Inspiring Alumni

Friday the 24th February saw us host two extremely inspiring alumni, from the class of 1992. Victorian Air-Ambulance Pilot, Heath Mastin and Television Producer/Director, Richard 'Butch' Franc, took the time to share their stories with students, including the successes and struggles they've faced since graduating.

Heath, who started out in the Australian Defence Force, was one of only 6 from a group of 24, to achieve his pilot's licence. Heath explained that despite having no prior experience with aircraft or a background in science or physics, he was still able to succeed against the odds through sheer determination. He acknowledged that while it was a difficult achievement and that there were many times he felt sure he would fail, his persistence paid off and ultimately helped shape his future.

After flying helicopters in the Australian Army for many years, Heath went on to fly FIFO workers to and from oil rigs all over the world and ended up living, for a time, in the United States. These days, Heath is happy to be working closer to home, currently flying the Victorian Air-Ambulance in the Gippsland area, playing his part in many life-saving operations.

Richard, better known as 'Butch', began his career at Prime Seven in Ballarat and after working there for a number of years, opted to try his luck overseas. After moving to London and spending two years working as a producer/director for some of the sport industries most prestigious leagues, he decided he would spend the next 18 months cycling his push-bike from London to Beaufort. As well as being an enormous achievement, Butch learnt a great deal along the way. 

Since then, Butch has built his own production company, 'Ripon Media' and is regularly contracted to work on the sets of some of Australia's biggest television series, including Survivor and Master Chef. Being based in Melbourne and flying all over the world for work, Butch works hard to maintain a good work/life balance.

Both Heath and Butch expressed their appreciation, not only of Beaufort and the surrounding community and the good foundation it provided for them, but also for being invited to return to BSC as part of the Alumni Program. The alums pointed out that we don't need to be accomplished or talented to be involved in the community and emphasised the need to make the most of every opportunity, as you never know where it may lead you.