Alumni Spotlight

Sandra McKay (Class of '85) 

From Berwick College to national rail reform, Sandra McKay’s journey is a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact of great teachers and the diverse careers that can begin in a public-school classroom. Today, Sandra is the Executive Director at the National Transport Commission, leading transformative national rail reform. It’s the latest chapter in a remarkable career that’s included journalism (The Age, the London Evening Standard), political advisory roles (including Chief of Staff and speechwriter to the Premier), and running her own communications consultancy. Sandra's memories of her time at Berwick College paint a picture of a small but vibrant school community where teachers went the extra mile—often quite literally. “Terry Trevena brought Volleyball to Berwick and wisely advised me to drop Maths in year 12—great advice! Rousey wasn’t just an amazing PE teacher—she also let us raid her incredible wardrobe to borrow dresses for discos. Barbara Fix (Ms Dempsey), who fuelled my love of writing and drama, secretly reached out to a friend in the media industry on my behalf, helping me land my first journalism cadetship. Rob Osborne opened the world of debating to us—hosting practice at his house and leading us to a runner-up finish in the State championship against elite private schools. Ms Tracey and Laurie Cantwell brought Shakespeare to life and took us on theatre trips to Melbourne. David Mustafa introduced us to Bruce Springsteen and Ms Fisher—who ran the canteen—always knew what was going on in our lives, and would let us leave with pockets full of donuts and sausage rolls if we helped out." 

As we build Berwick College’s alumni community, Sandra’s story reminds us that government education, powered by dedicated teachers (etched in memories, 40 years later!), creates powerful futures. To all our current and former educators—thank you for going the extra mile, and then some.

If you’re an alum of Berwick College and would like to share your story and stay connected, please email alumni@berwickcollege.vic.edu.au