MOCA

As always, we love catching up with news from our former Collegians.

Special Guests at our Year 12 Reflection Day

As part of our Year 12 Reflection Day on the 1st September, Mazenod welcomed back some of our Old Collegians as they addressed our Year 12 cohort about life after Mazenod College. Each of our Old Collegians introduced himself and briefly told us about his life/vocation/job/career/trade after Mazenod College. These anecdotes included some practical advice and tips for our current Year 12 students. This information included mistakes to avoid, practical advice and lessons learnt.

We were also blessed to hear from our very own Mazenod College Chaplain, Fr Dominic Rozario OMI, as spoke about his own vocation story in deciding to join and become a Priest with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. This experience planted a seed for our young men to think about what God is calling them to do in their lives.

Following this presentation, our wonderful speakers joined our Year 12 students for a barbeque lunch. This provided our Year 12 students with the opportunity to chat informally with and ask questions of our Old Collegians and Fr Dominic.

We sincerely extend our immense gratitude to our Old Collegians and to Fr Dominic for their engaging and insightful presentations to us all.

Left to right: Keegan Fernandes (MOC2019), Raj Cooray (MOC2017), Chris Coyne (MOC1993), James Grosso(MOC2012), Sean Sullivan (MOC1992), Shaun Lovell (MOC2017), Geoff Brereton (MOC1980), Fr Dominic Rozario OMI. 

Joshua Lee, Rest in Peace

It is with great sadness that the Mazenod Old Collegians’ Association (MOCA) announces the death of Joshua Lee (MOC2005).

Joshua’s funeral will be held on Monday, 8th September, 2025, at 12.00pm in the Renowden Chapel at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale.

We pray for Joshua’s Soul. May Almighty God grant Joshua His Eternal love, peace, mercy and joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua’s family and friends. 

May Almighty God strengthen and console all of Joshua’s family and friends in their grief.

May Almighty God grant Eternal Rest to Joshua, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May Joshua’s Soul Rest in Peace. Amen.

Promoting our Old Collegians’ Trades, Businesses, Professions

We are always keen to promote our Old Collegians and their professions, businesses and trades. Please feel free to contact us at Mazenod College. We will include these in our Mazenod College Newsletter, The Mazenod Gazette, as well as on our Alumnly Website and on our Mazenod Old Collegians’ Association Facebook page.

Mazenod Old Collegian (MOC 2021) Law Graduate: Employment Wanted

“I am a recent law graduate looking for legal work. In particular, I am looking for graduate roles or roles that are functionally similar, such as a paralegal role. I would also be open to legal assistant roles if it were not solely administrative. My experience includes working as an administration assistant and a collections officer in a debt recovery firm, as well as shadowing and conducting legal research for barristers. Furthermore, while I have experience in debt recovery and possess a particular interest in both criminal law and administrative law, I am open to roles in any area of law. Tina Giacco was one of my former teachers and is an apt referee. For further information, please contact Marcus on 0439 553 314.”

Work Experience Wanted

My name is Thomas Macdonald. I am passionate about working in HVAC and I am looking for experience in this area. I have had a great interest in it for many years. I have extensively watched videos online, learning as much as I can about air-conditioning systems. In my spare time I play around with old air-conditioners and motors. I pull them apart and see how they work and like to see what different components do. My academic record is strong, especially in Mathematics and Science. 

I am hoping that you can assist me with two aspects of experience that I require. I am looking for an SBAT (School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship) in Refrigeration/HVAC to start in 2026. First, I must complete 5 days of Year 10 Work Experience in Refrigeration/HVAC. I would like to complete Work Experience as soon as possible (excluding September School Holidays 18/9 to 5/10, I am going on a family trip overseas). I am looking forward to learning more about this industry from qualified people.

Up to now I have completed 5 days of Work Experience in electrical work, but I must complete 5 days of Work Experience in Refrigeration/HVAC so that I can participate in SBAT in Refrigeration in 2026.

Please text me on 0448 174 732. As I am a student, I will not be available until after 3:10pm on school days. Or you can call my mum Brigitta Macdonald, who is a staff member at Mazenod College, on 0408 018 728.

Thank you,

Thomas Macdonald

Mazenod College Vocational Major Student: Year 12 in 2026

My name is Ethan Atkinson, and I am a Vocational Major student at Mazenod College, entering Year 12. I am seeking a work placement opportunity for next year, specifically on Thursdays, to fulfill my coursework requirements. My vocational focus is carpentry, and I will also be attending Holmsglen TAFE one day per week. If you are able to offer assistance, I can be reached at 0452550091 or via email. Thank you for your consideration.

Celebrating Brendan Neil – Mazenod Panther's 2025 Clubperson of the Year

Last week, we received the following magnificent piece written by our wonderful Old Boy, Phil Ryan (MOC 1988), about another equally wonderful Old Boy, Brendan Neil (MOC 1983). Phil is the Vice President of MOCA and the President of the Panthers All Abilities Football Club. We quote Phil:

“At the Mazenod Panthers Presentation Night on 29th August at the Mulgrave Country Club, we had the privilege of recognising one of our most dedicated and selfless contributors – Brendan Neil, who was awarded the prestigious Clubperson of the Year.

This award celebrates the very best of our community – those who go above and beyond for others. And Brendan is the perfect example of that spirit.

Every year, Brendan organises what has become one of the highlights of the Mazenod Panthers’ calendar: the team’s annual trip away. What might sound simple on paper is in reality an enormous task – coordinating travel, accommodation, a game of football, and a full weekend of activities for over 30 players with an intellectual disability, their carers, and parents. This year the Panthers travelled to Torquay to play Geelong West, with a total touring group of 72 people.

Beyond the football, Brendan ensures the weekend is a truly memorable experience. The Saturday night team dinner is an extraordinary event in itself, bringing together players, families, carers, and supporters from both clubs. These weekends away are about far more than just the game – they give our players a rare and invaluable chance to connect, bond, and share in the joy of football in a way that many would not otherwise experience.

Remarkably, Brendan has now successfully organised three of these trips. Each one is a shining example of what community sport can achieve when driven by passion and care.

But Brendan’s contribution doesn’t stop there. He is ever-present around the club – whether manning the BBQ at a fundraiser, lending a hand as assistant coach on match days, or stepping up in countless small but important ways that make the club what it is.

On top of all this, Brendan has spearheaded one of the most impactful initiatives across both the Mazenod Panthers and the Mazenod Old Collegians Football Club – the training and deployment of 45 Mental Health First Aiders. This program is already making a difference, equipping our community with the skills and confidence to support one another in times of need. It’s a legacy that will endure for years to come.

The Panthers are immensely proud to have Brendan in our corner, and his recognition as Clubperson of the Year is richly deserved.

Brendan embodies the Mazenod spirit – service, community, and mateship. We thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for our players, their families, and the broader Old Boys community.

Congratulations, Brendan – you truly are “The Difference.”

Bracelets for sale in Support of the Oblate Seminarians in Bangladesh

Many of our Old Boys might be looking to buy religious bracelets as gifts for their family and friends. These bracelets are the perfect gift! They have been hand made by our very own Fr Dominic Rozario OMI, our College Chaplain, and he has blessed them, too! They are for sale at $15 each. All proceeds go to the Oblate Seminarians in Bangladesh. For further information, please feel free to contact Tina Giacco at Mazenod College.

MOCA: Alumni Digital Platform

We encourage our Mazenod Old Collegians to sign up and join our alumni digital platform. Please download the Alumnly app and register for a FREE account today.

Tina Giacco

Mazenod Old Collegians' Liaison

Executive Officer, Mazenod Old Collegians’ Association

Peter Banfield

Development & Alumni Manager