road reserve for Mt Albert, which means we will be back to full availability on Sundays.
OCGCC are always looking for Camberwell Grammar alumni to join us on our quest for Sunday park cricket glory. We have space for players of all levels to grow their game, help us compete or just enjoy a bit of social cricket. We have players who have returned after a long break, and some who have never stopped, and we pride ourselves on just having a supportive environment to play. If you want to know more, we’d love to hear from you either through our Instagram (@ocgcc), Facebook page, or email secretary.ocgcc@gmail.com.
Andrew Richards (2010), President
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Cricket Club
Football Club
After returning to B grade in 2024 (just the third time in the club’s history), the club was able to consolidate its position with another solid season. Ten wins and eight losses led to another 6th place finish. Although we would have taken that result at the beginning of the season, ultimately it was disappointing to miss the finals after losing our final game.
In many ways, the season marked the start of a new era. Neil “Codge” Connell took over as head coach following Anson Brownless’ ten-year reign, and was joined by senior assistant Hamish McIntosh. Codge was able to attract a number of new players, principally from Old Scotch, all of whom had attended
CGS. Each made a significant contribution to the team during the year and helped fill the void created by the retirement of several senior players.
The season started well with wins over Ivanhoe and Trinity, but a lean patch saw us lose four games on the trot. A late season flourish meant we entered the last round in fourth position, with a win against the visiting Williamstown guaranteeing a finals spot. Alas, it wasn’t to be.
Pleasingly, the average age of the senior team was less than 23, meaning there is plenty of upside in the group. And of the players used during the year, all but one attended Camberwell Grammar School.
Similarly, the seconds were also a young group. The retirement of several “veterans” offered opportunities for the youngsters, with several of the 2024 Under 19 crop playing regularly. Results were mixed, with the team recording five wins for the year, which resulted in an eighth-placed finish.
After an excellent 2024 season, the Under 19’s were promoted to Division 1. This would have been a challenge in any event, but with a new team, it proved to be a little too tough. In a quirky draw, we won two of our first four games against teams that were then regraded to Division 2, which also meant that we were not regraded. Despite several spirited performances, the boys were only able to win one further game for the year.
A significant recruiting drive saw our women once again in a position to field a stand-alone team in 2025 after the challenges of a combined team with Ajax in the previous year. The women provided the highlight of the year, progressing to a preliminary final, only to be narrowly beaten in a thrilling encounter.
Highlights of the year included a sensational Wellsmen lunch attended by over 80 past players and supporters at which a number of life memberships were presented, and a very glamorous Best and Fairest Awards Night. The club continues to be in sound shape, but we must strive to get better every day to support our players and community.
Gavin Powell (1980), President
Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Football Club
Soccer Club
The inaugural 2025 season began in perfect fashion, with the team crowned Preseason Cup champions. In the VCFA league, the Seniors finished 5th while the Reserves secured an impressive 3rd place. We also claimed the Taliadoros and Schwab Cup against the school Firsts XI, and off the pitch were proud to present at the Camberwell Grammar Assembly. The season culminated in a tremendously successful Presentation Night, not only celebrating on-field achievements, but also the revival of the club alongside its founding members, including the awarding of
Life Membership to eight dedicated individuals. Throughout the year, we also secured valuable sponsorships from CGS alumni and supporters, including Zenith Finance (George Kalas), Amott Quality Meats (Alex McCall), and PrintCo (Mason Pearson).
With a year now behind us, we are extremely excited for the 2026 season. Our major project is the establishment of the club’s firstever Women’s team. Promoting inclusivity and diversity is central to the club’s culture and will support growth through engagement with sister schools such as Fintona, Camberwell Girls’ Grammar, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College and others. To encourage participation in this inaugural season, player registration has been fully subsidised. We currently have 14 registered players and are seeking several more to ensure squad depth. We are also pleased to have secured a dedicated Women’s Team sponsor, Broad Radio, whose logo will feature on the team’s kit.
Our men’s teams will continue to compete in the VCFA MPL1 competition in 2026. With a well-established core and several exciting new additions, the squads are shaping up strongly for the season ahead. We have made significant efforts to reconnect with CGS alumni, welcoming six new CGS players, including two graduates from the Class of 2025. Preseason fixtures include a clash with Old Trinity Grammarians SC to launch the annual Mitre Cup tradition, alongside entry into the Preseason Cup, where we hope to add further silverware to the cabinet.
Coaching appointments for 2026 have also been finalised. Keenan Sala has been appointed Senior Head Coach following a successful 2025 campaign as Reserves Head Coach. He will be supported by Senior Assistant Coach Barry May (CGS alum). The Reserves side will be led by Dimitri Topatsis (CGS alum), while Tom Kalas takes charge as Head Coach of the Senior Women’s team after serving as Reserves Assistant Coach in 2025.
Our on-field objectives for 2026 are clear: retain and grow the Women’s team, win the Reserves Championship and secure a top-three finish for the Senior team. Off the field, our focus is on building the foundations of a sustainable junior program and strengthening our partnership with CGS, ensuring a clear pathway for students and alumni to remain connected with the club for years to come, even whilst at school. Establishing this junior program will be a crucial step in enabling the club’s longterm return to the state leagues and in furthering its broader ambitions for growth and success.
We thank the OCGA for their generous support during the club’s first year back on its feet. The contribution has underpinned the club’s revival, supporting a season that delivered on-field success, meaningful engagement with the school community, the celebration of our history and the establishment of strong foundations for future growth.
Christos Kalas (2020), President Old Camberwell Grammarians’ Soccer Club
Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company
Camberwell Grammarians Theatre Company continues to produce exciting pieces of bold, entertaining theatre that bring together Old Grammarians and the wider community alike. The highlight of 2025 was our production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Stephen Bennie. This represented one of CGTC’s most successful productions, with 432 tickets sold over 3 nights. A huge congratulations is warranted to the talented cast and crew.
CGTC also began preparation in earnest (pun intended) for our 2026 production, the First Curtain Festival. This bold project has seen the company work with over 40 cast and crew to present 7 original short plays from Australian playwrights, including Old Grammarians James Gordon (2016) and Benjamin Chesler (2018). Rehearsals are currently underway, with performances from 5 to 8 March 2026 in an exciting new venue, the Clayton Community Theatrette. We strongly encourage Old Grammarians to support original bold theatre and get to see the premiering of some thought-provoking productions, from Australian gothic horror to murder mystery spoof and more! Details are on our socials.
We also welcome Old Grammarians to join our theatre company. Whether you are interested in cast, crew, or just reconnecting with former schoolmates, CGTC has a place for you. Subscribe to our socials for more information.
Benjamin Chesler (2018)
Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company
Gallery of Achievement 2025
Mr Joshua Lachlan DAICOS (2016)
Josh has established himself as a prominent and highly impactful player for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Josh was drafted by the Magpies under the father-son rule in 2016 with pick #57. He made his senior debut in 2017 and has since become a vital component of Collingwood’s dynamic midfield and defensive unit.
Known for his exceptional ball-winning ability, precise foot skills, and tireless run, Josh initially excelled as a classy outside midfielder on the wing. More recently, he has showcased his versatility by seamlessly transitioning to a half-back role, where his elite disposal out of defensive 50 has been a significant asset.
The 2023 season marked a true turning point in Josh’s career, as he played a pivotal role in Collingwood’s memorable premiership triumph. His outstanding individual performance throughout the year was recognised with the prestigious Copeland Trophy, awarded to the club’s Best and Fairest player, and his maiden AllAustralian selection. He continued to demonstrate his consistency and highlevel performance in 2024, placing third in the Copeland Trophy.
Beyond team success, Josh has also accumulated several notable individual accolades. In 2020, he famously won the AFL Goal of the Year award for a spectacular goal from the boundary line. That same year, he was named in the prestigious 22Under22 team, highlighting his status as one of the league’s most promising young talents.
Mr Hugh de KRETSER (1991)
Hugh studied law and arts at the University of Melbourne before joining the law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques. He undertook a pro bono secondment at the Brimbank Community Legal Centre in Melbourne’s outer west and later became the centre’s manager.
He then led the peak body for Victoria’s community legal centres, while also being appointed a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Victorian Sentencing Advisory Council.
Hugh worked for close to a decade as the Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre before becoming the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria. He commenced a five-year term as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2024.
Hugh has held a range of not-for-profit board, governance, and advisory positions, including roles with Flourish Australia, the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations, Knowmore Legal Service, the University of Melbourne Law School, and the National Association of Community Legal Centres.
James McCann was awarded the Public Service Medal in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours “For outstanding public service in leading and managing Victoria’s Youth Justice Centres and driving their recovery and redevelopment”.
James started his career in the Victorian Public Service in 1999, as a frontline youth justice worker supervising and supporting children and young people in custody on sentence or remand via the Children’s Court.
He has held various executive roles within Victoria’s Youth Justice system with responsibility for custodial operations, policy design, service development and system reform. This includes seven years as the Director of the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct and five years as the Executive Director of Youth Justice Custodial Services.
James led the implementation of several key reforms that have improved conditions, training and career pathways for custodial staff, and provided young people with access to specialist mental health services, education and transition pathways that have supported them to successfully reintegrate back into the community.
He established trusted working relationships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, including the Victorian Ombudsman, Commission for Children and Young people, Youth Parole Board and the Community and Public Sector Union, to ensure young people and staff who live and work in Victoria’s Youth Justice Centres are treated with dignity and respect and their rights are upheld.
James completed a Bachelor of Arts (Youth Affairs) at RMIT and an Executive Master of Public Administration at Melbourne University and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).
Mr James William McCANN PSM (1990)
Assoc Professor Walter (Bruce)
STEELE AM (1949)
Bruce Steele graduated as co-Dux of Camberwell Grammar School in 1949 and then pursued higher education at the University of Melbourne and Durham University in the United Kingdom in 1960.
Returning to Australia, Bruce was appointed Associate Professor of English in 1962, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Following his retirement, he continued his academic involvement as an Honorary Research Associate in 1997 and as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Monash University from 2000 to the present. Bruce’s scholarly work has significantly influenced the field of literary studies in Australia.
Beyond his academic achievements, Bruce has made substantial contributions to the music community. He served as Director of Music and organist at St Andrew’s Church from 1954 to 1957. Bruce was a board member of the Melbourne International Festival of Organ and Harpsichord from 1983 to 2000.
In 1984, Bruce established the St Aidan’s Music Society at St Aidan’s Uniting Church in North Balwyn, where he continues to serve as Director of Music and organist. He was the founding editor of Organ Australia from 2005 to 2009 and has been instrumental in organising, hosting, and performing in the annual organ concert series at Melbourne Town Hall from 1986 to 1994.
In recognition of his exceptional service to scholarship and the arts, Bruce was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He was inducted as an Honorary Fellow into the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 2004 and became a Patron of the Australian National Library in 2015. Additionally, he co-founded and directed the Monash Henry Handel Richardson Project from 1996 to 2005, Australia’s largest single-author research project.
The Gallery of Achievement
The Camberwell Grammar School Gallery of Achievement was established to acknowledge and celebrate the success of generations of Old Camberwell Grammarians.
It is an ongoing, evolving project, which aims to inspire current and future students to pursue excellence in a wide range of careers, community service and sport.
A detailed biography of each past student inducted will be included in a Gallery of Achievement Perpetual File, to be held in the Camberwell Grammar School Community and Development Office.
Some of these biographies have been edited for space. Full biographies are available at www.ocga.org.au.
Charlie Adams
Matthew Allsop
Ross Armstrong
Shaya Asadi
Arian Asadpour
George Baker
Matthew Barrett
Ashton Berryman
Rhys Bishop
Jade Bishop
Nicholas Branson
Jack Brant
Lucas Brown
Leo Buckle
Tiaan Burger
Charlie Callaghan
Ari Canale
Joshua Carlin
Noah Catterall
Reuben Chan
Lachlan Charlesworth
Ethan Chen
Thomas Chen-Low
Jonathan Cheung
Jonathan Chong
Caleb Chow
Ryan Chung
Gianni Cioffi
Daniel Cohen
Noah Conn
Lachlan Courmadias
Lachie Crosgrove
Lachlan Cross
Austin Dai
Harper Davidson
Luke Davidson
Leon de Rooden
Liam Dosser
Thomas Douglas
James Doyle
Spencer Drew
Aydin Evans
Raymond Fei
Simon Gao
Alex Gao
James Gargano
James Gaudion
William Georges
Jack Giang
Mitchell Graham
Monty Green
Julian Griffiths
Sam Grlj
Jonah Guorgi
Jonathon Haig
Mitchell Hedley
Max Helmer
Patrick Hindhaugh
Lucas Ho
Mattias Ho
Cameron Holmes
Benjamin Horskins
Will Howard
Oliver Jewell
George Karametos
Nelson Karutz
Christopher Khong
Nigel Khong
Beckley Kleynhans
Payan Kolah
Joshua Koppelman
Jason Kua
Sachin Kunendra
Justin Kwan
Derrick Kwon
Ashwin Lagana
Lachlan Lam
Aidan Lau
Ethan Lau
Joash Law
Timothy Lee
Jacob Lewis
Adam Li
Leo Li
Will Li
Alex Liang
Kensey Liang
Anson Lim
Callum Ling
Joshua Lipenski
Rick Liu
Marcus Lu
Daniel Lukins
Sean Luo
Nicholas Lysikatos
Ronan Mahaffy
Marko Maric
Jack Marostica
Luke May
Joshua Mazey
Darcy Merritt
Thomas Nania
Benjamin Nash
Thomas Nebbs
Joshua H Ng
Joshua S Ng
Karlan Ng
Ben Ngo
Arya Noor
Tomas O’Brien
Reuben Opat
James Orton
Alexander Papadopoulos
Oliver Phillips
Aidan Poon
Silas Qian
Tommy Ramsay
Alexander Reale
Daniel Renzi
Fraser Richardson
Luna Robinson
Shen Rong
Fraser Rowe
Sevin Saranasuriya
Lucas Saunders
Riley Scott
Will Seeley
Henry Segal
Saveen Seneviratne
Nate Seow
Henry Sewell
Wilson Sha
Dennis Shaliga
Toby Sharrock
Eric Shen
Ric Shen
Matthew Shi
Tobias Smith
Kensei Soegijono
Isaac Soo
Oscar Stambanis
Hamish Stuart-Adams
Ross Sykiotis
Oliver Ta
Charles Taliadoros
Ethan Tan
Luca Tassone
Luke Tavenor
Daniel Teele
Nicholas Teoh
Hugo Thompson
Thomas Tonkin
Bach Tran
Ethan Tran
Minh Tran
Lucas van Koert
Christian Venter
Kristofer Vos-Rutter
Alan Wang
Andrew Wang
Ethan Wang
Orville Wang
James Wang
Edward Wang
Shaun Wang
Calvin Wang
William Watson
James Webb
Charles Webb
Charlie Weickhardt
Fin Williams
Hamish Wishart
Dylan Wong
Rory Woods
Owen Wu
Goldman Xu
Henry Yan
Ethan Yeung
Lucas Yip
Chauncey Yu
Ray Zhan
Gilbert Zhang
Jack Zhang
Alex Zhang
Ivan Zhang
Wilson Zhou
Howard Zhou
Alan Zou
