15 Mar 2019

Achieving Alumni

Congratulations to members of the Newington Community recognised in the Australia Day Honours.

Major Ross Wehby CSM (ON 1998) was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Joint Close Air Support as Officer Commanding Joint Terminal Attack Control Troop and Chief Instructor, Standardisation Officer at Number 4 Squadron.

Associate Professor Terence Birtles OAM (ON 1956) Awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division for service to the community through a range of roles.

Raymond Harding AM, father of Jem Harding (ON 1999), Benjamin Harding (ON 2003) and Sam Harding (ON 2006), awarded for significant service to the broadcast media, particularly as a script writer and producer for television.

Congratulations Associate Professor Terry Birtles OAM (ON 1956) on the publication of his book Driven – Francis Edwin Birtles – Trans-Australian Overlander, Cinematographer & Writer.  If you would like to learn more about this book or purchase it, please click here.

Have you ever considered adopting a cow? John Fairley (ON 1964) commenced this initiative last year to help his farm through drought.  Read his story here.

ONU at the United Nations – ONU President, Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) who earlier this year was working with the United Nations in New York, was able to have Angus Mackie Williams (ON 2018) and Daniel Baykitch (ON 2018) join him as his guests on the floor of the General Assembly.

Angus Mackie Williams (ON 2018), Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) & Daniel Baykitch (ON 2018)

News from Sweden from Alastair Bate (ON 2015)

At the end of 2018 I departed my employment at Newington to go on university exchange to Uppsala, Sweden. During this time I am undertaking my electrical engineering course while enjoying a new culture; and new sights all while taking in any new opportunities that arise.

I have been studying Electrical Engineering at UTS for 3 years now and have been able to take advantage of their excellent curricular and co-curricular activities. I believe that an international exchange program will further add to my skills.

When I left Newington I never thought I would be back in any significant capacity. However, I am very glad I took the opportunity that arose to work in the ICT department. I found it very fulfilling to be a part of the school community in a role that I enjoyed and was able to thrive in. The opportunity to apply university knowledge to a job at the same time is not always available to everyone and I feel very privileged to be able to do this in such a tight knit community.

Congratulations Alexander Lewis (ON 2000). Alexander will play Tony in the 2019 Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s production of West Side Story. The production commences 22 March 2019. Toi, Toi, Toi!

Congratulations and Best Wishes William Mai (ON 2018), Jeno Suh (ON 2018) and Nolan Whitcomb (ON 2018) as you commence your studies at Oxford University.

Congratulations Dr Michael Bosman (ON 2010) who has graduated Doctor of Medicine at the University of Queensland, including two Dean’s Awards.  Michael is now an intern at Toowoomba Hospital having served his residency in Rockhamption.

Newington and The National Trust (NSW).  Two Old Boys The Hon Garry Downes AM (ON 1960) and Ian Stephenson (ON 1973) continue on the board.  We thank them for their ongoing work in the conservation of Australia’s built and natural heritage.

Congratulations Michael Rees (ON 2011) – awarded an Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship.

Lt Col John Joseph Moore AM RFD CMC (ON 1953) we congratulate you on receiving the following Freemasonry awards: At the December meeting of Lodge Wyvern on Monday 10th, John was awarded a 60 Year Certificate and Jewel, acknowledging his continued service to Freemasonry. In addition, at the Grand Communication of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, John received conferral of the rank of Past Junior Grand Warden, to acknowledge his service to Freemasonry in general and to the Grand Lodge in particular.

Congratulations Harry Bell (ON 1942) for continuing to be a Newington Foundation Donor.  In December Harry won his first ever prize in the Newington Make it a December to Remember donor recognition programme.  His prize was a 10kg block of Cadbury Dairy Milk, and he generously donated it to the Bill Crews’ Exodus Foundation at Ashfield.