One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as President of the Old Melburnians is the truth behind a simple piece of wisdom my parents often shared: the more you put into something, the more you get out of it.
Our community is more than 18,000 members strong, spread across the globe and balancing the demands of busy personal and professional lives. Time is precious, and every commitment competes for our attention. Yet what continually impresses me is how much value our members gain when they choose to engage with the broader Old Melburnians community. Through those connections come friendships, opportunities, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of belonging.
The diversity of interests across our alumni network is remarkable, which is why we strive to offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement. Many members are familiar with flagship events such as our Annual Dinner, Business Breakfasts, Melbourne and Sydney gatherings, and the growing number of Branch events held in locations including the Mornington Peninsula, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai. Our reunions and twilight campus tours also continue to attract strong interest. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Melbourne Grammar, rediscover familiar places, and strengthen ties with fellow alumni.
We have a growing number of OM Clubs, including the Football Club which now boasts five teams. Our Soccer Club also has five teams, including a new U20s side this year. There is cricket in the summer, table tennis, hockey, golf and bowls, as well as the rowing community who are connecting through the Melburnia Club. Every year, there is an OM Play, which is always entertaining, and we also have the OM Freemasons. There are always further opportunities to create other clubs which we can help facilitate. One emerging one is an OM Orchestra.
Beyond these clubs and events lies another equally valuable side of our community. Programs such as the Old Melburnian Mentorship Program connects experienced Old Melburnians with those just beginning their careers, creating meaningful mentoring relationships that benefit both mentor and mentee. The Dick Cotton Fellowship supports alumni who are making a positive impact through community projects, helping them turn ideas into action and create genuine change.
We have nearly 1,500 OM women in our community, and they are increasingly becoming more engaged and adding significant value to our alumni networks. Year after year, we see members becoming more involved, contributing in new ways, and finding deeper purpose through their engagement with the OM community.
What makes all of this so powerful is the breadth of opportunities available. Whether through networking, mentoring, volunteering, attending events, or simply reconnecting with old friends, there are countless ways to strengthen relationships and discover new avenues for collaboration.
Personally, I have experienced the life-changing impact of these connections firsthand. Since taking on the role of President, I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary members whose achievements, generosity, and commitment continue to inspire me.
I have witnessed friendships renewed, professional opportunities created, and meaningful relationships formed that may never have existed otherwise.
If you are an Old Melburnian who has been considering becoming more involved but uncertain where to begin, I encourage you to take that first step. Explore the opportunities available, attend an event, reconnect with fellow alumni, or participate in one of our programs.
The rewards may be greater than you expect.After all, the more you put into something, the more you get out of it.
President, The Old Melburnians
About the Old Melburnian Mentorship Program
The Old Melburnian Mentorship Program engages over 100 OMs each year in the spirit of providing tangible forms of guidance, connection, and growth. You are encouraged to apply as a ‘mentor’ or ‘mentee’ today. Register here.
