Mark O`Shea (93-94) From Dalby to Nashville

THE
DOWNLA
ND
FO
CIATION
SSO
F
TUD
AST S ENTS A
SP
RTE
D
S - I N - FI
E
RT E S
DOWNLANDS
PA S T
STUDENTS
MAGAZINE
2013/2014
Mark O’Shea (93-94)
From Dalby
to Nashville
F O R T E S I N F I D E - S T R O N G I N FA I T H
From our Principal
The College continues to grow as we work to
become the school of choice in our region.
Early in 2013, the College engaged architects to help plan for the physical
future of Downlands.
They addressed improving our driveway onto Ruthven Street, the design and
construction of our Junior Boys Boarding House project and the reinvigoration
of Mooney Wing once it is vacated by boarders late this year.
We will be receiving the keys to the new Harris House at the end of this year.
While building has taken longer than planned the project did come in under
budget which is always a pleasant outcome. This will be a building of which
to be immensely proud, and we look forward to welcoming our new, young
boarders to a genuine home away from home in 2015.
Strategic Review
The College Executive has developed a strategic planning document, “Shaping
the Downlands Future - Towards 2018”. A range of groups were consulted
during the process.
With goals that underpin the distinctiveness of the thriving community that is
Downlands, and building on organisational alignment with the MSC Charism,
it’s an exciting time to be leading the College.
The Digital Downlands Program
This year every student at Downlands was issued with their own portable
computer, a Dell XPS12 Ultrabook. This laptop has a rotating screen
that converts to a tablet and we have been very happy with the robust
construction and reliability.
The new program addresses not only the device itself, but also teaches and
encourages our students to be good digital citizens.
Welcoming Year 7
In 2015 we are welcoming a full cohort of Year 7 students into the College in
line with the Queensland Government’s Flying Start program.
We have restructured our Middle Management teams and Pastoral Care
programs to meet the needs of the whole school community.
Thank you for continuing to spread the good word about Downlands today.
We are immensely proud of the friendships and achievements of our Past
Students and the solid foundation this provides for students of the future.
Stephen McIllhatton, Principal
Ours is a spirit of family and a spirit of
true friendship, formed by kindness and
understanding, by compassion and mutual
forgiveness, by gentleness, humility and
simplicity, by hospitality and a sense of humour.
MSC CONSTITUTIONS #32
1
2014 College
Executive
Principal
Mr Stephen McIllhatton
Deputy Principals
Pastoral Care
Mr Tim Morrison
Teaching & Learning
Mr Stephen Koch
Assistant Principal
Mission
Mrs Anne McAtomney
Head of Boarding
Mr Ian Bulkin
College Business Manager
Ms Danielle Watson
CONTENTS
FORTES 2013 / 2014
Reports1
10
Congratulations Fr Doneley MSC
Fr Tyson Doneley was recognised in the 2013 Australia
Day honours list with the Medal in the Order of Australia
in the General Division for service to the community
through Catholic education.
Father Doneley was ordained in 1946, before spending 60 years in education.
During that time he taught three future Premiers: former NSW Premiers Barry
Reunion 2013
5
Awards
7
Grandparents Day
9
Golf Days
11
Tennis Days 12
Downlands Grammar Day
13
Reunion 2014
15
The Brick Project
19
Mark O’Shea
21
Franzmann Catchup
23
News & Updates
25
Retirements34
Farewells35
Leave Your Mark
40
End Notes
42
Events and Dates
Back Cover
O’Farrell and John Fahey and former Queensland Premier Mike Ahern.
Fr Doneley taught in India, Japan, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. In Australia he
was Headmaster of St John’s College, Darwin and Chevalier College, Bowral and
Director of Sport at Downlands College Toowoomba.
Fr Doneley said: “When I heard about the Order of Australia I thought it was a
big honour. I’m obviously pleased to get the recognition.”
MSC Provincial Superior Fr John Mulrooney welcomed the honour bestowed
on Fr Doneley. “This award recognises a man of exceptional integrity. It is
acknowledgement, not just of the work he has done within the MSC order, but
for the example he set others and the mentoring and education he has given
thousands of young people and fellow clergy in Australia and the Asia Pacific”
said Fr Mulrooney.
Fr Doneley is 93 years of age and now resides at St Joseph’s Aged Care in
Kensington, Sydney.
Above: Fr John Mulrooney MSC, Fr Tyson Doneley MSC OAM, Her Excellency
Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.
SPREAD THE
WORD!
Downlands now
waives the $75
Enrolment Fee
for children of Downlands,
Monivae, Daramalan and
Chevalier Past Students, first
and second generation.
So enrol your children and get
to know the Downlands of
today in the lead up to high
school.
2
Downlands College
Development
Over two years on, I’m still
bowled over by the amount
of daily activity here at
Downlands.
The job is a big one and I’m enjoying
it immensely. There have been a lot
of internal College projects for me
to work on as part of my position,
and this certainly contributed to the
fact that this edition of Fortes is well
overdue. Please accept my apologies
for the delay. Steps have been taken
to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
New website
Here in the Development Office we
continue to move towards the goal
of providing an online Past Students
hub. This will now take the form of
a community website that will be
launched in early 2015.
The site will provide information
and opportunities for both Past
Students, Past Parents, Past Staff
and other friends of Downlands, so
please ensure we have your latest
email address and can notify you
when it goes live.
The Team
In May last year we farewelled the
lovely Trudie to a happy retirement
and grandparenthood and welcomed Clas
s of 1987 - Molly York (nee Finch) cau
ght up
Matt Andreas (Class of 1987) on a
with Janet Power (visiting from Can
berr
a),
Anna
part time basis to help in the leadup
Bartlett and her daughter Beth.
to the 2013 Reunion events. Anyone
in Matt’s class will know he’s the
Perry is a member of the Class of
‘King of Reunions’, managing to get
1953. With a background in teaching
180 of us to our 20th back in 2007
and photography Catherine is
(mind you, he was on the phone for a
already fitting right in.
year!) and Matt’s help was priceless.
While we work for the College,
And at the beginning of Term 4 we
it’s in everyone’s best interest to
welcomed Melanie Cavanough (Class
encourage and promote a strong
of 2003) as our fulltime ‘Alumni
network between past and present
students. We have a couple of
and Community Relations Officer’.
events planned for 2015 and will
This description merely scratched
be producing another issue of
the surface of the projects Melanie
FORTES, supplemented by the new
has been be involved with this year
community website and our very
and her energy and enthusiasm
active Downlands Past Student
have been infectious. Mel took
facebook page.
Maternity Leave in December and
we look forward to meeting the new
member of the Cavanough family.
Catherine Mims has recently taken
on Melanie’s role for the next 12
months. A current parent at the
College, Catherine’s father, John
DPSA Past President, Mike Hogan, presents Trudie Smith with a gift of
appreciation on her retirement. Above - Anna Bartlett, Bill Jordan, John Ryan,
Trudie Smith, Mike Hogan and Peter McCarthy.
3
Finally, thank you to everyone who
has emailed, called or dropped in to
let us know what you’re up to. It’s
always a pleasure to catch up with a
fellow Downlander!
Anna Bartlett nee Battle (86-87)
Luke Dirou (88-92) dropped into
Downlands with his family last
January, while visiting from the UK.
DPSA
Members for
Members
The Downlands Past
Students Association is an
active group of Past Students
who volunteer their time and
talents to promote esprit de
corps among Downlanders.
Since January 2013, all Downlands
Past Students are deemed to be
lifetime members of the DPSA. This
means that if we have your contact
details you will receive quarterly
email updates, electronic copies of
FORTES magazine (or, if you’d prefer,
a printed copy) and invitations to
events at the College.
The DPSA Management Committee
meets in the DPSA Room in Tyson
Manor at 5.30pm on the third
Monday of most months. All are
welcome.
At the 2014 DPSA AGM, the
Committee moved a successful
motion to accept the proposed
changes to the Constitution changes
proposed. The updated document is
available on the Downlands website.
A lively group of past students answered the Gryphon Call and gathered
at the Norville Hotel, Toowoomba, in October and December 2014. Future
Gryphon Call events are scheduled for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and
Toowoomba. Please contact [email protected] if you would like
to host an event in your area.
Back: Gordon Dyball, Cameron Donaldson, Eric Donaldson, Denise Tuesley,
Garth Cocks, Paula Sturgeon, Matt Andreas, Peter McCarthy, Jim Brennan,
Rob Forsyth. Front: Mary-Kate Khoo, Fr Vince Carroll, Anna Bartlett and Nicki
Hibbard.
DPSA Committee 2014
President - Gordon Dyball (74-77)
Vice President - Peter McCarthy (69-72)
Secretary/Treasurer - Paul Devine (74-78)
Committee Members - John Power (55-57), Anna Bartlett (86-87), Matt
Andreas (84-87), Melanie Cavanough (01-03), Garth Cocks (53 - 57),
Cameron Donaldson (80 - 81), Jim Brennan (83 - 86)
Fr Roy O’Neill, who now lives in Darwin,
came to Downlands for his own reunion in
2013 and then returned again in 2014 and
conducted a lively Reunion Weekend mass
on both occasions.
4
In August 2013 we welcomed 150
Downlanders back to the College, some for
their first time since graduation. It was also
the first year we introduced ‘President’s
Drinks’, inviting Past Students to join us at
6pm, even if they aren’t able to stay for the
Reunion Dinner.
In 2013 the Reunion Dinner was held in Tudor Hall, a room
full of memories for boarders especially, and the Past
Students Service Award was presented to Barry Collis
PSM OAM, a distinguished and active member of the Class
of 1955.
Barry worked for 46 years with Education Queensland in
Southern and Western Queensland. He was the first Road
Safety Officer appointed by Education Queensland and
traveled over 80,000km each year taking a road safety
program to schools all over the State.
In recent years Barry organised Docu Drama, promoting
awareness of road safety among young people. Barry
coordinated medical practitioners, QFRS, QPS, QAS,
AGL helicopters and various others including funeral
directors, wrecking yards (for crashed cars), the Spinal
Injury awareness team, make-up artists and actors to
demonstrate the reality of car accidents. Barry has
presented this demonstration at Downlands a number of
times.
Barry’s 1955 cohort is very active and gets together
regularly, encouraged and organised through his
entertaining monthly newsletters to the group.
The Class of 1993
5
DPSU Service Award winner Barry Collis cuts the reunion cake as
classmate Pat Moore and DPSA President Gordon Dyball look on.
A fine Downlander, Barry was nominated by his good
friend, Pat Moore, and DPSA President Gordon Dyball was
honoured to present Barry with the award.
The Class of 1993, pictured below, were in fine form, with
four tables booked and classmates travelling from far and
wide.
Particular mention must also be made of the Class of 1963
who celebrated their 50 Year Reunion in fine voice and
style.
Thank you to everyone who returned for the Mass,
morning tea and tour on the Sunday morning. Many
friendships were rekindled.
The Class of 1963 celebrating 50 years - back row - Mick
Cronin, Dominic Carroll, Mike Hickey, John McGowan, John
Currie, Roy O’Neil, Front row - Doug Fields, Chris Carrigan,
Bob Fraser, Peter Cochrane.
6
2013 Awards
Outstanding Past Student Mike Ahern AO
A MESSAGE FROM MIKE
Thank you to those responsible for the awarding to me of the
“Outstanding Past Student Award” I am honored and grateful.
I am honored for two reasons.
Firstly because the nomination came from Evan Whitton. Evan
was, of course, one of my teachers at Downlands. Later he became
one of Australia’s most valued journalists. He chose a role as a
hard hitting “corruption busting” journo with a passion for truth
and honesty in public office. He came along at a most important
time when corruption festered in loose administrations in various
Governments across the country. We needed him.
Evan is a gifted writer, well versed in English literature. His prose
was very cutting and elegant and immensely readable always.
He wrote books: The Hillbilly Dictator, The Reptiles of the Press. He
wrote columns, exposes, etc. If there was a corruption issue in the
country, he wrote about it. He was ruthless and clear as crystal. He
came from a position of strong morality and decency. He carried the
Downlands banner very proudly but humbly.
He interviewed me when I was Premier. This was in the era of Tony
Fitzgerald. He was determined as was I, to see the sorry revelations
lead to some justice and a better future for Queensland. I am left
with a great affection and respect for him. He is certainly and
outstanding Past Student himself. Now in his advanced years, he still
continues his work.
Secondly, I value the award itself. I came to Downlands from a humble
farming background. My mother made the decision to send me there.
She thought the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart would do best with
me. She turned out to be right.
My political years are well behind me now, but I
hope my commitment to adopt Tony Fitzgerald’s
recommendations have meant something to those
who followed me. The book Lock, Stock and Barrel
by Dr Reynolds describes my time there. I believe
passionately that people elected to public office
should be ethical, transparent and accountable for
what they do. If they think that is too hard, then
they shouldn’t go there. Stay home.
My time at Downlands prepared me for life at
university, politics, marriage and parenthood. I
have ten grand kids. I am still in business. I love
technology. Fr John Tyler gave me that.
I regret I could not attend tonight. I have had
a fall and am nursing a broken ankle. I am
miserable and grumpy. I will come to Downlands
to say thank you some time when I get rid of the
crutches. Thank you for the award.
Mike Ahern
7
2013 Awards
Photo supplied by PA Photos
Outstanding Past Student Rosemary Williams OBE
Rosemary was known as Bo during
her time at school. Catherine Grant
(Class of 1983), nominated her sister:
“I would like to nominate
Ms Rosemary Williams
(Class of 1986). She has
lived and worked in the UK
for the past ten years and
was recently awarded an
OBE in the Queen’s Birthday
Honours List announced in
the Guardian Newspaper
on 14 June 2013. She was
recognised for her long term
commitment to the sport
of Rugby Union and for the
work she has done over the
past ten years in services to
Rugby Union at National and
International levels, a real
honour.”
Rosie has overseen a 103 per cent
increase in women and girls playing
rugby in England since 2004 – now
more than 14,000 – and there is
significant increased support and
emphasis on women and girls playing
and being involved in the game
across the country. The England
Women’s team is also officially ranked
second in the world in both XVs and
Sevens rugby.
Rosie has also worked with the
International Rugby Board to push
forward the expansion of women’s
rugby around the world, and served
as a member of the European
FIRA Rugby Executive and the Six
Nations committee, representing
England. When England hosted the
Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010,
she took on the additional role of
Tournament Director, delivering
a hugely successful event that
attracted record crowds for women’s
XV matches, televised to a global
audience.
Following integration of the RFUW
with the RFU in July 2012, Rosie took
on the role of Head of Local Rugby
Delivery and she is now responsible
for the management and deployment
Above left: Rosemary Williams with
her sister Liz Williams, her parents
Elaine Williams and Colin Williams, and
her sister Cath Grant, with her OBE at
Buckingham Palace.
Above right: Cath Grant accepts
Rosie’s Outstanding Past Student
Award from DPSA President, Gordon
Dyball.
of the largest field team working in
rugby in the world.
Of receiving the OBE Rosie said, “I
am extremely proud to have been
given this honour by Her Majesty the
Queen. What makes this honour so
special is that it doesn’t just recognise
my own personal achievements but
the growth and success of women’s
rugby in England that cannot be
attributed to any one individual.
“I have been supported enormously
by a fabulous group of people, from
Board members and volunteers, to
the staff teams at the RFUW and the
RFU. They all deserve recognition for
their hard work and commitment.”
8
Downlands College
Grandparents
Day
The popularity of Grandparents
Day at Downlands continues
to grow with over 350
grandparents joining their
grandchildren for the special
day in both 2013 and 2014.
Each year, grandparents are invited to
the College to share classes with their
grandchildren, followed by a meal and
entertainment from current students in
the Graham Centre.
Downlands was also happy to welcome
back 11 past students in 2013 and 2014,
who are now grandparents at the
College. In fact, the highlight of the 2013
luncheon would have to be the strings
performance featuring Darcy and
Patrice Brennan with their grandfather,
Bill Brennan, Class of 1958 (pictured top
right).
So what attracts such large numbers to
this event each year? Speak to any of
the guests present and you will receive a
similar answer - to spend time with their
grandchildren and to share their school
experience. Some grandparents travel
extraordinary distances for the day
and we do all we can to make sure it’s a
special memory for everyone.
9
John Perry (Class of 53) with his granddaughter, Madi Mims,
Year 9, and his wife, Yvonne.
Ed Cleary (Class of 52) spends time in the classroom with his
grandson and namesake, Eddie Cleary, Year 12.
Members of the College Orchestra, conducted by Ms
Miranda Myers, perform at the luncheon.
Jim Crothers (Class of 55) with his grandchildren Ruth and
Patrick Wallis.
Past Student Grandparents 2014 - Front – Ted Dray (39-40), Walter Speedy (44-46), John Perry (48-51), Bill Brennan (55-58),
Tony Wallis (51-56) Back – Ed Cleary (49-52), Peter Fogarty (51-52), David Robinson (46-47), Pat O’Sullivan (53-56), Paul Hilton
(1945) and Jim Crothers (54-55).
10
DPSU / DPSA
Golf Day
The 2013 DPSU Golf Day was held Friday
before Downlands Grammar Day, at the
Toowoomba Golf Club.
Thanks to Mike and Lorraine Hogan and their team of
helpers and also to our generous sponsors, GJames
Glass and Aluminium and K&R Plumbing Supplies.
11
DPSA
Tennis Days
St Patrick’s Day 2013 dawned
in Toowoomba bright and
clear - perfect weather for
the inaugural DPSU Tennis
Day.
Eleven teams, comprising current
and Past Students, teachers and
parents, hit the court. In 2014 that
number grew to 19 teams.
Each team of two had to contain
at least one current student of
Downlands College. Teams were then
placed in a round robin competition,
earning points for each match they
won.
After a nail-biting Final, the 2013
winners were announced as Max
Wagner (current student) and Frank
O’Mara (current teacher).
With an increased field in 2014,
competition for the title was
definitely intense. After a long battle
on the courts, this year’s winners
were Jacob Currie (current student)
and Alisa Chumpia.
Thank you to Mary-Kate Khoo (Class
of 86), Paul Naumann (Class of 84)
and tennis coach Rob Williams, for
organising such a wonderful event.
From top: Frank
O’Mara and Max
Wagner take the
trophy in 2013;
Jacob Currie and
Alisa Chumpia in
2014; style and
technique on the
court in 2014.
16
14
8
Downlands
Grammar Day
Two years of games, two
years of contrast.
The weather looked ominous
when Saturday 17 August
2013 rolled around, but the
heavens held off until just
after the final siren declared
our First XV victorious with
a score of 38-33.
We welcomed back many of the Class
of 2012 (below) and Downlanders
claimed the eastern side of the Old
Boys’ Memorial Oval at TGS to cheer
on our College.
Our Firsts put on an incredibly strong
first half and Captain John Moloney
proceeded to be an inspirational
leader and very good open break
away culminating in his two try, Man
of the Match performance.
Bob Neate (Class of 1970) did his
bit, managing to sell at least 11
Downlands scarves to his classmates
and spreading the red and blue on
the hill.
Well done to the boys of 2013.
13
While the Firsts suffered undeniable
disappointment when defending the
O’Callaghan Cup in 2014, they will be
remembered for their stoicism and
graciousness in defeat.
Downlands Grammar Day
29 August 2015 (away)
14
A great night was had by the Classes of 44, 64 and 84, 94 and
04 at the Reunion Dinner in the Graham Centre on 30 August
2014. The Class of 54 joined us for President’s Drinks before
enjoying a performance at the Empire Theatre.
Frank Underwood (Class of 44) and Paul Beirne (School Captain of 64) cut the
reunion cake. A highlight of the night was definitely the war cry attempted by
Frank Underwood alongside Ben Kelly, Peter Hogan and Bill Ramsey (all Class
of 84). It appears the words may have changed a little over the years!
The Outstanding Past Student Award was presented to Mark O’Shea (Class of
94) and it was collected by his sister Clare Stevens, nee O’Shea (Class of 84) on
his behalf. John Harland (Class of 74) was awarded the Past Student Service
Award by his classmates at their reunion at the Burke and Wills Hotel on the
same night.
Class of 1994
Class of 1984
15
Class of 1964
16
Class of 1954
60th Reunion
Thirty-two seniors graduated in 1954 and 12 past
students returned to Toowoomba for their 60th Reunion
in 2014. They were joined by Fr Albert Chan MSC, Tom
Cullinan and Mike Campbell who, for various reasons,
left the College in 1953, as well as Kev Murphy and Des
Rose who left in 1952. Twelve wives also joined the
gathering.
For 20 years, Mike Campbell was
unable to be located. This time the
Cullinans discovered his whereabouts
and his presence was greatly
appreciated. Mike won a framed
Downlands Grammar jersey raffled
off at Downlands Grammar Day
and graciously presented it to Ben
Kennedy, School Captain and First XV
Captain from 1954 (above right).
Class of 1954
17
This group was making its
fourth organised reunion visit
to Downlands, the previous
three being 1994, 2004 and 2009.
Among the three day celebrations
undertaken were full attendance
at the Reunion Mass, morning tea
and College tour, rugby match and
DPSA President’s Drinks, bus trip
to Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport
site, Japanese Gardens, tour of
Empire Theatre and Sound of Music
performance. Meals were enjoyed at
several venues.
A delightful conclusion to the
weekend was a lunch hosted by John
and Mary-June Littleton at their
Crows Nest property.
Sixty years is a long time to reflect
upon. We recall with gratitude all
those MSC Priests and Brothers who
hosted us as boarders at Downlands
and fostered the spirit which remains
deep within us. We thank the College
and various staff, particularly, Anna
Bartlett, Melanie Cavanough and
John McAtomney for their work and
support for our group and everyone
for the reunion which was one of the
best in recent years.
Photos taken by The Chronicle.
It is notable that Des and Joan
Rose travelled from Perth as they
had done from Atherton for our 50
year celebrations. Des boarded at
Downlands from 1947 – 1952 and has
great memories and respect for MSC
Priests and Brothers.
Congratulations to John
Harland (Class of 1974) on
receiving the 2014 Past
Student Service Award.
A passionate and dedicated Past
Student, John has been a vital
part of the DPSU/A and also the
Queensland Police Service.
His work within the DPSU was
widespread. John had a hand in
forming a Longreach ‘sub-branch’
of the DPSU, was President of
the Association on two occasions
and a Committee member for 21
years. He actively contributed
to the Downlands community
through extensive building
projects and supported student
activities and pursuits.
John also contributed greatly
to Police community projects
including the re-introduction
of the local Longreach district
cricket competition, organisation
of the Blue Light Associations
and services in various districts,
founded the Community
Supporting Police Operation
of Welfare Accommodation for
remote Police and Emergency
Services families in times of need
and he participated on various
charity committees.
At left: Seated - John Kearns, Ben
Kennedy, Don O’Donoghue and John
Ryan. Standing – Tom Cullinan, Pat
Nolan, Kev Murphy, Mike Campbell,
David Corrigan, Liam O’Dea, Merv
Welch, Fr Albert Chan MSC, Pat Smith,
Des Rose, John Littleton and Denis
Curran.
Top: Maureen Kearns, Deann
O’Donoghue, Cynthia Nolan, Joan Rose
and Mary-June Littleton
Middle: Denise Kennedy, Judy Cullinan
and Maureen Ryan.
Bottom: Helen Corrigan, Kath Wood
and Pat Murphy.
John accepted his award in front
of his 1974 classmates at their
reunion dinner on the Saturday
night, stating that he was
‘humbled’ with the recognition.
Both John Harland and Mark
O’Shea will also receive a paver
on the Past Students walk to be
laid in the new Year 7 area.
18
Past Students Walk
The Brick Project
Thank you to those who have purchased
pavers on the Past Students Walk this year.
For logistical reasons, the bricks are ordered
and laid in batches, with another order to be
placed in early 2015. The bricks are currently
in front of the Sacré Coeur Centre, but will
be relaid as a pathway in the new Year 7
precinct, where Old Cody is currently located.
Simply make a tax deductible donation of $100 or more to the
“Downlands College Foundation” and we will engrave a paver
for you. Email [email protected] or download the
form on the College website.
Bricks have now been laid for the following people Matthew Gough Dominic Churchett
Clayton Bloomell
Cody Brownlie
Tom Faessler
Kalicia Brennan
Noel Joseph Leyden Kieran Booth Michael Nissen
Amy Golden
Kerri – Lee Fulton Ethan Aisthorpe William Tuite
George Golden
Michael Nissen
Ben McKillop
Jack Wagner
Kathryn Golden
Greg Hill Chris McIllhatton Tess Wagner
Nicholas Gordon
Terry Cronin Romey Sullivan Grace Wagner
Andrew Gough
John Lee
Ashvin Tharumanathan
Josh Wagner
Kady Ibell
Glen Kimmorley
Brendan Van Ansem Jarred Faux
Sarah Jago
David Kimmorley
Emelia Vincent Adrian Smith
Alexander Kendall
Andrew Pegler
Luke Willett
Brett & Mitch Smith
Cassie Kratzmann
George Emerson
Samuel A Forwood
Cameron Brown
Martin McGrane
Lauren E Forwood
Kevin O’Neill
Damian Leggat
Bernie McGrane MSC
Eli Blatz
Bishop Eugene Cuskelly MSC
Kevin O’Neill Emma Blatz Tom Faessler
Maree Seymour
Peter Blatz Justin Baldwin
John Corcoran
Erin Dempsey
Louis Barnes
Arthur Duffell James Dempsey Stuart Batterham
Donald Duffell Georgina Marshall Justin Bottrell
Clayton Bloomell
Paul Marshall
Ben Braden
Liam Marshall Malvyn Wilkins
Peter Jefferies
Harry Brodie Jacinta Brennan
Sue - Ellen Jefferies
Jack Brodie
Phoebe Bridges
Scott Jefferies
Charlie Brodie Tom Brodie
Matthew Jefferies
Susie Brodie Danielle Chapman
Kristen Coggan nee Stahlhut
Courtney Jefferies
The 5 O’Callaghan Brothers
Michiellie Chapman
Lisa McGlynn
Katherine Lumsden
Michael Ahern
Wade Clewley
Benjamin Hegarty
Harry Littleton
Rosemary Williams
Ellen Cooper
Shenny Lasrado
Conor Hilton Barry Collis
Blake Cusato
David Willett
Lisa Gurnett
Noel Joseph Leyden
Maxim Erickson
Leonard Willett
John Corfield
Kerri - Lee Fulton nee Lemon
John Gillett
Carol Chandler nee McDonald
John (Tich) Geddes
19
Thomas Golden
Nicholas Leggat
Katherena MacManus
Keeley Morrissy
Emily Nixon
Nicola Oxenbridge
Gabrielle Phillips
Julian Posada
Ryan Prestipino
Camilla Stokes
Christen Whisson
Veronica Williams
Class of 1974
40th Reunion
Danny McSweeney and his band of helpers planned a
weekend like no other for their 40th Reunion. Starting
with golf at Middle Ridge; then onto the Spotted Cow;
then Downlands Grammar Day; a fine dinner with plenty
of entertainment at the Burke and Wills Hotel in the
centre of town; then breaky at the Shingle Inn - this group
had energy to burn.
Entertained by their own “MP and The Pacemakers” (and
Thunder!) these classmates welcomed back quite a few
Downlanders who hadn’t returned since graduation and
are already planning their 45th!
Go to your Downlands
Magazine for 1974, tear out the
middle pages which have our
head shots, feed them through
the photocopier at 125% (to
add some fat to the face), then
crumple up the pages and
crush them into the size of a
cricket ball, toss this around the
room for about an hour and
then carefully unfold the pages.
There you have it... the faces
of the Class of 1974 now circa
2014.
______________________
BERNIE O’SULLIVAN
20
COVER STORY
Mark O’Shea
(93-94)
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for
country music star and Downlands Past
Student, Mark O’Shea.
He makes up one half of the award
winning musical duo, “O’SHEA” with
his beautiful and talented wife, Jay
making the other.
Music Channel (CMC), grace the cover
of several magazines and take their
second single “Thank You Angels” all
the way to the top of the charts.
It started with a new album launch
in January 2013 at the Tamworth
Country Music Festival, which
saw their second CD, “One + One”
cracking the Top 5 on the ARIA
country charts behind superstars like
Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
And if you think that’s a hectic
schedule, their biggest achievement
last year came on May 18, when they
welcomed their second baby girl,
August Eve O’Shea, to the world.
Then came a national tour with Sir
Cliff Richard performing at historic
venues like the Sydney Opera House
and Hamer Hall in Melbourne and
appearances on TV shows like
Channel 7’s “Sunrise” and Channel
9’s “Mornings”.
Somewhere in there, the dynamic
duo managed to continue shooting
their own television show “O’SHEA
USA” which airs on Foxtel’s Country
21
“Yeah, it’s been pretty busy”, says
Mark with his typical, laid-back
country charm.
The couple is based in Nashville,
Tennessee but has been tripping
back and forward from the US to
Australia since relocating there seven
years ago.
“That’s probably the hardest part
about this whole thing”, chimes in
Jay. “People complain about a 16
hour flight to the States and we just
laugh and say, “Try doing that four
times a year with a
toddler on your lap and a screaming
baby in your arms”.
Mark and his family have a long
history with Downlands. Apart from
his father, Barry, who attended in
1952-53, all of Mark’s eight older
siblings, Paul, Richard, Lecy, Philip,
Clare, Fiona, Majella and John, also
attended the college.
“I loved it!” says Mark. “My
closest, lifelong friends all went to
Downlands with me”.
O’SHEA have gone from strength
to strength in the last few years
amassing an astonishing five Number
1 singles on the Australian CMC Top
50 and touring more than 41 of the
50 US States. They took out the Gold
Guitar for New Talent of The Year
fragility that transcends a singer and
a microphone and conveys pure, raw
emotion.
“Between the writing and recording
of these songs, I must have cried
about twenty times,” says Jay. “In
the past I would have put that down
to being overly emotional on account
of being pregnant, but I can’t blame
it on that this time! These songs are
very personal and cut right to the
bone.”
Having played electric, acoustic,
banjo and mandolin on the album,
Mark’s musicality has played a huge
role in the sound of the record.
at the 2012 CMAA Awards and are
considered one of today’s biggest
Australian country stars.
The duo are also are excited to host
their launch party for their much
anticipated third album at the 2015
Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The album entitled, ‘The Famine &
The Feast’ will be released January
16, 2015.
At the time of writing, their first
single from the album, “Bad Day
Good” has received almost 19,000
views on YouTube.
‘We wanted to write an album about
love in all its forms’, says Jay O’Shea.
‘But in order to do that honestly,
we had to address both ends of the
spectrum. The Good & the Bad.’
“It’s an album of extremes,” adds
Mark. “A collection of very honest
and passionate songs.”
The record co-produced by O’SHEA,
legendary Aussie ex-pat producer,
Mark Moffatt and Nashville super
musician, Ilya Toshinsky, can be
divided into two halves, The Famine
and The Feast.
‘The Famine & The Feast’ is O’SHEA’s
strongest collection of songs to date.
The album showcases Jay’s soulful
vocals that the duo have become
known for, but songs like ‘Sorry I
Was Right’, ‘Just Love’ and ‘Have
That Again’ reveal a sensitivity and
“Being surrounded by such amazing
musicians in Nashville is always
inspiring and makes you want to try
new things,” adds Mark.
“We chose the kind of musicians
for this record that had country
roots, but were willing to take
some chances both musically and
instrumentation wise and we’re
all very happy and excited by the
results.”
You can purchase a copy of the
O’Shea album “One + One” directly
from Downlands.
Mark and Jay will be in Australia
in January and February for their
#baddaygood Tour, including a FREE
hometown show in Dalby on Friday
30 January 2015. See their website for
more tour dates.
www.therealoshea.com
Friends and food
On May 14 2014, three talented past students, Felicity
Philp (nee Allen), Julie Reardon, and Kate Owen (nee
Reardon) (classes of 88 & 86), officially launched
their gluten, yeast, dairy, egg and refined sugar free,
cookbook - Friendship Food.
In addition to hearing Felicity’s
inspiring story about her battle with
Scleroderma, guests were treated
to delicious food samples from
recipes contained within the book.
The trio have continued their media
tour throughout Queensland and
also took their book to the USA in
August.
www.friendshipfood.com.au
22
PROFILE
Franzmann
Catchup
Past Student, Fr John Franzmann
MSC was recently honoured
by having the Maths Wing at
Chevalier College named after
him and this news led to a
complete Franzmann catchup.
Thanks to Dawn Franzmann for
her detective work!
Fr John Joseph Franzmann
MSC (52 - 55)
Born in Townsville in 1938, John grew up
in northern and western Queensland.
1952 was to be a significant year in the
educational history of some members of
the Alf and Mary Franzmann family. John
studied at Downlands from 1952 to 1955
followed by Bernard in 1961-62 and Peter
1970-73 and Bernard’s children, Lenora
1986-87, Fiona 1987-88 and Timothy
1990-94. In the late 1940s their cousin
Bob Franzmann from Hughenden had
attended the College.
John cannot remember his first day at
Downlands apart from discovering that
he was without his COAT in the dining
room. John’s life at Downlands was not
all that different from his upbringing at
home – steeped in a strong Catholic faith
tradition.
John recalls Fr
Tim Kelly, Fr Bill
Graham, Fr Tyson
Doneley and Fr
John Bell as all
being inspiring
teachers and in
his final senior
year John was
awarded Dux
of the College.
Ordained in
1965, the now
Fr John was appointed to teach at
Daramalan College where he became
Deputy Headmaster, then Headmaster at
Chevalier from 1975 to 1980. He was then
transferred to St John’s College in Darwin
where he was Headmaster from 1986 to
1988.
Fr John has been honoured recently
by the community of Chevalier
College naming a mathematics wing
the FRANZMANN WING (H BlockMathematics). John was humbled by
this honour, at the same time feeling
proud of his achievement in nurturing
23
many young men and woman along
their path to adulthood. The Chevalier
College community has been very
blessed to have Fr John’s MSC leadership
and commitment to the College and
Community over the past 22 years. With
his great personal interest in history and
literature, in 1995 Fr John published a
book on the history of Chevalier College,
from 1946 to 1995—This Many Faceted
Gem. As well as continuing to teach and
perform his role as MSC Community
Leader, Fr John also serves as a Director
on the College Board.
franzmanii).
Bernard Anthony Franzmann
(61 - 62)
Mr Long, who was a History teacher
and organised and trained the debating
team, impressed Peter with his strength
of character and how he overcame his
disability from having Polio. Peter was
a clear thinker and enjoyed Chemistry
which set him on a path in science and
this lead him to study Microbiology.
In 1961, Bernard’s family had relocated
from Charters Towers to Southport
and had chosen Downlands. He met
his lifelong friend Grant McAuliffe and
they shared a common love of North
Queensland as Grant was from Atherton.
He recalls Fr Jock McCowage fostering a
love of English in the students he taught.
Downlands was certainly different from
Charters Towers. Being able to go down
town to get some good food, attend
concerts for music appreciation (one of
his most treasured interests) were most
welcomed in his life.
He had already decided that he wanted
to study Entomology. On his last day
Fr Max Douglas had a conversation
with him and revealed that he knew
all about entomology, in particular the
world famous predator of prickly pear Cactoblastis!
In 1962 Bernard commenced a cadetship
with the DPI in Brisbane. He studied for
his BSc and MSc at UQ culminating in
his PhD in 2005. He worked throughout
Queensland as a research scientist. In
1970 he was transferred to Innisfail where
he commenced his research into tropical
agriculture in particular the banana scab
moth in North Qld. On his return to the
Darling Downs in 1974 he researched
the pests of sorghum, sunflowers,
cotton, potatoes and lucerne. His special
interest was in developing biological
control methods and integrated pest
management. Bernard was honoured
by the Australian Sorghum Industry
in 2006 for his contribution to the
global sorghum industry. He has an
insect named after him in the Natural
History Museum in London (Perilampus
Bernie has been married to Dawn for
45 years and has three children, Lenora,
Fiona and Timothy and six grandchildren.
Peter Damian Franzmann
(70 - 73)
Peter enjoyed boarding school life –
probably the only student who felt more
freedom at school than at home. The
youngest of ten children, he enjoyed the
company of others.
Peter studied at UQcompleting a BSc,
and Honours, finally completing his PhD
in 1983.
Peter worked with the Australian
Antarctic Commonwealth Division in
Tasmania and in 1984 he undertook
a winter expedition on the Antarctic
continent. This work enabled him to
win the inaugural Skerman Prize for his
collection establishing the Australian
Collection of Antarctic Micro-organisms.
Part of this Prize was to study in
Germany.
He undertook a second Antarctic season
during the summer of 1987-1988. Peter
has been honoured by the Australian
Government by receiving the Antarctic
Medal presented by the Governor General
in 1995. Also, he has a lake and a bacteria
named after him in the Antarctic.
On his return to Australia he obtained
a position in the CSIRO working as the
Programme Leader on Water Treatment
and Mining Biotechnology in WA. Peter
worked with the CSIRO for 20 years until
his retirement in 2012. During his time in
Germany he met his wife Annkathrin who
practices as a Paediatrician in Perth.
Lenora Mary O’Connor nee
Franzmann (86 - 87)
Lenora made many lifelong friends during
her time at Downlands and particularly
enjoyed being involved with drama,
PROBLEM SOLVED
The “best fiveeighth” to represent
Downlands was the
‘five- eighth’ in the 1943
Firsts!
Franzmanns from left to right - Bernie, Peter, Lenora, Fiona,
Tim and Fr John in front of the newly named Franzmann
Maths Wing at Chevalier College.
musicals and singing. John Clarke and Fr
Paul McCormack were both inspirational
and encouraging and the Liturgical
Singers tour is one of her most cherished
memories.
The Christian Living Days were reflective
and showed her a different way in which
one could express their respect for their
peers and also develop a strong sense of
commitment and faith.
Lenora pursued a career in teaching with
her major as Music. This has enabled her
to co-produce and direct two Christmas
CDs incorporating hundreds of voices of
children from around the Toowoomba
Diocese. The proceeds were given to
charities.
Lenora holds a Diploma in Teaching
from the USQ and a Graduate Diploma
in Arts and Religious Education from the
Australian Catholic University. Lenora
now teaches in Brisbane where she lives
with her husband Michael and two sons
Patrick and David.
Fiona Jacqueline Dalton nee
Franzmann (87 - 88)
Fiona recalls Downlands as exciting
but incredibly daunting. “We were girls
entering the boys’ turf. On that first
day I was really focused on finding out
where the infamous Emu Stairs were and
avoiding them at all costs.”
The teachers who stand out for Fiona
were the ones who were most passionate
about what they were teaching.
Memorable teachers were Susan Scott
(who passed on to her the love of her
favourite novel Pride and Prejudice) and
her drama teacher John Clarke who had
the patience of a saint by trying to corral
a rabble of over-excited teenagers into
staging serious productions.
She forged strong friendships at
Downlands and remains very close to
many of her school friends, having gone
on to live together, travel together and
become godparents to each other’s
children.
In 1943 Downlands was
taken over as a Military
Hospital and the College
was relocated to Dalby
She was always interested in journalism
and writing, and in Year 12 volunteered
to co-edit the Senior Magazine. She
went on to study journalism at USQ and
in her subsequent career has worked on
newspapers and magazines in Australia
and the UK.
for a year, returning to
Fiona now works as a government
media advisor with the Department
of Transport and Main Roads. She met
her husband Trent while working on
Brisbane News magazine. They have two
daughters, Beth and Sylvie.
sporting fixtures including
Timothy Bernard Franzmann
(90 - 94)
be one best five eighth,
Tim followed in the footsteps of his
uncles, father and two sisters and
although Downlands was familiar to him
he remembers feeling overwhelmed,
underprepared and excited to be starting
high school.
Tim has fond memories of his teachers
Trudy Dunn, John Clarke, Julie Cruice
and Fr Paul McCormack. He made many
lifelong friends and his experience at
Downlands gave him a strong sense of
school spirit. He wore his uniform with
pride, played rugby and cricket and went
on to coach and encourage young players
to enjoy the game of cricket.
Toowoomba in 1944.
In Dalby, Downlands took
part in all the district’s
the local Rugby League
competition.
Therefore, there can only
the man who played in
that position in 1943,
Bernie McGrane! Using
the same logic, his little
brother, Marty, who played
halfback, must have been
the best halfback!
Father Bernie currently
resides at Kensington
Monastery in Sydney
Tim studied for his Bachelor of Education
(Primary) at USQ and a Certificate in
Religious Education from the Australian
Catholic University. After graduation he
taught in Sarina, Monto and Blackall.
His first experience as a Principal was
in Blackall. He is currently Principal at
St Therese’s Catholic Primary School in
Monto.
having spent over 50 years
Tim has been married to his wife Kate for
13 years and they have two children, Jack
and Ava.
supplied, with apologies, by
in Papua New Guinea
and Japan as an MSC
missionary.
This information has been
an anonymous source.
8
24 14
NEWS & UPDATES
Longreach to push scrub for fodder
and help his parents wherever he
can. He continues to enjoy working
with his brother Matt Nunn (99-01)
who runs a mustering, fencing and
yard building business throughout
south-west Queensland and down
into South Australia.
Brendan Doggett (07 - 11)
Cameron says that his older brother,
Peter Nunn (99-03), is enjoying
family life with his wife and little
boy and has, in the last few months
moved to managing a station in the
Cloncurry area.
Congratulations to Brendan Doggett
whose Rookie signing with Brisbane
Heat will see him on the Big Bash
League fast track this summer.
He will train with the Heat squad
alongside the likes of Daniel Vettori,
Andrew Flintoff and Ben Cutting
and attend the Heat’s four home
games at the Gabba. Although he
hasn’t scored one of the Heat’s 18
roster spots, he will be available for
selection as a replacement player in
the event of injury and he is “thrilled
at being able to rub shoulders with
so many greats of the game.”
Cameron’s photo proved to be
one of the Downlands Marketing
departments most used during his
time at Downlands and it is lovely to
see that some of those images are
still being used today – it must be
said that Cameron never sought the
limelight and is a little bemused that
it was his image that was used!
Tony O’Brien (68-69) and
Darren Kennedy (85-89)
Downlander Tony O’Brien is now the
owner of Sentis, an award-winning,
Global organisation specialising in
the application of neuroscience to
wellbeing, leadership and learning,
while fellow Downlander Darren
Kennedy, is the Global Leader of the
Genesis division.
Cameron Nunn (04-08)
Mr Tim Morrison, Assistant Principal
– Pastoral Care took great pleasure
in welcoming Past Student, Cameron
Nunn (above), to Downlands in
August 2013. Visiting during Ekka
was fitting for Cameron who was
Captain of the Cattle Show team
and successful Judging and Paraders
competitor at the many shows
attended by the College during his
time at school.
With the western Queensland
drought continuing, Cameron
has recently returned home to
Sentis’ programs specialise in taking
the complexity of neuroscience,
making it simple and then ensuring
it is compelling. See one of Sentis’
award-winning brain animations
here - http://youtube.com./
watch?v=xNY0AAUtH3g
John Casey (47-50)
John Casey retired to Brisbane in
2012 and has enjoyed reunions with
other members of his Senior class of
1950, including John Corcoran, Andy
Gallagher, Doug Ziebarth, David
Forrest, Frank Lory, Danny Bricknell,
Lester Rogers and Kevin Ryan.
On a visit to Sydney in June, John
spent time at the Sacred Heart
Monastery in Kensington with
Fathers Tyson Doneley and Neville
Dunne.
Anna Henry nee Reid (88 - 89)
Emerson Reid Henry born to very
proud parents Anna and Owen
Henry (pictured at left) on 22 April
2013 at 9.40pm, weighing 4.35 kg.
Congratulations!
We’ve got new
bumper stickers!
15
Simply call the office on 07 4690 9500
or email [email protected]
and we’ll send one (or two) out to you!
The Cleary’s from Greymare
Melissa Jane Dixon (93-97)
REVIEW
Simon Cleary (Class of 1993) is Senior
Water Resources Engineer with GHD
in Perth WA. Married to Theresa they
have a two year old son, Jack. Simon
has been in WA for nearly eight years
and is really enjoying the place.
After studying for a Bachelor of
Health Science Naturopathy in
Brisbane, I’ve worked in the Natural
Health industry as a Naturopath
for 10 years, including two years in
London, UK.
by Dan Connolly (Class of 1974)
The rest of the family are still
working in and around Warwick and
Toowoomba. Peter (Class of 1963)
and Janelle are based at Greymare
and have been enjoying becoming
grandparents with younger brother
Paul (Class of 1994) having a little
boy, Leo, last year with partner
Jo. Paul works at National Farmer
Warehouse Toowoomba and lives at
Back Plains on a modest property he
purchased a few years back, running
a small Angus Herd bull stud.
However, in the last couple of years
since moving back from the UK
to Melbourne, I felt the need to
embrace my creative side more,
so alongside freelance work with
photography brand Lomography, I
enrolled in a Graduate Certificate in
Visual Art at the Victorian College of
Art. My hope is to continue on to the
Masters of Contemporary Art at the
Victorian College of Art in 2014 and
to pursue a career as an artist.
Lena (Class of 1997) is engaged
to Paul and they have recently
purchased a small property between
Toowoomba and Clifton (on the next
hill to Paul). Lena works at Suncorp
in Toowoomba as a Credit Manager.
Youngest brother, John (Class of
2005), has purchased a house in
Westbrook recently and works as
a diesel mechanic for Caterpillar/
Westrac in Toowoomba.
No doubt the many years of lingering
around the Art rooms with Mr
McCulkin and Mr Ashman were to
blame somewhat for my lifelong
love of art and my eventual desire to
pursue it further. Who says that Art
& Science clash?
One of Melissa Jane’s installations is
pictured above.
www.meldixon.com.au
Lunching after the 2013 Deceased Past Students Mass - Peter Ryan (41), John
Buchanan (41), Jim FitzGerald (42).
Kim Kilvington (also Class of 1974),
a former barrister, has turned
novelist and has published three
works on Amazon.com. Go to the
kindle books section of Amazon.
com and search under “Kim
Kilvington”. I don’t have a kindle
yet so have not bought any of
them from Amazon. However, I
have read two of them.
“Judas” is biblical historical
fiction that tells the story of the
New Testament from Judas’
perspective; exposes the true
relationship between Jesus
and Mary Magdalene; reveals
what really happened at the
resurrection; and portrays Judas
as a good guy. It’s a ripping
yarn and racy “bodice ripper”.
It is chock-a-block with sex and
violence and also delves into deep
philosophical and religious issues,
so it has something for everyone.
“Point at the Moon” is set in
New York today, where Jesus
is reincarnated and meets an
Australian super model. I won’t
reveal too much of the plot so
you should read the book for
yourselves. It takes the reader
on a strange journey through the
mysterious caverns of the author’s
mind. Once you finish this novel
you will be forever changed. This is
a must read for all Kilvington fans.
I have not yet read “Fishing for
Pyramids”, but am confident that
it will also be a wild ride for the
reader.
Each novel can be purchased for
the bargain price of $4.99 from
Amazon.com. All sale proceeds
go to a worthy cause (the Kim
Kilvington benevolent fund).
Happy reading!
DOWNLANDERS
VISITING
DOWNLANDS
Anthony Scott
(Linneman 80 - 83)
Anthony now lives in North
Queensland and dropped in to see
Downlands while passing through
Toowoomba on a family holiday. As
his wife, Bernadette, happens to be
past teacher Kevin Hanley’s daughter
she has her own special memories of
the College!
While here, Anthoy had a tour of the
College and shared many memories
with his children. He also had a
photo taken with the O’Callaghan
Cup to show some workmates back
home.
Great to see you Anthony!
Kerri Fulton nee Lemon
(76 - 77)
Kerri and her husband had travelled
all the way from America to visit
relatives in Brisbane, but could not
possibly come back to Australia
without visiting the College where
she formed so many fond memories.
Shelly Bortolotto nee Kidd (95 - 99)
After only flying in from Canada the night before, Shelly (pictured above)
was keen to revisit her old College, sharing her experience with her fiancé
and parents.
Shelly’s brother Jason was the first in her family to board at Downlands in
1994. Shelly was enrolled soon after and began her education at 1995. She
remembers her years of boarding in Upper Hyland well, when the floor was
separated into rooms of four people.
Although her visit was only brief, Shelly was still grateful to share her
memories of Downlands with her family.
In fact, Kerri told her husband that
the first place in Australia that they
needed to visit was Downlands!
Kerri was the U16 Girls Swimming
Champion in 1976 and was part of
the very first Downlands College
Musical in the Graham Centre –
H.M.S Pinafore, in 1977.
Kerri and her husband enjoyed
looking through the Memorabilia
Room in Tyson Manor and walking
around the College grounds. They
even had time for a quick visit to the
Uniform Shop to purchase some
memorabilia.
Left - Anthony Scott dropped in to see
the College while on a family holiday.
Right - Kerri Fulton now lives in
America and visited Downlands while
holidaying with family.
27
Garrick Morgan (86 - 88),
Tim Horan (83 - 87) and Brett
Robinson (85 - 86)
While in Toowoomba for a
promotional visit with the
Queensland Reds, these three
former Wallabies dropped in to say
hello and catch up with Lindsay
Mason, Stephen McIllhatton, and
First XV Captain, Robert Fuz.
Greg Holmes (99 - 00)
The Queensland Reds brought Greg
(at left) to Toowoomba in February
this year to speak to our students
about his time at the College and his
life as a professional rugby player.
Peter Healy (76-77) was on hand to
welcome him back.
John Burns (54 - 55) and
David Brown (58 - 60)
On a social visit to Toowoomba,
David Brown (pictured left) brought
old friend John Burns back to
Downlands for a visit - his first since
leaving in 1955.
John has recently moved to Brisbane
to be closer to grandchildren after
spending the last forty years in
Townsville.
David lives in Brisbane and enjoyed
his reunion at Downlands not long
ago.
Roma Ivakov (05 - 06)
A professional musician, Roma
dropped in to catch up with his
favourite Downlands Music teachers,
Miranda Myers and Trina Timbs
(above right) on the last day of
classes for our Seniors this year.
Roma composes and performs
original songs in a progressive
metal style. Largely self-taught on
the electric guitar, Roma studied
19
Music and Music Extension at
Downlands where he was awarded
the Claire Booth Prize for the
Most Outstanding Student in the
Performing Arts when he was in Year
12. He studied classical guitar for a
short time after leaving school.
His major influences include
Metallica, Dream Theater and
Meshuggah. Roma has released two
albums, Alpha and Omega and Golden
Stellar Pyramid.
28
NEWS & UPDATES
Patrick Tuite (63-66)
Formula One Drive
After a lifetime of following motor
sport and up to this day being an
absolute devoted Formula 1 tragic,
Patrick Tuite has realized a lifes’ dream
- becoming a Formula 1 Driver for a day.
After winning a draw run by the
Australian Grand Prix Corporation
in Melbourne for Gold Advantage
members, Patrick was flown to the
famous Paul Ricard Circuit in Marseilles
in the south of France (staying at
the five star Grand Prix Hotel at the
circuit!).
The day was run by the Lotus Renault
Formula 1 Team, and included the use of
the team’s catering unit which follows
the team around all the European
Grand Prix, for a breakfast reception,
lunch and champagne presentation,
extensive training in the operation of
two cars - the Lotus Formula Renault
car and of course, the Lotus Renault
Formula 1 car.
The drive of the Formula 1 car was
an ‘out of this world experience’ - a
dream come true and apart from our
two world champions, the two current
drivers (Webber and Ricciado) and
three other Australian drivers who
drove in Formula 1, plus a few other
Australian motor racing identities, a
rare few ordinary Australians have
driven a Formula 1 car. During the
days’ training and instructions for the
operation of the Formula 1 car, the main
emphasis was on getting the car off the
mark from a standing start ie. the use
of the clutch, rev level etc. Many of the
group of 20 drivers from around the
world stalled a number of times but
Patrick Tuite’s start was perfect - yeah!
The day ended with a ride in the dual
seater Formula 1 car driven by Nicholas
Prost (son of the four times World
Champion F1 driver, Alaine Prost).
Patrick Tuite has been living on the Gold
Coast for the past 12 years and is now
relocating to Darwin to be closer to
family and grandkids.
Martin McGrane (40-45)
Last year Gillian and Alastair McSweeney, grandchildren
of Downlander Martin McGrane (1940-45), contacted the
College. Gillian spoke of Marty’s love for Downlands and
mentioned that he was never issued with a leadership badge
as he was School Captain during the war - he had borrowed
a badge from the head boy before him!
While the school crest is not historically correct, we were
none the less delighted to be able to organise a badge
which was presented to Marty on Father’s Day by his
grandchildren and Jack Duggan (Class of 1961). Looking
good!
13
DPSA Social Tennis Day 17 March 2013
Peter Mitchell 67 – 70, Taroom, Vince Carroll MSC 54 – 56, Taroom, Bill Nunan 68 – 71,
Clifton and Paul Reynolds 69 – 70, Helidon.
A spontaneous reunion
In November last year three past
students met up to reminisce with Fr
Vince Carroll MSC while he was here
at Downlands.
All three have also had children at
Downlands and nominate themselves
“happy customers”. Fr Vince taught
them either Geography or Religion
and / or had them in the dorm, house
sports and cadets.
Peter Mitchell sold up his property at
Taroom 20 years ago and now works
weekdays in his son-in-law’s office in
Roma.
Fr Vince returned to South Africa
this year for another stint – he is
administrating a ten room house
of hospitality in the town of Louis
Trichardt.
Bill Nunan is a solicitor in
Toowoomba, brother of Pat and Tim.
Paul Reynolds lives in Toowoomba
with his wife Maria (nee Doyle) and
he is related to Fr Percy Church MSC
(R.I.P 1999) and the late Monsignor
Pat Doyle. Their daughters, Angela
(Class of 10) and Siobhan (Class of 07),
finished at Downlands most recently.
Sam gets
healthy
Samantha Galligan (nee Lengren,
Class of 2005) is a social media
sensation with over 99,000
followers on Instagram and 7000
on Facebook. Her pages, titled
the_healthy_me, were created
as a motivational tool to help her
get fit, but have also encouraged
thousands of others to adopt
healthier lifestyle choices.
Until last year Samantha was
teaching in Brisbane, but she
recently opened a fitness studio
in Holland Park, Brisbane.
30
NEWS & UPDATES
Justin Durkin (83 - 88)
Respected local optometrist,
Justin was recently elected as
the new chairman of directors of
the prestigious national clinical
optometry group, Eyecare Plus
Limited.
Justin and his wife Sara own and
operate two independent optometry
practices in Toowoomba, at
Wilsonton and Grand Central.
While on tour in Japan with Downlands students in September 2014, current
Downlands teacher, Past Student Brendan Doherty (87-91), second from
right, presented an indigenous cross to the MSC community in Nagoya,
Japan. It was made in the Santa Theresa community in the Northern Territory
and the priests and nuns were delighted to receive it on what just happened
to be the feast day of St Theresa. The man holding the cross is Fr Priyo, who is
in charge, and Fr White and Fr Humphries are the two Australian MSC priests
pictured: they have been in Japan for 60 and 40 years respectively.
also pointed out my incorrect usage of
a word, (not just once but twice) which,
just by the way, had somehow also
escaped the attention of the editors at
one of the world’s biggest publishing
houses, but that did not offend me in
any way and only led me to feelings of
further awe. She is the best teacher
anyone could ever have, and I told her I
just wished we could clone her!
Laura Clemesha (05 - 08)
A talented netballer, Laura was a
Toowoomba junior and Sunshine
Coast Lynx State League player,
being selected for the Queensland
Firebirds in 2013.
After just missing out in 2014, Laura
was recently selected to play with
the Queensland team again in 2015.
All the best, Laura!
Ben Gillespie (04 - 08)
Back in Toowoomba last September,
after a three-month international
tour, Aussie boy Ben Gillespie still
calls Australia home.
The former Downlands College
singer is one part of The Aussie
Boys, a musical trio which started
as a patriotic cruise ship act and
is growing in-demand in theatres
across the world.
The group performed at the brand
new Heritage Bank Auditorium at the
Empire Theatre, the venue where his
career had its humble beginnings.
Ben studied at the Western
Australian Academy of Performing
Arts (the school attended by his idol,
Hugh Jackman) and thanked the
Empire for giving him a two-week
bursary to WAAPA many years ago.
www.facebook.com/theaussieboys
31
Deborah Disney nee Atkins
(86-87)
I was truly beside myself when very
late one night I received an email from
Mrs Wheatley, sent from her iPad,
providing me - completely unsolicited
- with a review of Up and In. I had for
the days prior been doing the rounds
of contacting book bloggers, trying to
get more reviews up online about it,
and there, sitting in my inbox, was the
review which was the most important
to me of all. In a way that only Mrs
Wheatley can, she dissected my book
in terms of how it compares to the
works of Jane Austen - never did I
imagine that my Chicklit story about
the school mum hierarchy could ever
be considered in such a way, but Mrs
Wheatley managed to do just that. She
From the moment I realised that my
story was going to be published,
I wanted to include some form of
reference to Mrs Wheatley. I wanted
to acknowledge her not only because
of the role that she played in the
development of my abilities as a
writer, but also for the role she played
in my love of literature, in being an
analytical thinker, in holding myself to
high standards and in being (I hope) a
compassionate human being.
This is how the
acknowledgement
in the book actually
read, being one
of a handful of
acknowledgements
to my parents,
my husband and
children and my
publisher (so she is
right up there for
me!!!):
“My high school English teacher, Mrs
Wheatley (Irene), for her incisive wit,
obsession with grammar, and infectious
passion for literature. Mainly Mr Darcy.”
Deborah’s book ‘Up and In’ is available
via iBooks, Google play and amazon.
Fr Michael McCarthy (64-68) appointed
10th Bishop of Rockhampton
Meeting the people of the Rockhampton Diocese was one
of the first things on Father Michael McCarthy’s list after
being announced as the next Bishop of Rockhampton.
Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO (Class
of 1970)
Frank is currently professor of law
at Australian Catholic University,
and adjunct professor at the College
of Law and the National Centre
for Indigenous Studies, Australian
National University.
He is also Patron of The Miriam
Rose Foundation, a not-for-profit
organisation working to empower
Indigenous youth through education,
art, culture and opportunity. A full
transcript of his speech at the launch
of the Foundation on 22 October
2013, may be found on www.
eurekastreet.com.au and is well
worth a read.
‘I am humbled by the appointment
by His Holiness, Pope Francis, as
Bishop of Rockhampton. I look
forward to many years of service
as Bishop to the priests, religious
Sisters and Brothers and the
Catholic people of the Diocese,’
said Bishop McCarthy.
Bishop McCarthy was officially
installed on May 29 at The
Cathedral Church, Rockhampton,
by Brisbane Archbishop Mark
Coleridge and the Apostolic Nuncio
in Australia, Archbishop Paul
Gallagher, together with Bishop
Brian Heenan and all of the other
bishops in Australia.
Born in 1950, Bishop McCarthy was
educated at Greenmount State
School and then Downlands. After
obtaining the Bachelor of Applied
Science degree from the University
of Southern Queensland, he
studied for the priesthood at
St Paul’s National Seminary,
Kensington, Sydney. He qualified
with a Master of Arts in Theology
from the University of Queensland.
Bishop McCarthy was ordained
a priest for the Archdiocese of
Brisbane in 1978 and commenced
his priesthood as an associate
pastor in Gympie in 1979. Bishop
received his Master of Performance
at Guildhall School of Music and
Drama in London.
www.dominicjwalsh.com
Brad Qualischefski (95 - 99)
Dominic Walsh (98 - 02)
A talented and accomplished tenor,
Dominic completed a Bachelor of
Music Performance in 2011. In 2012 he
commenced study in the UK and in
his first year recital he was awarded
the Chairman’s Prize and the coveted
Concert Recital Diploma (Premier
Prix). In November this year Dominic
Brad and his family were recently
awarded the prestigious 2014 Lockyer
Valley Mayoral Business Award at the
Lockyer Valley Business, Training and
Apprenticeship Awards. The award
recognises their innovative approach
to farming and marketing focused
mainly on production of onions and
broccoli.
McCarthy said he was looking
forward to continuing on the great
work of his predecessors.
“I just want to be a good pastor
and have excitement about the
message of Christ,” he said.
“When I became a priest my idea
was to have a smaller inner city
parish so who would’ve thought
I’d now be a Bishop of a country
diocese that spans 414,000sq/km.”
Chris Foley (63 – 68)
Chris moved back from Melbourne to
Brisbane in 2000 and has been living
at Kallangur since. Chris is with Joy
Global Australasia Pty Ltd (mining
machine manufacturer).
One son is in Tampa, Florida and
their other son is based in Patong,
Thailand - so they have good excuses
to travel to catch up with their three
grandchildren!
32
Dwyer
Class of 74 Post-reunion Reunion
Post our very successful 1974 2014 40 year reunion we
gathered at Alliance Hotel on 31 October for dinner and
drinks. The salubrious sounds of “MP & the Pacemakers”
held together a small crowd of 70 1974 classmates and
friends who came along for the music and fellowship.
A great night was had by all with the Pacemakers’
performance exceeding the reunion dinner event. Could it
be that the lads are at their best in the bar?
Entering into 2015 with a few retirements namely John Harland
from Queensland Police and Michael Marshall from Stanwell Power
Corporation, we also gathered for a 13 January coffee to welcome back
Lachlan Terry (1971) who emerged from Townsville where he has lived
since his year of boarding. Whilst having a number of health issues
(don’t we all?) Lachlan was very pleased to catch up with the lads and
events over the past 45 years.
Do you know
anything about
the origin of these
house crests?
If so, we’d love to hear from
you!
Please contact Catherine Mims
at [email protected].
au.
We have also recently re-established contact with Russel Dickman
(1970-74) who stays very fit and healthy on the Gold Coast with sunrise
runs on the beach and coffee to follow.
From Adelaide we heard from Dan (Happy) O’Rourke who caught up
with Greg Campbell pre and Greg Lindores post Christmas 2014. Happy
Dan health being “not so great”, he enjoyed a wee dram or two with
Greg (see photo above with King George centre). Happy has a slightly
different measure for a “wee dram” being two fingers held vertically!
Hyland
Copas
Doyle
Purcell
Friday 30 January saw a good crowd gather on the deck of the
Breakfast Creek Hotel for a steak & quite drink to celebrate 2015 - a year
of fellowship for the 1974 mob!
The 1974 mob have a number of social events planned for 2015 so keep
an eye on your inbox for details and we would love to catch up with you
and friends.
Danny McSweeney
33
Retirements and Farewells
Above: Truly one of a kind, Mrs Irene Wheatley and her last Senior History class on her retirement after 34 years at
Downlands.
Below: Ms Julie Cruice, a gifted teacher, retires after 27 years at the College, Mrs Marion McMahon and Mrs Barbara Hynes
both retire after 28 years, Ms Lynette Rimmington retires after 19 years on the Boarding staff and Mr Terry Finan leaves to
move to St Edmund’s in Ipswich after 11 years at Downlands.
Next time you visit
Downlands make sure
you check out the new
trophy cabinets in the
Sacré Coeur Centre.
You’re sure to find a
familiar name or face!
34
Rest In Peace
Farewells
Bruce Fraser (71 - 74)
20 December 1957 – 8 May 2013
to get well and back to a normal life
of a family man on the land.
On 13 May 2013, 50 of Bruce’s 1974
classmates (plus another 15 in spirit/
apologies) gathered under a large
gum tree at Drayton Cemetery
together with over 150 friends and
family to pay our last respects to one
of lifes’ true gentlemen.
Despite spending most of 2012 in
and out of too many hospitals, Bruce
was “broken out” of Toowoomba
hospital and able to attend
Downlands Grammar Day 2012. Bruce
enjoyed catching up with his class
mates and being on familiar turf.
It was a Monday morning in true
Toowoomba fashion cold, low fog
and drizzle.
Bruce made it home to his property
at Yarraman for Christmas and New
Year with his family.
Some of us suspected Bruce may
well have had a hand in the weather
for his farewell.
However as Bruce progressed into
February 2013 his health began to
decline and the tumour moved to a
more aggressive phase.
In late January 2012 Bruce was
diagnosed with an aggressive brain
tumour which resulted in immediate
surgery in Brisbane.
Bruce then commenced a journey
that only a gentleman and a man of
true courage could undertake.
With the love and support of his wife
Gay, son Ben and daughter Amy,
Bruce “fought the good fight” and
vowed to never give up in his quest
35
The 74 crew decided to hold a bush
retreat/sleepover at a classmate’s
property in the Bunya Mountains
over the weekend 23-24 February
(pictured below).
Bruce was again “broken out” of
hospital on the Saturday afternoon
in the care of Doctor Bish, Nurse
Thommo and his more reliable son,
Ben.
We were all fortunate enough to
enjoy a memorable night around
the camp fire with Bruce and listen
to some top tunes from Mick P and
band with back up support from
Mark O’B.
Regrettably not long after, Bruce
succumbed to his ailing health and
spent his last few days in hospital.
Bruce fought to the end; however
the end was not of his design.
Bruce’s good mates Dan Bishop and
Mick Marshall shared the eulogy
duties and found skills that were
never mentioned in their respective
74 year book biographies of their
time at college.
We as a cohort are privileged to
have joined Bruce in this journey
and continue to stand in awe of our
“brother in arms” who was able to
show strength, courage and dignity
when faced with a challenge that
few of us will face.
Bruce is survived by Gay, Ben and
Amy.
Cyril Ciesiolka (54 - 57),
teacher 1971-72
What makes Cyril special to Fortes
readers is not just his time as a
student leader, and later as a fine
teacher of Geography at Downlands,
but his scientific and agricultural
research in the then Department of
Primary Industry. A book of tributes
has been produced, mostly by his
academic peers both in Australia
and internationally-people he
collaborated with, stimulated and
encouraged. The tributes have been
published on the Past Students
section of the Downlands website.
Read it and you will find the many
superlatives used to describe Cyril
(pictured) and his work. Here I wish
to briefly remember him as a friend
from school days, a companion in
our field of Geography teaching,
and someone who, by his own work
and personality, encouraged me
to continue in and give of my best
in my work as an MSC priest and
missionary.
Cyril died after a long battle with
cancer on 12 October 2013. In his
last weeks, he attained his aim of
completing a report for SEQ Water
from his sick bed and died having
had 50 beautiful years with the love
of his life, Diana, and surrounded by
all of his immediate family. When
diagnosed with bone marrow
leukemia in 2001 he was given three
years to live: “Three beautiful years!”
was his response! He made 12 years
with the support of doctors, family
and friends and his own incredible
spirit. Inspiration enough.
Cyril was a Prefect at Downlands
and achieved Honours in Cricket and
Tennis. He was not a brilliant student
but became a dogged and persistent
researcher and field scientist. His
interests were always in the land and
its people; not
just here in
Queensland,
but with
research
works as far
afield as China,
India and Kenya. As a
global thinker Cyril valued
the earth in all its facets
and achieved much in
understanding and
conserving it. They called
him “Muddy Boots”! More
inspiration.
For me, the thing that gave Cyril
his strength, his enthusiasm for
life and his dynamism was his faith.
Rohan Nelson, presently in an
Academic position in the University
of Tasmania, and whom Cyril helped
with his thesis, puts it best for me.
Cyril and I shared a set of values
around science and faith. While he
didn’t talk about it very directly
or impose it on me, Cyril was the
most innately Catholic person I’ve
known. My experience of Christianity
is entirely Protestant, but this was
never the issue. He lived his faith in
a very natural and straightforward
way. I always felt that there was
no separation of faith and science
in Cyril’s mind-faith established
the values by which he practised
everything, including science. There
was no debate or internal conflict
in this, just a natural ordering of
things that made sense to me. I don’t
know how Cyril got to that point,
but the coherence he quietly and
pragmatically demonstrated between
his faith and professional practice
remains an incredibly valuable
counterpoint for me to the more
popular perspectives which assumed
that the two must always be in
conflict.
Cyril
was always grateful to Downlands,
and especially to Fr Bell (who taught
him Geography and coached him to
his “A” in Senior) and to Fr Donnelly
(his cricket coach who demonstrated
the inswinger Cyril soon mastered).
He encouraged me personally in my
many visits to his home from my
mission work in the NT, PNG and
visited me in South Africa before
he was diagnosed. Cyril was strong
in faith and helped me to stay so.
As a member of the Geography
department, and in team teaching
fashion, I learnt from him as much as
any student.
To Rob Lowcock, one of his students
who became a friend, his death is
the passing of “a legend”! Another
recalls this from the first class, for
openers: “I’m Cyril Ciesiolka. I’m here
to teach you if you want to learn.
If you don’t, get out! If you do, I’ll
be here as much as you need me”.
Laurie Carrigan, the author of that
memoir, became a lifelong family
friend. Sometimes Cyril’s methods
were unorthodox but he got results.
What was unorthodox then, later
became the norm in scientific field
work as a result of his work. The
Downlands Difference!
Fr Vince Carroll MSC
36
Rest In Peace
Farewells
Zander McDonald (83 - 88)
Beef industry visionary, Zander
McDonald, (born Don Alexander
McDonald on 29 July 1971), sadly
passed away on 3 April 2013.
Growing up near Cloncurry,
Queensland, Zander completed his
Primary Education through the Mt
Isa School of Air. For his Secondary
Education, he was enrolled as a
boarder at Downlands College,
where his father, Don McDonald, had
previously attended from 1955 - 1959.
Zander was a popular and well liked
student, but was also described as a
quiet achiever. His family were very
generous in their support for the
College and contributed financially,
allowing additions to be completed at
the boarding house.
After completing his Secondary
Education, Zander returned home
to work in a stock camp where he
assisted with helicopter mustering.
From here he worked hard and
eventually became a head stockman
before taking on a number of senior
roles including the Director of
McDonald Holdings and managing
Devoncourt station. It was in these
roles that he grew McDonald Holdings
to become the largest privately and
family owned cattle operation in
Australia.
A passionate man of the land, Zander
was constantly looking for new ways
to improve and expand his operations.
Perhaps his most well recognised
demonstration of this was the design
and construction of the large-scale,
Wallumba feedlot near Roma.
Tim Morrison, Assistant Principal Pastoral Care, lays a wreath for Zander
McDonald at a ceremony conducted by Fr Paul McCormack MSC, and attended by
Downlands College Agricultural students.
37
In recognition of his successes, Zander
received the Queensland Rural
Manager of the Year Award from the
Australian Institute of Management in
2002, and was awarded the AgForce
Red Meat Industry Innovator of the
Year in 2011.
Zander was an inspiring leader and
a personal friend to many in the
industry; he will be missed by many,
including his wife and four daughters.
Writer Trent Dalton recently wrote
a beautiful tribute to Zanda entitled
“Zanda McDonald’s legacy in the
Outback” for The Australian Magazine.
Robert Lord (66 - 71)
Extracts from eulogy by James Lord 16 April 2013
I no longer have an older brother.
My mother once said to me “We
remember the good times.” So I would
like to pass on the good times we had.
Robert was a cattleman. He loved his
cattle and he bred Santa Gertrudis like
his father.
I would like to acknowledge Jeanette
Lord. Robert loved Jeanette right from
the start.
Jeanette and I were in the same
grade at Downlands. She was visiting
relatives in the Nelia district and she
asked if she could come out and say
hello. After a bit, I had to go away .
Harry Nowland (35 - 36)
10 Nov 1920 – 22 June 2013
When I came back on Monday, Robert
took me aside and sort of told me he
was keen on Jeanette so I could sort of
One of nature’s gentlemen,
butt out etc. He never stopped loving
Downlander Harry Nowland (pictured
her from that day.
above) had a clear mind and an
I will remember him as a
amazing memory right up til his recent
compassionate and caring man. I will
death, aged 92 years and 7 months.
remember him as a man who loved his
A boarder from “Lilydale”, Drillham,
family. I will remember him as a man
Harry was a keen sportsman who
who loved his land and cattle.
excelled at tennis and cricket and
This is how I remember my brother
could recall off by heart every score
Robert.
‘the Don’ made in test cricket.
Harry often reminisced about his
classmates who didn’t return from the
war, and who were never forgotten by
him.
During his life he was a farmer,
an entrepreneur, a motelier and a
hotelier, keeping up many Downlands
friendships along the way.
Harry also ensured a Downlands
education for his children: Jennifer
(72), Sally (73), Alan (75) and David
(77) and had 13 grandchildren. He
was a generous and humble man and
always had a heart for the land.
Jim Pigott (34 - 37)
NEARLY any Toowoomba resident
who has lived here since the
1980s would remember Pigott’s
department store and the friendly
face of owner, Jim Pigott.
Mr Pigott took over the business
from his father Frank after
completing his schooling at
Downlands College and few
Toowoomba residents over eight
decades could say they never
crossed the store’s threshold.
He was a driving force behind
commercial development in
Toowoomba from the 50s to the
70s and after his retirement from
the family business in 1983 (when
Pigotts was bought by McDonnell &
East) enjoyed a long and successful
retirement.
He was a member of the
Toowoomba Chamber of
Commerce for many years, serving
as President twice, was President
of Rotary, Apex and Probus, was
involved with the Queensland
Retailers Association and served
for 20 years on the board of St
Vincent’s Hospital, Toowoomba.
Jim achieved a reputation for
honesty and discretion that made
him much sought after for advice
and counsel from all quarters of
the community.
He was a businessman, army
sergeant, brother, husband,
traveller and friend... a country
character dedicated to the welfare
and happiness of his five children,
ten gandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
Jim passed away on August 30
2014. He was 93.
Rest In Peace
Farewells
PJ (John) Moore (41 - 44)
Otto Seigfried Haag (55-58)
On 4 November 2013, John Moore
passed away at St Andrew’s Hospital,
Brisbane.
Born Clifton 21st December 1940
John was born in Rockhampton
on 8 July 1926 to Daniel and Doris
Moore, before moving with his seven
siblings to Bundaberg where they
owned and managed the Imperial
Hotel.
After schooling at Downlands
College, he joined the army where he
fought in New Britain in the Pacific
Islands. After being discharged in
1946, he followed his passion for the
land by working at Goldsborough’s
(which would later became
Elders), where he held a number
of management positions before
becoming Managing Director at Beef
City.
From here on, John worked tirelessly
in promoting the beef cattle industry
and was instrumental in getting
Australian grainfed beef into the
Japanese market in the 70s.
He will be remembered as a good
friend, loving family man and
a passionate advocate for the
Australian beef industry.
David Johns (75-78)
David (Durrie) Johns grew up in
Quilpie, in Western Queensland.
After Downlands he made every
effort to keep in touch with his
classmates, which is one of the main
reasons why our year is so close.
David was very passionate about
Downlands, sport and Quilpie. On
11 June 2005 David became a C5
quadriplegic as a result of a push bike
accident. On 13 July 2013 he passed
away after succumbing to illness
caused by complications with his
disability. David will be enormously
missed by his many friends; he was a
true Downlander.
39
Downlands College 1955 - 1957
School Captain 1958
Jim Buckley, staff 1963 - 1980
Brewer and Vintner 1959 - 2006
Downlands was saddened to hear of
the passing of past Deputy Principal,
Jim Buckley, on 18 February 2013
aged 74 years. Father of Michael,
Stephen, Bronwyn and Jeffrey;
grandfather to Madison and Brother
to Robert and Colleen. A Mass to
Celebrate Jim’s Life was held at
St. Columba’s Catholic Church on
Monday 25 February 2013.
Died 8 June 2013 Brisbane
This wonderful tribute was sent to
us by John Hickey (61-66):
Jim, after a brief turn as a Christian
Brother, commenced teaching at
Downlands College in 1963, when lay
teachers were a rarity – I think we
were his first class. He remained at
Downlands until 1980, when he was
appointed as Principal of a Catholic
college in Mackay. He completed his
teaching career at Marist College,
Ashgrove.
We would all have our own fond
memories of Jim: teacher of
Bookkeeping, Ancient History and
English; rugby referee and coach,
athletics coach – and owner of that
flash blue Valiant. Jim was only ten
years older than we were, and his
ability to empathise with us and our
stage of life was unique, as well as
being a novel experience.
As Stretch Macnish stated in his
introduction to Jim’s address to us
at our 2006 Reunion in Toowoomba;
‘Jim, you cared.’ Nothing needs to
be added. We were lucky to have
Jim accompany us on our Cairns trip
in 2011; it was noticed that Jim was
not at his best and that he tired very
easily. Vale Jim, our teacher, mentor,
friend and a true gentleman.
After graduating from Downlands,
Otto joined Castlemaine Perkins
Brewery as a junior Chemist in
1959. He married Anne Morley in
1961 and moved to The Gap in 1963.
The couple had four children. After
completing a Diploma in Industrial
Chemistry, he became a Bachelor of
Economics and took out Honours in
Engineering. In 1981, he completed
an Advanced Management Program
at Harvard University.
Otto helped his team create XXXX
Gold and the Games Special, a
beer developed for the Brisbane
Commonwealth Games in 1988.
Several of these brews won
awards in London, Brussels and
China, including a gold medal. As a
result of these achievements, Otto
gained promotion to overseeing
the brewery control labs and later
becoming Head of Bottling, Head
Brewer and eventually General
Manager of Castlemaine Perkins.
In 1983, Otto and Anne bought
a block of land at Glen Aplin near
Stanthorpe and established a
winery there, Felsberg, which was
built on imposing granite outcrops,
possessing commanding views
of the surrounding area. Over the
more than 20 years at Felsberg, Otto
produced some Gold Medal reds, as
well as entertaining many visitors,
family and friends with his violin,
harmonica and famous, inclusive,
Haag hospitality.
He is survived by his wife Anne,
and daughters Susan, Jenny and
Judy, their husbands and nine
grandchildren. Otto is sadly missed
by all who knew him.
MAY HE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
Peter ‘Spud’ Murphy (71-74)
Peter passed away on 5 January 2013
following an electrical accident at his
home in Wollongong.
Peter had spent Christmas and New
Year 2012 with his brothers and
sisters in Brisbane.
After completing Year 12 in 1974
Peter joined his classmates at
Mermaid Beach for many weeks
of surfing and partying. Peter cut
his surfing days short to undertake
studies at the Queensland Institute
of Technology. He completed a
double degree in Science and Maths.
Peter joined BHP in Wollongong after
completing his studies and finished
work with them in 2011 when he
went onto become an external
consultant.
Peter’s other passion was sailing
and he was an active member of
The Illawara Sailing Club spending
many competitive weekends in his
Contender A One design (Ben Miller)
single handed boat. Peter competed
for over 30 years at state, national &
international regattas.
Whilst a very private person,
Peter was also a benefactor to the
homeless and socially disadvantaged
in the Wollongong area through his
significant contribution and support
to Rotary and Talbert’s for homeless
folk.
Whilst Peter was taken from us
without notice we will remember
him for his active participation in
the journey of life. Peter taught his
classmates that it is not whether
you come first, second or third in
the race of life, it is the fact that you
participated that makes you a great
person to your family and friends!
I personally was connected to
Peter through our parents, Terrace,
Downlands and Peter’s other
passion, sailing. We had many
eventful Saturday afternoons at
RQYS sailing.
Others may
recall the
flogging we
gave ‘Spud’s’
parents green
FJ holden
station wagon between Hedges Ave
and Geoff Nettes parents’ place in
Mt Tamborine or back to Ascot.
Pictured above is Peter’s sister
Louise and classmate Daniel
presenting the Peter (Spud) Murphy
Memorial Trophy to Ian Duncan
who placed mid field in the 2015
Contender National Titles - a spot
occupied many times by Peter
throughout his life as a competitive
sailor. He was a remarkable person
who touched our lives on the journey!
Daniel McSweeney
The true meaning of life
is to plant trees
under whose shade
you do not expect to sit.
NELSON HENDERSON
If you would like to contribute
to the DPSA Bursary to support
children of Past Students,
or consider a bequest to the
College, please contact Debbie
Carpenter on 07 4690 9500 or
visit the Downlands website.
Thank you!
40
Our condolences are extended to the families and friends of the
following Downlanders
Malcolm ADAMS (49-55) deceased 20/12/2014
Jack J FOX (34-37) deceased Sep-13
Henry NOWLAND (35-36) deceased 22/06/2013
Denis BOURKE (91-93) deceased 18/04/2014
Bob FRANZMANN (45-47) deceased 28/01/2010
Paul O’BRIEN (49-51) deceased 13/01/2013
Kevin BOURKE (36-38) deceased 27/05/2014
Bruce FRASER (71-74) deceased 8/05/2013
Michael O’CONNOR (46-48) deceased
Neville BRENNAN (47-49) deceased 30/01/2014
Jim GOLLEDGE (50-53) deceased 15/02/2013
15/05/2013
Dermot BROSNAN (46-47) deceased 26/05/2014
Brian GRACE (41-43) deceased 23/01/2014
Peter BRUMM (42-45) deceased 18/04/2014
Otto HAAG (55-58) deceased 8/06/2013
Terry BUGLER (63-66) deceased 3/04/2014
Raymond de HAYR (55-58) deceased February
Henry BURKE (41-44) deceased 4/09/2014
2014
Tyson PARK (87-91) deceased 1/11/2013
John BURKE (50-52) deceased 27/06/2014
David JOHNS (75-78) deceased 16/07/2013
Douglas PAULI (57-61) deceased 1/10/2014
Denis CAMPBELL (50-53) deceased 19/07/2014
John KALINOWSKI (48-50) deceased 1/01/2013
Jamie PENNEY (96-00) deceased 20/12/2010
Lawrence CANTWELL (58-59) deceased
Bronwyn KERR (82-83) deceased 6/02/2013
Robert PERKINS (38-40) deceased 6/06/2013
3/02/2014
Stephen KING (65) deceased 15/07/2013
Pat CARROLL (57-60) deceased 4/04/2013
Kieran KNOX (70-73) deceased 1/08/2010
Dermot CASEY (47-53) deceased 21/08/2014
Robert LORD (66-71) deceased 9/04/2013
Eric CHAPMAN (46-47) deceased 19/09/2014
Donn MacGROARTY (44-47) deceased
Cyril CIESIOLKA (54-57) deceased 12/09/2013
23/04/2013
Leo ROESSLER (35-41) deceased 19/03/2013
Earl CLANCHY (44-48) deceased 15/06/2014
Pat MANNING (53-56) deceased 1/08/2013
Jackson SATTLER (06-09) deceased 13/07/2013
Raymund CLEARY (57-59) deceased 17/12/2013
Harold MAUDSLEY (42-45) deceased 9/9/2010
Hiram SHARPE (55-57) deceased 25/04/2013
John COLLINS (54-55) deceased 19/01/2014
Mervyn MAYS (44-45) deceased 1/05/2013
Tony CONNOLLY (71-72) deceased 17/09/2013
Zander McDONALD (83-88) deceased 3/04/2013
Terence COOLEY (58-60) deceased 11/06/2014
Denis McENIERY (46) deceased 3/08/2013
James CROFT (56-57) deceased 26/04/2014
Michael McGOVERN (33-36) deceased 4/01/2013
Justin CROSBY (63-67) deceased 16/05/2013
Desmond McGUCKIN (42-45) deceased
Leo CRUISE (35-36) deceased 1/10/2014
2/11/2014
Kevin DEVER (38) deceased 20/07/2001
Peter McNALLY (58-61) deceased 17/01/2013
Dr Michael DONOGHUE (42-46) deceased
Paul McNAMARA (40-43) deceased 20/12/2012
deceased 6/02/2013
24/04/2013
Arthur MOODY (47-49) deceased 10/02/2014
Please let us know if you are
Kathryn DORGE (76-77) deceased 12/08/2012
P. John MOORE (41-44) deceased 5/11/2013
aware of other Past Students
John FOGARTY (48-51) deceased February 2012
Peter MURPHY (70-74) deceased January 2013
who have passed away.
41
Kevin O’NEILL (45-46) deceased 12/12/2013
John O’REGAN (46-49) deceased 30/01/2014
Dallas OSBORNE (02-06) deceased 2011
James PIGOTT (34-37) deceased 30/08/2014
Denis PITT (56-57) deceased 4/05/2013
Fr Frank QUIRK (32-33) deceased 22 May 2013
Brian RICHARDS (44-46) deceased 4/05/2013
Thomas SIGLEY (43-45) deceased 3/10/2014
Angela SMITH-NAHRUNG nee SMITH (90-91)
deceased 16/04/2013
Edward STEWART (50-52) deceased 10/08/2013
Nicole VERNING (94-98) deceased 11/01/2013
Joseph VETTER (40-44) deceased 15/10/2013
Bronwyn WINSTON SMITH nee KERR (82-83)
End Notes
Above: Andrea Hegarty nee Stein,
Loretta Bayliss, Lauren Russell nee
Battle and Kerri Anderson nee Jacoby
(all Class of 1990) got together to
fundraise for ACT for Kids at Lauren’s
Fabulous Christmassy Low Key High
Tea in November.
Above left: Belinda Dever, Emosi Sing
and Louise Smith nee Gall enjoyed
their 20 year reunion.
Left: Pictured on Grammar Day 2014,
Peter Healy (76-77) and Brendan
Doherty (87-91) are both currently on
staff at the College.
Below: Denis Curran, Merv Welsh and
Neville Byrnes (all Class of 1954) wore
their new DOWNLANDER caps with
pride on their 60th Reunion weekend.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Downlands Marketing and Development Manager Anna
Bartlett (Class of 87), on recently winning the Newcomer Award at the
International Education Plus Conference in Melbourne. This is certainly a
wonderful achievement, and a testament to all the hard work and wonderful
ideas Anna contributes to the Downlands community.
42
Mass for Deceased Past Students
An initiative of the Class of 1945
The next Mass will be held at St Rita’s College Chapel, Enderley Road, Clayfield, Brisbane,
on Sunday 18 January 2015 at 11.00am, followed by lunch at The Pavilion, Alan Border Field, Albion
($42.50 per head). Details from John Duggan (56-61) on 07 3263 6532 or [email protected]
2015 Calendar
Dates correct at time of printing.
Please check www.downlands.qld.edu.au for updates.
ds College
n
a
l
n
Dow
REUNION 2015
Classes of 45, 55, 65,
75, 85, 90, 95 and 05
28 - 30 August 2015
TUD
AST S ENTS A
SP
FO
CIATION
SSO
DOWNLA
ND
Representatives are needed to help
spread the word - please contact
[email protected]
RTE
D
S - I N - FI
E
DPSA Management
Committee Meetings
are held in the DPSA Room in
Tyson Manor at 5:30pm on the
THIRD MONDAY of most months.
All welcome.
18 Jan 16 Feb 20 Feb 15 Mar 18 Mar 16 Mar 20 April 8 May 17 May 18 May
29 May June TBA 13 June 15 June 20 July 7-9 Aug 17 Aug 20 Aug 24-28 Aug 28 Aug 29 Aug 29 Aug 30 Aug 11 Sept 21 Sept Sept TBA 19 Oct 20 Oct 31 October 16 Nov 21 Nov Dec TBA
Mass for Deceased Past Students,
Brisbane
DPSA Meeting
Community Dinner
Past Students Social Tennis
Gryphon Call (Social Drinks)
DPSA Meeting
DPSA Meeting
Merici Chevalier Cup
Open Day, 10am-2pm
DPSA Meeting
Downlands Gala Concert
Gryphon Call (Social Drinks)
Rugby Season Launch Dinner
DPSA Meeting
DPSA Meeting
Art Exhibition
DPSA Meeting
Grandparents Day
Chevalier Week
Downlands Golf Day (TBC)
Downlands Grammar Day (away)
Reunion Dinners
Past Student Mass
Netball Dinner and Awards Night
DPSA Meeting
Gryphon Call (Social Drinks)
DPSA Meeting
Paul Morton Choral Festival
Downlands Race Day
DPSA Meeting
Valedictory Mass
Gryphon Call (Social Drinks)
Downlands College
TOOWOOMBA QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
72 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Tel 07 4690 9500
43
www.downlands.qld.edu.au