Connections matter

There are moments in life when you pause and ask yourself a simple question:

How do I contribute back to the communities that helped shape me?

My desire to be part of the Old Melburnian Council stems from a deep sense of gratitude, responsibility, and belief in the power of community. Having benefited immensely from my time at Melbourne Grammar School and from the broader Old Melburnian network, I feel a genuine commitment to give back to a community that has shaped so much of my personal and professional life.

I have been connected to education through my work in culture and leadership development for most of my career, and so I believe education is not just a phase of life. It is an essential foundation.

The lessons, the discipline, the friendships, the mindsets – they shape how we think, how we lead, and how we contribute to society. The school doesn’t just teach subjects; it helped build character. For many of us, it created an environment where ambition was nurtured, resilience was forged, and lifelong bonds were formed.

The truth is education is one of the great engines of society. It creates informed citizens. It develops capable leaders. It opens doors not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Strong schools build strong societies. And strong alumni networks amplify that impact across generations. In today’s world of complexity, uncertainty and volatility, this is never more important.

Being part of the Old Melburnian Community is a way of reinforcing that foundation.

It’s about ensuring that the next generation experiences the same – or greater – opportunities. It’s about helping shape an alumni culture that doesn’t fade after graduation but grows stronger with time.

Talking about generations, I would like to share our condolences to Alf Lazer’s (OM 1942) family after he passed away recently at the extraordinary age of 100. Alf was closely connected to the School right to the end, and we were delighted that he could share many of his life experiences in the last few years.

I would also like to welcome the next generation of Old Melburnians, the 2025 leavers, to our community. We wish you all the very best as you grow through the next stages of life, with the knowledge that there is a strong connection with us here, when needed.

Some of the most important growth in life happens through friendships. The people we meet during our formative years challenge us, support us, and expand our thinking. They become sounding boards, collaborators, mentors, and, often, lifelong friends. Those relationships don’t just enrich our personal lives – they shape our professional journeys as well.

A thriving alumni community creates space for that continued growth. It keeps conversations alive. It turns shared history into shared opportunity. It transforms nostalgia into meaningful relationships.

Giving back is not an obligation. It’s a privilege.

Representing close to 18,000 living Old Melburnians, we on the Old Melburnian Council are committed to amplifying, connecting, educating and engaging people across our many generations. We want to ensure we find meaningful ways to encourage all Old Melburnians to get involved in the variety of activities and events that are on offer. However, it only works if you lean into the opportunities when they arise.

Because those connections matter.