The ONU Annual Dinner is back in 2018!
All Old Boys are invited to attend the Annual ONU Dinner at Doltone House on Friday 3 August 2018.
This is the time to thank and celebrate Dr David Mulford in his final year at Newington.
Get your tickets now, by clicking here
For more information, please call 02 9568 9544.
The Trust recognises and financially rewards Old Newingtonians who have excelled in their chosen field and who contribute in a meaningful way to the community. The Trust awards funds in the order of $10,000 – $20,000 in any one year to up to four recipients so they may undertake study or research. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of Senior School at Newington College. There is no age restriction although preference is given to applicants under 40 years of age.
How do I apply?
Applicants must complete and submit an ONU Centennial Trust Application Form by 30 June 2018. For more information or to apply online visit the site here.
If you require any further information, please contact Jennifer Chapman, ONU Alumni Officer, 02 9568 9544 or Alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au
The Founders Society is Newington’s Bequest program that was established to recognise, honour and cherish during their lifetime those who have left a bequest to Newington in their Will.
The annual Founders Society Day Lunch was held this year on Friday 18 May, welcoming three new members in the Founders Society:
Mark Dickens (ON 1985)
Tony King (ON 1982)
Stuart Mosely (ON 1960)
The Founders Society supports the College’s Endowment Fund as they recognise that our diversity is our strength. With 124 members, these generous benefactors will, in time, ensure that we have the College we want in the years ahead. We hope you will consider becoming part of the Founders Society family to make a meaningful difference for the future.
The importance of the Founders Society has been expressed below by Newington Old Boy and Founders Society Ambassador, Dr Roger Davidson OAM (ON 1940)
Over the years Newington has had two school mottos, ‘In Fide Scientiam’ and ‘Floreat Newingtonia’. Both of these are meaningful to me and they have a bearing on my actions towards the Founders Society and its purpose.
There are many good school mottos but, for me, none can be better than the former as it expresses what are the essential needs in preparing our young for the world they will have to face in their lives ahead, with the threatening increase of secularism and irreverence in our social structure.
I have been involved with this College in one form or another over a long period, almost 90 years in fact and I have never found it to falter in the basic theme of promoting religious faith as the foundation upon which to establish learning and the cultivation of values and ideas that give meaning to the very existence of our humanity. Newington has ever been loyal to this purpose and in today’s world we desperately need schools such as this.
When I started at Newington back in the thirties, the hat band that I wore bore the motto ‘Floreat Newingtonia’ which, of course, translates to “may Newington flourish”. This is an empty sentiment if those of us who have gained so much benefit from our College cannot contribute something in return towards the fulfilment of this wish.
It is for this reason that I joined the Founders Society and I encourage all that love Newington and are keen to see it flourish, to do likewise.
Your legacy, large or small, will make a difference that will benefit generations of boys, forever.
If you would like to join the Founders Society or have a confidential chat about the College’s Bequest program with the Director of Community and Development Rod Bosman (ON 1978), you can contact Rod by phone 02 9568 9540 or email at rbosman@newington.nsw.edu.au
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all Old Boys who have registered to participate in the ONU Careers Advice Evening. The College has received an overwhelming response to this event and have now had to close registrations. Again, thank you to all those who have volunteered and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 5 June.
May has been the month for Old Boys to celebrate. On Saturday 5 May, the College welcomed the Class of 1983 and the Class of 1988 back to celebrate their 35 year and 30 Year reunions. Over 80 Old Boys gathered in Prescott Hall to reconnect.
Saturday 12 May saw the Class of 1993 and the Class of 1998 return to celebrate their 25 year and 20 year reunions. Ninety Old Boys celebrated this occasion in Prescott Hall and the pictures below show a great time was had by all.
The Class of 1973 and the Class of 1978 are set to return to the College on Saturday 26 May. If you are ON 1973 or ON 1978 and you are yet to register, you can do so here.
Remembering Robert Storr (ON 1938). Sydney University recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the gift from Old Boy Robert Storr and his contribution to the treatment of liver disease. Click here to read more. Robert Storr also bequeathed over $1 Million to Newington to establish a Music Bursary in his name.
Congratulations Michael Cameron (ON 2012). Michael has made his professional stage debut for the Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production of Summer of The Seventeenth Doll.
The College thanks The 70 Club for their generous donation of $500 to spearhead the campaign to raise $7000 for the Cadet Sword Display Cabinet. If you wish to contribute, please contact Rod Carroll QM/GDO on 0418 416 999. The 70 Club has also contributed to the Tonga Appeal, by way of a Stihl Chainsaw.
The All Blacks can now boast an Old Newingtonian has joined their Sevens team. Well Done Bailey Simonsson (ON 2016).
Wishing Lachlan Turner (ON 2005) good luck for his final game with the Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Rugby Premiership at Twickenham on Saturday 26 May. To read more about Lachlan’s career with the Exeter Chiefs click here.
Generous Old Boys Geoff Fox (ON 1954) and Rob Hill (ON 1956) are thanked for the tremendous support of the Tongan Appeal. They supplied boxes of textbooks to be included in the College’s shipping container sent to Tonga.
Bailey Kuenzle (ON 2016) has been selected for the Junior Wallabies. He has just competed in the Oceania U20s competition and has gone on to be selected to compete in the World Under 20s Championship in France later this month.
We thank Malcolm Brown (ON 1964) for his tireless voluntary work. The College recently learned that he is District Chairman of Rotary Australia World Community Service “I will be chaperoning a group of Rotary women on Dinagat Island, off Mindanao in the southern Philippines, from 4th to 18th May. They will be there to give local girls an education in women’s matters and I am meant to be “the man” to give them some sort of reassurance that they are being protected.”
Brad Smith (ON 2011) made his 1st Grade Rugby Union Refereeing (Shute Shield) debut in April. In Brad’s words “I will go out there and try to cultivate the two things that make our game great: contest and continuity.”
In mid-December 2017 in Hobart, two Newington cricketers opposed each other in the final of Cricket Australia’s Under 19 Championship between NSW Metro XI and Australia Under 17 XI. Lawrence Neil Smith (ON 2017) and Dominic O’Shannessy (Year 10) played their respective roles as pace-bowling allrounders.
NSW Metro claimed victory to win the Championship with Lawrence achieving the highest aggregate of wickets for the series. His successful campaign resulted in selection in the Australian Under 19 XI which played Pakistan Under 19 in an ODI at the MCG and Gabba. On his return to Sydney Lawrence was selected in first grade for Sydney University CC [with his team finishing as runner-up in the NSW Premier Cricket Competition]. Lawrence has since signed a two year deal with the Tasmanian Tigers, effective from June 2018.
Current Year 12 Student Matthew Sharp has joined the U18 Australian Schoolboys team in Water Polo. To read more about our soon to be ON, click here.
A round of applause for our Stanmore Catering team who not only keep the boys and staff well fed but always manage to make our extended community feel welcome. Here is a note of gratitude shared with us from Clive Woosnam OAM from his recent visit to the College to watch Australia Vs New Zealand in a 7’s trial match:
“The highlight of the visit was, however, totally unexpected. We popped into the cafeteria for a snack and were given an amazing welcome by Bea, Sharon and the other long-term catering staff members. It is so remarkable that, in these days of rapid turnover, there should be so many long-serving staff. Not only did Bea insist that we not pay, but she went out of her way to help me with a jammed diabetic syringe needle. The family atmosphere of Newington seems to grow ever tighter. I thought you should know what a great impression such a welcome makes. “
In the last edition of ONU E News, we brought news of Fin McDonald (ON 2011). Fin has been accepted in the ANU Rural Training Scheme for 2018. Fin will be working out of Young Hospital, NSW. Fin is also apart of the campaign to attract Doctors to the Rural Training Scheme, as pictured below.
Tuesday 1 May, the College held the Annual ANZAC Parade. Representing all Old Boys, Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) President of the ONU and Gilbert Morgan (ON 1958) Chairman of The 70 Club lay a wreath for fallen Old Boys. (Pictured below)
Patrick Rooney (ON 2006)
Headmaster, Dr David Mulford shared with the Alumni office news from Patrick Rooney, via his father, Brian Rooney. Here are Brian’s words:
Patrick was a student at Newington from the age of 5 years in 1993. He graduated with his HSC in 2006. A little of Patrick’s activities since he completed his HSC:
He completed 3 years at the Australian Defence Academy in Canberra with a Bachelor of Business along with the early stages of military training.
He attended The Royal Military College Duntroon and graduated as a Lieutenant Royal Australian Army.
Patrick was posted to 7RAR based in Elizabeth South Australia as a Platoon Commander. Patrick spent time in Malaysia and Thailand and was then deployed to Afghanistan (this is where the photo below was taken)
Upon his return from Afghanistan Patrick was promoted to the rank of Captain and then moved to Forces Command at Victoria Barracks Sydney.
After 2 years in Sydney, Patrick was stationed in Townsville to the end of 2017. During his time in Sydney and Townsville Patrick obtained his Masters Degree in Business.
Patrick is now at The School of Armour in Puckapunyal Victoria.
We thank Patrick for his service.
On Tuesday 8 May, the College welcomed back its senior Old Boys for the Annual The 70 Club Lunch. Once again Centenary Hall was filled with laughter and joy as over 200 members of The 70 Club gathered.
This lunch commemorated the 20th year of The 70 Club but also to celebrate the 60th Birthday of the ‘Modern’ Newington Cadet Band.
Chairman of The 70 Club, Gilbert Morgan (ON 1958) commenced the lunch with a very warm welcome to all Old Boys and especially to Dr David Mulford. The day was made extra special by having Jack and Pam Butler join the celebration. They were joined by other former staff members, Clive Woosnam OAM, Ray Hille OAM and John Turnbull (ON 1963).
To celebrate this special occasion Dr David Mulford organised a surprise performance from the Newington Cadet Band. We take this opportunity to thank Dr Mulford and Major Rod Wood, for this wonderful surprise and performance.
After a delicious lunch prepared by Jim Kuburlis (ON 1983) and his team, the Old Boys gathered to sing Dear Newingtonia and the War Cry.
The ONU thanks Gilbert Morgan (ON 1958) and Howard Wheatley (ON 1961) for their tireless work on the Executive of The 70 Club and their enormous effort to bring this great event together each year.
The 70 Club looks forward to seeing you all in 2019.
Click here to read more about the history of the Cadet Band.
On Monday 7 May the ONU hosted it’s second Business Breakfast for 2018 at the College. The Breakfast featured the 2017 Newington Medallists; Ian Diery (ON 1967), His Hon. Greg Grogin (ON 1976), Brian Sommerlad (ON 1958).
All three spoke about their career, but most importantly their passion for their work and the impact of finding their passion to sustain their successful and fulfilling careers.
The ONU thanks them for taking time to address the breakfast, especially Brian Sommerlad who was visiting from London and Ian Diery from California.
To read more about these amazing Old Newingtonians click here.
The third ONU Business Breakfast will be held in September. Details will be with you shortly. All proceeds from the ONU Business Breakfasts supports the ONU Mental Health Fund.
If you require further information, please contact Jennifer Chapman – 02 9568 9544 or at alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au
The Newington Community learnt of the passing of the following Old Boys since our last Valete in February 2018:
Bob Baxt AO (ON 1955) Brian Henry (ON 1952)
Brian Bown (ON 1948) Mana Latu (ON 2000)
Terence Butler (ON 1957) Doug Quane (ON 1959)
Barry Crowther (ON 1949) Ronald Slack (ON 1953)
Kevin Divola (ON 1945) Michael Taubman (ON 1984)
Ian Downs (ON 1958) Bob Thomas (ON 1955)
Aubrey Eardley (ON 1955) Chris von Keisenberg (ON 1963)
Rodney Grace (ON 1978) Charles Williams (ON 1998)
Andrew Gray (ON 1974) Mervyn Wilson (ON 1958)
John Hannan (ON 1955) Gordon Yabsley (ON 1940)
Remembering Bob Baxt AO (ON 1955)
There have been many Obituaries written, honouring the professional life of Bob Baxt AO. Please click here to read the AFR Obituary. Peter Paige (ON 1956) shared the following words about the Bob Baxt AO he knew.
One of the few pleasant experiences of my first years at Newington was my friendship with Bob Baxt. I was a lost five year old, abandoned, as I thought by my parents, in a cruel, unfriendly place where bullying was rampant, teachers were feared, and small boys lived in terror. Bob befriended me then, and remained a staunch friend throughout my school career. He was a wonderful, inventive, protective companion, possessed of a massive intellect which showed itself at an early age, and after winning Dux of the school, went on to gain acclaim as an academic in the legal profession. But what I remember is his kindness, his decency, his sense of fair play which I am sure had a good influence on me during my unhappy childhood. I have often thought of him down the years, as he moved from one achievement to another, and always will remember him with admiration and gratitude for his kindness to me all those years ago. Remembering him with gratitude and pride.
The College was saddened to learn of the death of Constance Cowper in Melbourne on 3 May 2018 at the grand age of 105. Connie’s death was advised to the College by her nephew Robert Webster (ON 1969 and College Council).
Very few of the Newington Community would know anything about Connie Cowper but she had an extraordinary association with Newington through the Webster Family over many generations.
Born in 1913, Connie had seven brothers who attended Newington. These included Robert’s father Eccleston (Sheck) Webster (ON 1921) and Edward (Ted) Webster (ON 1933), father of Ian Webster (ON 1970 and former College Council member). Other brothers were Garnet (ON 1919), Hayward (ON 1922), Raymond (ON 1926), Llewellyn (ON 1927) and Trevor (ON 1929). Connie and her sister Gwen attended MLC Burwood where Connie was an outstanding sports woman.
Connie married Dennis (Dave) Cowper (ON 1927) who was one of Newington’s most talented athletes. He won a scholarship to Newington College from Mosman Preparatory School and was an outstanding sportsman. He captained the 1st XI cricket team that was co-Premier in 1927. He also played 1st XV rugby and was an outstanding sprinter being GPS Champion. After school he went on to captain the Wallabies against South Africa and the All Blacks and he also ran for Australia in the Empire Games.
Dave and Connie had three sons and their youngest son, Bob Cowper, played cricket for Australia and was the first cricketer to score a Test triple century in Australia, 307 runs v England in Melbourne in 1965-66.
Newington has lost a significant member of our Community. Our condolences to her family from all at Newington.
Robert Webster reflected further on the life of his Aunt.
Constance was the 8th child of the nine children (2 girls and 7 boys) born to Horace and Mary Jane Webster of Bigga, near Crookwell in NSW. The seven boys all attended Newington College and the two girls attended MLC Burwood.
Her Mother, Mary Jane Webster was a devoted Methodist, brought up in the Welsh tradition and she passionately wanted her children to go to a Methodist school and they did.
Horace and Mary Jane Webster had their nine children over a thirteen-year period. Although they made their home at Goonoongla near Bigga, most of the children were born at Chatsworth (near Binda) and the present home of Ian Webster (ON 1970).
Recently Auntie Con recalled what life was like in the country 100 years ago.
The homestead at Goonoongla was a rambling old weatherboard colonial-style house with verandahs and a separate kitchen and scullery. It was close to a permanent creek and whilst we had water tanks, we still drew water for washing from the creek. Mother had her nine children to look after but we also had a few cousins living with us because our Aunty Flo (Florence Clements) I think was often unwell or depressed. I never recall sitting down to a meal with less than 15 people at the table. I often wonder how Mother did it. In those days there was no electricity, no refrigeration or running water. Dad was a great provider so we never lacked for the basics but it was very different to the way people live today. We had a married couple helping with the running of the household. The man cut the wood, drew the water, killed the sheep for meat, milked the cow and tended the vegetable garden and generally kept things going outside the house. His wife cooked, separated the milk and made butter and probably made bread as well. I remember that it took almost a whole sheep every day to feed us all. The boys would go with Dad out to ‘The Alps’ or up to ‘Mount Wells’ and return very hungry. I recall the kitchen table covered in rock cakes and the boys came in like a swarm of locusts and they all went in a flash!
When my sister Gwen and I were older we helped Mother with the laundry, using a wood fired copper and an old mangle to wash and dry the clothes.
Our Mother was a wonderful woman, strong but kind and determined. She and Dad had a wonderful partnership and whilst she was a strict Methodist (no alcohol or gambling), Dad loved racehorses and enjoyed a drink, but never at home. Mother always had time for us when we were growing up.
I was only very young when Mother took us to Sydney so that we could attend school.
Dad bought a house in Addison Road, Marrickville just near Newington and I think the three oldest boys Garnet (Gundy), Heywood (Curly) and Eccleston (Sheck) all started on the same day at Newington College in 1917. The other boys followed them over the next decade or so and Gwen and I caught the train to MLC.
I really don’t know how we all fitted into the house as there was at least 10 of us plus a couple of girls from Bigga who came with us to help in the house. We used to return to Goonoongla for the holidays and help Dad on the property. Often the boys brought friends with them and that’s how I met my future husband Dennis Cowper.
We encourage all Old Boys to join us at our USA Reunions.
The West Coast Reunion will be held in San Francisco on Sunday 30 September, 2018 at the Waterbar, 369 The Embarcadero near the Oakland Bay Bridge from 12 noon to 3.00pm.
The East Coast Reunion will be held in New York on Saturday 6 October 2018 from 7:00pm at the home of Dr Peter Green (ON 1964) and his partner Marise who will kindly host the event at their Midtown Manhattan residence.
Dr & Mrs Mulford will be attending both USA Reunions and ONU President, Alex Baykitch AM (ON 1982) will be in attendance at the NYC Reunion. They hope you will be able to join them at one or both reunions.
Invitations and further information will be sent in June 2018. If you need further information or you wish to register now, please contact Jennifer Chapman, ONU Alumni Officer here.
The recent news that the heritage Soul Pattinson pharmacy property in the Pitt Street Mall has been sold after 145 years on the site reminds us of Newington’s historic links with the iconic firm.
The first link was forged when Tom Millner (ON 1903) (Colonel T.G. Millner, MC VD, businessman and philanthropist and one of Newington’s great benefactors) married Mary Pattinson, daughter of Lewy Pattinson, founder of Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd. Their son Jim (James Sinclair Millner, AM (ON 1937)) joined the business after completing his pharmacy studies in 1947. Having served as a Director, he chaired the company from 1969 to 1998, building and diversifying its range of business interests. He headed a range of other companies and, like his father, was both a noted philanthropist and a long-serving member of Newington’s Council. His widow, Mrs Jean Millner, continued these links by establishing the Jim Millner (ON 1937) Bursary before she passed away in 2016.
Rob Millner (Robert Dobson Millner (ON 1968)), Jim’s nephew, succeeded him as Chairman of Soul Pattinson in 1999. One of Australia’s leading corporate executives, he too has headed many other companies. Rob’s cousin Michael Millner (ON 1969) has also played prominent roles in the ‘family firm’, notably as Deputy Chairman of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and of Brickworks Limited. Bruce Bagley, OAM (ON 1959) had his whole career as a pharmacist with Soul Pattinson, including service as a Director and as General Manager of its pharmacy operations. David Fairfull (ON 1959), another leading corporate executive, has also seen long-term service as a Director with Soul Pattinson.
Closing the circle, the purchaser of the Pitt Street Mall site is another Old Newingtonian, retail property investor Victor Comino (ON 1982), while the agent for the sale was retail acquisitions specialist Simon Rooney (ON 1985).
The stories and achievements of our Old Boys and Past Parents are a constant source of inspiration for our current students and to all our Newington community. Help us keep abreast of your achievements by sharing your stories with us and also make sure you keep your contact details up to date with Newington.
To share your news with us email: alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au
Here at ONU E News, we value your feedback and welcome your stories, suggested story ideas, or any comments. Please send your feedback to: alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au
Reconnect with fellow Old Newingtonians via the ONU Online Community
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