The Old Melburnians Council recently reviewed its Strategic Plan in the context of the current environment and the changing needs of OMs. As a result, we have refined the Plan and identified some new initiatives that will enable us to better serve our 18,000-member community.
The process was helpful in engaging The Old Melburnian Council in OM-focused discussions with Headmaster, Roy Kelley, Chair of School Council, Michael Bartlett and School Council member and Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, Mary Clark, who I thank for their contributions.
As President of The Old Melburnians Council, I have the privilege of meeting many OMs across a wide range of age groups and backgrounds and have observed there is no shortage of ideas on what we could do differently.
Given our limited resources, this process helps us prioritise our chosen activities and identify where we might find additional resources to help deliver better outcomes for OMs.
The process resulted in the OM Council’s agreement on seven objectives and clarification of our core purpose, to assist Old Melburnians to connect and grow and to support the welfare of the School.
During the review, considerable discussion focused on the differing and changing needs of an OM during the various stages of life. There are many activities we engage in. Some are meaningful to certain age groups but of limited relevance to others. Acknowledging that not every activity suits everyone means we increasingly need to customise events to suit different parts of our community.
We have identified a few new events to trial as a result including a cocktail party and more business and networking events. Hopefully these events will resonate and receive the interest and support of many of you. More communication on these events will follow soon.
While it is relatively easy to identify what we aim to do, the responsibility of making things happen on a sustainable basis rests with volunteer Council Members and the School Community and Alumni Relations office led by Penny Richards Fowler and well supported by Judith Mein. Each play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our objectives.
To support this small group deliver on the many activities we will offer, we aim to double the number of OMs engaged in Committees of The Old Melburnians Council.
The Committees chaired by Council members include: Annual Dinner, Specialist Events, Mentoring Fellowship, and Growth and Affiliated Clubs. If you are interested in contributing to any Committee, please contact me or Penny Richards Fowler via [email protected].
In closing, I wish to acknowledge and thank outgoing members of Council: Andrew Brookes (OM 1974), immediate past President, and Alex Dontas (OM 2000) who served on Council for eight years, most recently as Secretary.
I am also delighted to welcome new Council Members: Marc Cuming (OM 1983) and Will Alstergren (OM 1980). Marc has three sons; one is an OM and two are at Melbourne Grammar School. Marc has extensive experience in stockbroking and wealth management. Will Alstergren QC and his wife Kate (a former FOG President) have three sons; two are OMs and one is at Melbourne Grammar School. Will’s distinguished legal career resulted in his recent appointment as Chief Judge of the Federal Court.
The Council will benefit greatly from the skills and experience Marc and Will have to offer.
