Venus May

It is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of Venus May (pictured above with Senior Prefect Stephen Palmer on her retirement in 1986).

Mrs May, as she was known to all of us, passed away peacefully last Sunday 25 October. She was 99 with her 100^th birthday coming up on 28 November. As related by her sons John (Dasher) (ON 1967) and Bill (ON 1970), she has done a ‘Bradman’ – out at 99.9. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dasher and Bill and their families at this time.

Venus May was a Newington institution. As a parent she was fully involved in the P&F and was a very active member of the Rowing Committee (now the Rowing Association) and maintained a keen interest in Newington Rowing to the end.

But for generations of Newington boys, she was the manager of the Newington Tuckshop. She ruled the tuckshop with an iron fist but well hidden in a velvet glove of love and respect for all ‘her boys’. Many of our mothers who volunteered for the tuckshop over the years will be remembering those happy times as they receive news of her passing. It is said that she was the only person that would take on the Headmaster Tony Rae, as she was so passionate about everything Newington that not even the Headmaster would stand in her way.

For her unswerving dedication to Newington over many decades, she was honoured by the ONU with Honorary Life Membership. Only the second woman to be so honoured after the late Kitty Prescott.  

For family reasons, Venus’ funeral cannot be held until 16 November. A private family cremation service will be conducted by Rev Dr Peter Swain OAM RFD at Venus’ request and this will then be followed by:

A Celebration of Venus May’s life
Monday 16 November at 3.00pm
Northbridge Golf Club, Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge to which all are invited and most welcome.

A notice will appear in the Sydney Morning Herald next Wednesday 4 November.

Newington College has lost a dear friend and supporter. May she rest in peace.

Rod Bosman (ON 1978)
Director of Community and Development

September 70 Club Lunch, AGM and Save the Date for 2016

The September 70 Club Lunch on Tuesday 8 September was a great success! Thank you to all those who attended. The Headmaster, Dr David Mulford introduced three musical items by Newington Music Students: a violin sextet; a chamber strings ensemble and a stage band as well as a moving film tribute to Newington’s Fallen in the Centenary of Anzac Roll of Honour. He also proudly presented, to resounding applause, Newington’s Captain of Rugby, Cameron Murray holding the 2015 GPS Rugby Premiership Shield and First XV winning try scorer Teu Atiola as well as the Captain of Football Alexander Iannuzzi and Captain of Cross Country, Zac Stevens.

Another highlight was the unveiling of a portrait of Phil Davis OAM by former Wallaby and regular Archibald prize contestant John Williams (ON 1960). The painting will be housed in the Phillip Davis OAM Year 12 Common Room.

Save the Date for 2016

There will only be one 70 Club lunch next year so please mark it in your diary. A Barbershop Quartet challenge (Old Boys vs current students) was issued at the September lunch for the next 70 Club lunch on Tuesday 10 May 2016. If you love to sing and are keen to join in the fun contact Gilbert Morgan (ON 1958). 

Eighteenth 70 Club Annual General Meeting

The Headmaster thanked Rob Hill (ON 1955) 70 Club Chairman 2013-2015 for his stewardship of the 70 Club and in particular his pastoral care for 70 Club members. He also thanked the then retiring Committee Member Barrie Titcume (ON 1951) for his years of service. Sadly, Barrie recently passed away  as a result of contracting tuberculosis while travelling overseas.

Congratulations to the 70 Club Executive for 2016 on their election.

CHAIRMAN
Gilbert Morgan (ON 1958) 
VICE CHAIRMAN
Niel Burling (ON 1958)
HON TREASURER
Warren Green (ON 1953)
SECRETARY
Stafford Lowe MBE (ON 1956)
COMMITTEE
Barry Collins OAM (ON 1952)
Richard Garvey (ON 1955)
Bob Jordan (ON 1956)
Rev Vernon Prowse (ON 1957)
Wayne Reilly (ON 1959)
Howard Wheatley (ON 1961)

Newington Golf Day | 3 March 2016 | Concord Golf Club

Newington Golf Day 2016

Thursday 3 March 2016 – Concord Golf Club

The Newington Golf Day will again be held at Concord Golf Club – a prestigious and challenging golf course guaranteeing a great golfing day for the Newington Community with great prizes on offer. The real success of the day is that funds raised from the day will help any Old Boy or current boy with Depression to receive specialist care. 

Queries: alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au or 02 9568 9544

Indigenous Education at Newington Update Evening | 30 October 2015 |

Indigenous Education Program and the Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary
An Update & Cocktails evening in the Council Courtyard
Friday 30 October from 5:00PM 

In May 2012, Newington College established the Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary.

Rob (ON 1965) and Jenny Wild and their family join with the College to invite you and your partner to a small cocktail event at Newington on Friday 30 October from 5.00pm to celebrate the achievements of this Bursary and to update you on the College’s Indigenous program generally.

Since their son and brother Chris passed away, the Bursary established in his name has made great progress and in bringing you up-to-date with what has been achieved, we can also thank those Donors, Patrons and Ambassadors who have been so generous in their support.

Newington’s Indigenous program is now well established and continues to grow. That said, we have a long history of Indigenous students at Newington and one of whom we are particularly proud is our guest speaker for the night Mr Joe Hedger (ON 1994).  Joe is a Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister and proudly Co-Patron of the Chris Wild (ON 1991) Indigenous Bursary and when launching the Bursary in 2012 said…

The power of education in transforming the lives of Aboriginal people should never be underestimated. Empowering an Aboriginal student, through education, is empowering them for life. Education truly has the ability to change the direction of people’s lives.

Chris Wild was passionate about helping Indigenous people gain a good education and his legacy through this Bursary will ensure his passion is realised in a practical and effective way. Through the generosity of the Bursary Ambassadors, we have Gage Phillips currently in Year 8 and Preston Schreiber starting Year 7 in 2016. Once fully funded, the Bursary will fund at least one Indigenous boy at Newington forever.

Please join us for cocktails in the Council Courtyard on Friday 30^th October from 5pm until 7pm. Dress is business attire and there is no cost but we ask you, for catering purposes, to RSVP by clicking here.

Class of 1965 | 50 Year Reunion | Saturday 31 October 2015 | 12:00PM

Class of 1965 – 50 Year Reunion

(including the Classes of 1964 and 1966)

Saturday 31 October 2015

Cost: $85:00 Click here to make an online booking and payment or call (02) 9568 9544 to make a booking over the phone. 

Click here for the invitation.  

120th ONU Annual General Meeting | 17 Nov 2015 | 6:30PM

Tuesday 17 November 2015 commencing at 6:30PM

Prescott Hall, Newington College

To nominate as an ONU Councillor download form here and return by Tuesday 3 November 2015.

Refreshments and snacks will be served. Please notify your attendance by Friday 13 November 2015. Queries: (02) 9568 9544

Reunions in 2015 and dates for 2016

In 2015, Newington College hosted ten reunion year groups celebrating significant anniversaries of the year they left school.  

The reunion dates for 2016 are set.  Click here to view next year’s dates. If you wish to be a reunion co-ordinator please contact alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au

Classes of 2000 and 2005 – 15 Year and 10 Year Reunions

Classes of 1990 and 1995 – 25 Year and 20 Year Reunions

Classes of 1985, 1980 and 1970 – 30 Year, 35 Year and 45 Year Reunions
and the ONU Dinner

Sport News – Cricket

Jordan Gauci (ON 2015)

Congratulations to Jordan Gauci on an outstanding century in the England v Australia Youth Test in Durham, UK (04.08.15). Batting at number 3 for Australia, Jordan’s 111 runs came off 154 balls enabling the Aussies to go to stumps on Day 1 at 8/373. Jordan’s innings included 19 boundaries whilst spending 179 minutes at the crease.

Jordan entered the game with the Aussies in the precarious position of 1 for 2… departing with the score at 3-185 and seeing the Australian Under 19’s in a solid position at the end of Day 1.

This is a well-deserved moment in Jordan’s career given the dedication that Jordan has shown throughout his teens practicing and spending many hours working with Campbelltown Camden Ghost’s Cricket Club Head Coach Neil D’Costa.

Jordan’s innings was celebrated by team mate and Captain Jake Doran who also posted a century batting at number 4. Jake wrote on social media… “A good first day to start off with, well done to the big man Gauci with 100 in his first 19s game, a tough few days to go”.

Centuries from Jordan Gauci and Captain Jake Doran gave Australia Under-19s a strong opening day to the one-off Test at Chester-le-Street, though Lancashire leg spinner Matthew Parkinson took 5 for 85 on his U-19 debut to ensure England kept themselves in sight.

Gauci, a 17-year-old who plays with the Ghosts, dominated the first part of the day as he made a hundred from 136 deliveries after Australia had chosen to bat first. He shared a second-wicket stand of 106 with Caleb Jewell and then added 77 with Doran for the third wicket.

Sport News – Fencing

David Baker (ON 2003) – International Fencing Grand Prix Referee

Since leaving Newington, David has embarked on a successful career as a Fencer and as a Fencing Referee. A financial analyst for a private investment group in London, David is the only Australian Fencing Referee on the International Grand Prix list. He is currently Australia’s highest ranked Fencing Referee.

Just to list some of the more recent achievements by David since he left the College:

As a Fencer:
5th place, 2005 u/20 National Championships
Australian Fencing Team, 2005 u/20 World Championships
Australian Fencing Team, 2006 u/20 Commonwealth Championships
Gold medal,  2006 u/20 Commonwealth Championships, Men’s épée teams

As a Referee:
2010 Youth Olympic Games, Singapore, Gold medal match
2009 Junior World Championships, Belfast, Semi-Final
2010 Junior World Championships, Baku, bronze medal match
2010 World Championships, Paris, Semi-Final
2011 Junior World Championships, Jordan, 2 Bronze medal matches
2011 World Championships, Catania, Semi-Final
2012 Junior World Championships, Moscow, Gold medal match and organiser of the Championships
2008-2015 International Grand Prix selection list 

Sport News – Basketball

Chier Maker (ON 2014) Signed to the University of Portland

Last year Chier Maker (ON 2014), originally from South Sudan, was awarded a CIS Blue as well as the MJ Punch Award for the Most Outstanding Individual sportsman. Chier, renowned at Newington for his astonishing commitment and breathtaking skills has been snapped up by the University of Portland and is set for a promising US Basketball career.

The University of Portland’s Coach Reveno said “Chier is another under-the-radar recruit that we are very excited about, his size, athleticism and skill set are intriguing for a player of his age at the wing position. He has had the benefit of working with a great coach in Rex Nottage at Newington College and focused his college recruitment on a place he knew would be a good fit, while also providing him the best opportunity to develop.”

“As with all the recruits in this class, it is exciting when a player of Chier’s calibre – and has other offers – recognizes the real value we are presenting with our program.  He wants to be the best he can be, compete for a championship and do both while getting a fantastic degree.”

Chier helped Newington claim Gold Medal Honours for three straight seasons at the National Schools Championships.  Individually, he was named the Most Valuable Player at the National Schoolboy Championships in 2012 and 2013. He is a three-time All-Australian National Schoolboy champion, three-time NSW All-Schools State Team recipient, and was named to both the GPS Conference All-Star Team and the NSW Independent Schools Team each of the last three years. Chier was recognised as the MVP of the NSW Waratah League in 2014 after earning all-league Honours in 2013.

Watch Chier reflect on his days at Newington College here.

Sport News – Football

2nd XI Undefeated GPS Premiers

Captained by Jeremy Campese, the 2nds had an undefeated season leaking very few goals and scoring 15 GPS goals culminating in winning the inaugural Seconds Plate as well as outright 2nds Premier Champions. 

Bee Taechaubol (ON 1992) Philanthropist and Major Shareholder of AC Milan

Newington Old Boy, Bee Taechaubol, pictured above, is now the major shareholder (48% holding) of AC Milan. Bee, married with two children lives in Bangkok and owns the Thai Prime Company Limited, a South-East Asian based Private Equity group. Thai Prime has interests in a number of sectors, including financial services, construction, property, technology, parking, traffic infrastructure, sports and payment gateways.

In 2014, Taechaubol acquired the exclusive rights as sole organizer across Asia for the Global Legends Series, a four-game series bringing together legendary football players from around the world. These players play against each other in a Legends vs. Legends four-match series in different cities across the world. Players include Fabio Cannavaro, Michael Owen, Luis Figo, Cafu and Ronaldo amongst others. The Global Legends Series inaugural match took place on 5 December 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand. Launched with a ceremony to honour his Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s 87th birthday, the event was broadcast across the globe to more than 200 million viewers.

Nicola Kuleski (ON 2014)

In September, Newington’s 2014 Captain of Football,  Nicola Kuleski played for the Macedonia U23 team AGAINST Australia! Nicola stated that it was a strange experience, but the Macedonians came out 3-1 winners over Australia. Nicola observed he was conflicted when listening to both anthems and playing against good mates but added it is an essential part of the game. Nicola is pictured above wearing number 13. 

Jamie Gorgovski signs with Borussia Dortmund

Jamie Gorgovski (ON 2017) from Sydney’s south has joined German giant Borussia Dortmund’s youth set-up where he’s been welcomed by the Bundesliga club’s Aussie contingent.

The former Skillaroos and NSWIS player from Oatley. Sydney now has the chance to emulate the careers of the club’s two Australians, Socceroo keeper Mitch Langerak and Olyroo Mustafa Amini.

Gorgovski, in the featured image at the top of the page,  now 16 years old and will play for the club’s Under 17s after signing a three-year deal at the Westfalenstadion. 

Sport News – Rowing

The Michael Morgan OAM (ON 1964) Rowing Centre at Newington College

Michael, pictured above attended Newington College from 1957 to 1964. He served as a Prefect, Cadet CUO and House Captain and rowed in the 1st VIII in 1963 (winners of the Head of the River) and 1964. He rowed in the Australian Men’s Eight at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, winning Silver in 1968. He served as Senior/Head Coach of Rowing at Newington from 1974 to 2000. Under his tutelage, the 1st VIII took first place at the GPS Regatta on ten occasions, along with second place another ten times and third place twice. His crews won seven National Schoolboy titles, while five of his crew members have subsequently become Olympic medallists. Michael served as a member of College Council from 2007 to 2015.

The Michael Morgan OAM (ON 1964) Rowing Centre  (MMRC) has been built in the Concordia building on Stanmore Road (opposite the Millner Gates) thanks to the generosity of  Old Boy Rowers and Staff from the 1950’s to present. The MMRC provides an onsite specific Rowing facility which includes 8 Row Perfect’s, 16 Concept II Ergs with sliders, immediate feedback video technology and a specific Rowing Strength and Conditioning room with the foundation machines of bench pull, bench press and leg press as well as equipment to improve core strength and flexibility. This facility will maximise quality training and time that can be negatively impacted by competing users (other sports), poor weather or water and Sydney traffic to name a few.

1st XIII GPS Head of the River 1969

Sam Hardy (ON 2013)

Sam, pictured third from left, is one of Newington’s Old Boys rowing fraternity who has been busy competing internationally in 2015. He has been studying at Harvard University and  was selected to represent Australian at the 2015 Under 23 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in the coxed four event.

Lachlan Hine (ON 2011) and James Chapman (ON 1997)

Lachlan was selected to compete at Henley Royal regatta with Sydney Rowing Club. James Chapman (ON 1997) was selected to compete in the Australian men’s eight, firstly  at the Henley Royal Regatta and then at the World Championships in France.

Angus Bagby (ON 2012)

Angus was selected to compete in the U21 Australian Rowing Team that will travel to New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman Regatta.

ONU Centennial Trust Recipient 2015

James Henderson (ON 2008) ONU Centennial Trust 2015 Recipient 

The 2015 ONU Centennial Trust endowment recipient of $10,000, James Henderson, attributes his fascination with cell biology and cancer, in particular, to his Year 12 Biology teacher, Mr Graham Potter. James’ captivation with Science at school became a realisation that he could genuinely make a difference if he pursued biomedical research.

After excelling during his Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry and Pharmacology and completing his Honours (Research) year in cellular pathology at the Storr Liver Unit at the Millennium Institute, Westmead, James went on to continue his passion for research in his PhD studies. He is currently half way through a PhD at the Centenary Institute (RPA Hospital) at the University of Sydney investigating hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and researching possible preventatives and treatments. James will present his data at the International Proteolysis Conference in Penang, Malaysia later this year.

James is looking forward sharing his enthusiasm with current students at the ONU Careers evenings to cultivate their interests and identify future study and research possibilities in Science. James is pictured above with Trust Chairman, Dr Rod Thomas (ON 1960).

For more information and to apply for 2016 click here.

Progress Report from Cambridge – 2014 ONU Centennial Trust Recipient Edmond Cheng (ON 2013)

My first year at Cambridge has flown by more quickly than I could ever have imagined. Three eight-week terms came and went in the blink of an eye and barely had I adjusted to the English climate, people and education system before it was all over. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience that has left me much more knowledgeable and mature.

The academic rigor ensured by the tutorial system and its low student-to-teacher ratio is not overstated and really is what sets Cambridge apart as an undergraduate academic institution. Despite perhaps not performing as well as I would have liked in the final examinations, I can say without any hesitation that I have absorbed an overwhelming amount of material and more importantly, I have learnt to approach any information from a sceptical, analytical viewpoint, a skill which will no doubt serve me well.

Cambridge has also allowed me to continue what I started at Newington, in terms of maintaining a high degree of extracurricular involvement: President of the College Economics Society, Junior Treasurer of the University Go Society, College Volleyball Captain, Careers Director of the University Finance Society, University Bridge Club, College Badminton team. This broad and deep involvement helped me meet a truly wondrous range of talented individuals and enriched my first year at Cambridge.

While I am glad to be back in Sydney with family and friends, I can honestly say that I am very keen to return to Cambridge and continue this amazing journey.

Edmond Cheng (ON 2013) Recipient of the 2014 ONU Centennial Trust Endowment of $10,000

Honours for Old Boys

Peter Neve OAM (ON 1959)

Awarded an OAM for service to the preservation of Australian rail heritage Peter (pictured above) was the Co-founder, New South Wales Railway Clubs Association in 1956 and founding Editor, The Railway News Magazine for the New South Wales School Railway Clubs Association, since 1956. Peter has been involved in all things to do with railways for over fifty years including research, heritage, preservation, written articles and photographs for the Australian Railway History Society. 

Richard Staniland OAM (ON 1962)

Newington proudly acknowledges Richard Staniland OAM (ON 1962) on his recent Queen’s Birthday Honour. Richard was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his significant contribution to services to Aged Care in the Ku-ring-gai community.

See Peter and Richard’s full citations at www.gg.gov.au/queens-birthday-2015-honours-list

Annual Visit to Tupou College, Tonga

Years 9 & 10 Newington College students have just returned the annual Under 15 Rugby trip to our brother school in Tonga.  Year 11 students also went on the tour in a Service Learning capacity. This annual trip cements the decades long connection between Newington, the ONU and Tupou College.   Representing the ONU, were Robert Hill (ON 1955) and Troy Stanley (ON 1995) who accompanied the students on one of the highlights of the tour – a trip to Steve Finau’s (ON 1966) house. Steve spoke to the boys about his time at Newington College and also about his trip to Australia via a month long voyage on a cargo ship. Check the 2015 Tupou College Tour blog here.

The ONU  donated 28 laptops to  Tupou College to continue to support their fledgling IT program. The boys on the tour each individually carried over laptops and presented them. 

Next year, Tupou College are celebrating their Sesquicentenary year and celebratory preparations are well under way. The ONU has plans to send a substantial gift in 2016 to mark the occasion and a number of Old Boys will be joining the tour group at their own expense to help celebrate.

Three Tupou College students will commence at Newington in Year 10 2016 supported largely by the ONU Tongan Bursary scheme. Funds raised from the Newington Golf Day contribute, in part to this Bursary scheme.  Congratulations to 2016 Tongan Bursary boys Nasili-O-Viliami OFAHENGAUE  (Nas), Anthony Michael KAMA and Tua Ki Api MAHE (Tua).

ON Architects & Builders in Construction

Giffiths Teas Building in Surry Hills

An iconic landmark building of inner Sydney was originally designed by an Architectural firm with two Old Newingtonian Architects, Henry Budden (ON 1888) and Carlyle Greenwell (ON 1901) in 1911.  After remaining vacant and in decline for many years, the building will be restored to its former glory thanks to the Architectural firm PopovBass and Director Alex Popov (ON 1960).  Click here for more heritage information on the Griffiths Teas building.

The Block’s Josh Terrett (ON 2006)

Since carpenter and builder Josh Terrett (ON 2006) and food stylist partner Charlotte Ekas finished runners up on Channel Nine’s The Block and pocketing  $810,000 for their efforts, Josh has launched his own building and construction company JT Design and Construct.  More photos here on Instagram. 

FDC Construction and Fitout’s Ben Cottle (ON 1981)

Founder and Managing Director of prominent national construction business FDC Construction & Fitout Ben Cottle (ON 1981) was the leading fundraiser in the 2015 Ozharvest CEO Cookoff. This event, an initiative of OzHarvest, brings together celebrity chefs, CEOs and vulnerable Australians. It aims to put the spotlight on the issues of food security, homelessness and the challenges faced by youth in crisis, while raising much needed funds for OzHarvest.

High Tech Designer Robert Beson (ON 1995)

Through a highly competitive design competition in 2013, Robert Beson and AR-MA won and built the 2014 Fugitive Structures Pavilion for SCAF (Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation) in Paddington – see Trifolium (pictured). As an architect, Robert has worked in Europe and Australia. His work has been exhibited at Kaldor Public Projects Parlour, the Prague Quadrennial, Gwangju Biennale, and the Venice Biennale.

Through his practice AR-MA, Robert has worked with some of the leading architects, artists, engineers, and builders within Australia and internationally, including Lend Lease, Multiplex, ARUP, Grimshaw Architects, FJMT, CHROFI, ASPECT, Richard Goodwin, Anish Kapoor, Terroir, Neeson Murcutt and DRAW. Combining computer science with design, AR-MA form a digital chain linking design and delivery.

Pictured below: Trifolium, AR-MA, 2014 Commissioned by Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, Sydney. 

E-Safety Commissioner Alastair McGibbon (ON 1985)

Alastair MacGibbon (ON 1985) Australia’s first Children’s eSafety Commissioner

Our current pervasive social media environment, as many parents are well aware, has a darker side.  Alastair MacGibbon’s recent appointment as the Children’s eSafety Commissioner is responsible for leading online safety education for Australian children and young people, protecting them when they experience serious cyberbullying and managing complaints about offensive or illegal online content. Alastair will be empowered to slap big social media companies with fines of up to $17,000 a day if they fail to remove cyber-bullying material targeted at children.

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Alastair spent time in both public and private sector online leadership roles. Alastair was previously General Manager Security at Dimension Data, a Director of the Centre for Internet Safety at the University of Canberra, as well as CEO of CREST Australia, a not-for-profit that certifies ‘white hat’ ethical hackers.

For almost five years, Alastair headed up Trust & Safety at eBay ANZ and later eBay Asia-Pacific. He also worked as a Federal Agent with the Australian Federal Police for 15 years, and was the founding Director of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre.

2015 ONU Careers Night & Mentors

Keen as ever to participate in the ONU Careers Advice evening, over fifty Old boys volunteered their time. From aviation to construction, banking, community services, education, software engineering, digital marketing, journalism, law, medicine, logistics, politics and sports management, the wealth and breadth of expertise in the room on the night, for the benefit of senior students, was invaluable.

Equipping our boys with the right tools and knowledge to face the challenges of the 21^st Century workforce informs the Newington Careers philosophy. Part of the process of assessing and identifying career interests lies with talking with experts in their fields and delving beyond the glossy brochures.   Held annually in June, the ONU Careers Advice Evening enables Old Boys across a diverse range of professions and industries to share their career knowledge, insights and experience with our senior students.

The one-to-one advice expo setting promotes a valuable exchange of advice and questions. Students were encouraged to consider what they enjoy, what they’re good at and what the world needs and ask questions to reflect on this. As well as fostering interest in their industry, advice from Old Boys was broad ranging covering alternate paths to their career, most enjoyable and least enjoyable aspects of their industry, biggest challenges and future prospects of their industry and what personal characteristics do people need to be successful in their industry or profession.

Save the Date for 2016 – Thursday 16 June.

ONU Mentor Program – A Case Study

From the Mentor Edward Sainsbury (ON 1989), Advisory and Equity Solutions, CommonweaIth Bank was able to assist a recent Old Newingtonian, Nick Charlwood (ON 2008) in a mentoring role. Ed’s approach to mentoring involved explaining to Nick how mentoring can work and establishing guidelines for roles, responsibilities and expectations. Ed points out that this doesn’t need to be overly formal but does need to address what the mentee wants and expects from the process. Along the way, Ed asked Nick to list his goals and general interests and also talked about his own background.

Ed discovered Nick’s strong background in sports and set up a meeting with David Giffin (ex-Wallaby) who made the transition into the Structured Asset Finance team at CBA. The aim of the meeting was for David to give Nick some insight into how to sell himself and highlight his key transferrable skills. In order for both participants to speak freely, confidentiality was assured.

From the Mentee Nick Charlwood says “Ed set up a meeting with me to look at the my career goals and what I was hoping to achieve with the process. I told him I was struggling completing applications and selling myself as an all round applicant rather than just on marks and he put me in contact with ex-Wallaby David Giffin. When I spoke to Dave he gave me a background of what he had done and how he thought a sports career had helped him in business. It gave me a great understanding of the importance business places on performing under pressure, working in a team environment and being successful when you set your mind to something.

Ed also helped me update my cover letter and CV and include all of the material I covered with David. I strongly believe this helped me achieve the Graduate position that I have just started at Hall Chadwick.”

The guidance that an Old Boy Mentor, through his own career, contacts, experience and guidance can provide a young ONU member is immeasurable.

If you are interested in sharing your skills and experience, sign up to the ONU Mentor program.

A Message from the ONU President

At the Valedictory Day Celebrations, the Year 12 students were farewelled by the College and took their leave into the next phase of their post-school life. They were presented with their Old Boys’ Tie by the ONU. Wearing this tie in future years, symbolises a proud connection with an outstanding Old Boys’ network and school. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours. 

The enthusiastic turnout of Old Boys at the ONU Careers Evening shows how much our members are keen to share their skills and experience with the current boys. As you can see from the ON profiles in this newsletter, Newington Old Boys are successful in all walks of life and younger Old Boys are keen to follow in their footsteps. I urge you all to consider becoming a mentor to younger Old Boys and University graduates. The ONU mentoring program is an avenue to guide and support younger Old Boys to break into an industry or to get that necessary edge over other candidates. 

There have been many ONU get togethers and reunions in recent months and even more to come before the end of the year. Opportunities to revisit and renew friendships and update contacts were enthusiastically greeted by Old Boys from Hong Kong, Singapore, the ONU Dinner, the September 70 Club Lunch and a full suite of five and ten year reunions. Still to come are the regional 70 Club Christmas Lunches on the Mid-north Coast and Central Coast and Class of 1965 – 50 Year Reunion (including the Classes of 1964 and 1966) with special guest and Newington medalist (International) Steve Finau (ON 1966).  

Congratulations to Cameron Murray (ON 2015), Captain of the 1st XV Co-Premiers on his selection to the South Sydney Rabbitohs until 2018.

The ONU Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 November at 6:30pm in Prescott Hall, Newington College. Nominations for positions on the ONU Council and Executive are now open. Click here to download a nomination form for a position on the ONU Council.

As we gear up for the busy times ahead of the end of the year, make a note of the 2016 highlights on the ONU Calendar. The Newington Golf Day on Thursday 3 March at the spectacular Concord Golf Club with funds raised going towards the ONU Depression Fund and the ONU Tongan Bursary. Hope to see you there!

Looking even further into the future, the ONU looks forward to working with Tupou College as they head towards their 150th celebrations in 2016. My thanks to all Old Boys who have contributed to the many vibrant ONU events and activities over the year. I look forward to working with you next year.  Finally, the Spring 2015 News magazine is out – view the digital flipbook here.

ON Bar Owners and Restaurateurs

Top Bar Owners

The establishments of three Old Boys were included in the recently published  Good Food Guide’s Australia’s top 25 bars. Out of the twenty five bars featured in the national guide, nine were located in Sydney, meaning Newington Old Boys punch above their weight in the high end of the Sydney bar scene. 

Featured were Neil Perry (ON 1975)  Rockpool Bar And Grill Restaurant ; Andrew Cibej’s  (ON 1987) 121BC ;  Glen Goodwin’s (ON 1992) Monopole (pictured above).

Executive Chef

Another Old Boy, Ash Hughes (ON 1994) has recently been appointed as Executive Chef at Trippas White Group – Commercial Caterers (Centrepoint Tower Restaurant et al). 

This collection of high profile restaurateurs and bar owners are great role models for the increasing interest in Hospitality studies demonstrated by current Newington boys who are hopeful of carving out a career in this competitive industry.  Earlier this year, the commercial quality kitchen and hospitality centre, previously the Boarders’ kitchen in Founders at Newington College, was opened by Neil Perry.

Above: Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar and Grill Restaurant

Sport News – Rugby

1st XV Finish Co-Premiers

After an off-season that saw a number of changes made to the Rugby program it was encouraging to see positive progress being made and highlighted by a fantastic effort by the 1^st XV who were co-premiers with The Scots College.

The success of the 1^st XV was built upon a solid foundation of hard work and belief in one another and the pressure that was constantly exerted on the team by a strong 2^nd XV. In addition to the 1^st XV being crowned Co-Premiers, Newington secured the Centenary Cup from St Ignatius’ College and retained the Bryan Palmer Shield with a victory over The King’s School.

One point down to Riverview in the final minute of the last game of the season, a try by Newington hooker Teu Atiola clinched the 2015 GPS co-Premiership for Newington. The crowd erupted with the final result 42-38.  Watch footage of the last riveting four minutes here. 

Ben Volavola (ON 2010)

Waratah Ben Volavola has signed with the Crusaders for the 2016 Super Rugby Season. He also joined the Fiji side for the Rugby World Cup and has displayed outstanding form. Ben is pictured in the featured image. Photo credit: David Rogers

Cameron Murray (ON 2015)

Congratulations to Cameron Murray, pictured above, Captain of the 2015 1st XV GPS Co-Premiership side for his selection until 2018 by the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

At Newington, Cameron has displayed outstanding leadership qualities and his on field performances have been excellent. Cameron was selected in the CIS Opens Rugby league team and his performances at the National Carnival earned him selection in the Australian Schools team.

Father and Son GPS 1st XV Champions Duo

When Michael Mannix (ON 1981) proudly congratulated his son Charlie Mannix (ON 2015) on his GPS 1st XV championship (Co-Premiers) he understood exactly how he felt having played for the the 1979 GPS winning side when he was in Year 10. (Top) Michael is pictured left in back row of the 1979 GPS Champions’ team and (bottom) Charlie is pictured left with 2015 1st XV team mate Clifford Campbell. Congratulations to both father and son!