Welcome to our Green, White and Blue newsletter

Welcome to our second edition of the "Green, White and Blue" e-newsletter for St Patrick's College Old Collegians for 2026. We especially welcome any new Old Collegians to our e-newsletter. The "Green, White and Blue" is distributed at the end of each school term and is full of news for and about our Old Collegians. We hope you enjoy!

Ollie Hannaford makes AFL debut for GWS Giants

Congratulations to 2024 Boarding Captain Ollie Hannaford (SPC 2021-24) who made his long-awaited debut for the AFL's GWS Giants against Collingwood on Friday night.

Old Boys grab medals at national rowing titles

Congratulations to Tom Foley (SPC 2017-22) and Henry Reinehr (SPC 2019-25) who won gold medals at the Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington, Tasmania at the weekend.

Tom had a great competition, finishing with -

🥇FIRST - U23 Men's Coxless Four

🥇 FIRST - U23 Men's Coxed Eight 

🥈SECOND - U23 Men's Coxless Pair

Henry also had a successful weekend, with -

🥇FIRST - Club Men's Coxless Four

🥈SECOND - U21 Men's Coxed Eight

🥉THIRD - Open Men's Coxed Eight Sprint 

🏅FIFTH - Club Men's Coxed Eight

Henry's older brother Austin Reinehr (SPC 2018-21) also finished with -

🥈SECOND - Men’s Senior Eights Interstate Victorian team

🏅FIFTH - Open Men's Coxless Pair after winning heat

Did you see our Year 10 Division 1 crew also won silver in the Under 17 Schoolboy Coxed Quad Scull too. A fantastic effort by everyone!

Harry hits tunes on TV show Australia Idol

Well done to Old Boy Harry Lamb (SPC 2012-17) who made it to the Top 10 in the TV show, Australian Idol, last week. Sadly Harry didn't make it to the next section, but we reckon Harry will have lots of new fans after this fantastic experience! 

Tom notches up 250 AFL games

Congratulations to Melbourne's Tom McDonald (SPC 2010) who played his 250th AFL game yesterday alongside teammate Max Gawn, helping the Demons to demolish the Blues. Tom was drafted at Pick 53 in the 2010 AFL national draft and was honoured as  SPC's Young Achiever in 2023. Well done Tom!

⚫🟡 Great to see Richmond defender Josh Gibcus (SPC 2017-21) has also been rewarded with a contract extension after an impressive pre-season, read more here 

Cheers for Old Boys in Murray to Moyne bike ride

Well done to a number of Old Collegians and SPC staff, who took part in the 39th annual Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay at the weekend. The gruelling 520km charity ride from  Mildura & Echuca to Port Fairy, raises funds for various health charities. The GWB was aware of a couple of teams featuring Old Collegians, including Jimmy's Licorice Allsorts and the Velorats.

Jimmy's team included James Waight (SPC 1985-90), Mitch Chalmers (SPC 2020-25), Zac Pietsch (SPC 2004-09) and SPC teacher Marcus Ryan. 

There were also a few SPC connections in this year's Velorats team, including Dan Cronin (SPC 1986-90, PY1991), Luke Dunne (SPC 1987-92) and SPC staff John Sullivan and Michael Weadon. You can still support these teams if you would like to donate.

Congratulations James!

Congratulations to Old Collegian James Herbertson (SPC 2013-17, PY2018) on receiving Harness Racing Victoria's highest honour, as the 2025 Garrards Victorian Driver and Metropolitan Driver of the Year. James also received the HRA National Award for Leading Australian Driver. Congratulations James!

Short snapped up by Welsh Fire for The Hundred

Keep an eye out for Australian cricketer and Old Boy Matt Short (SPC 2008-13) who was the only Australian snapped up in the first-ever auction for The Hundred earlier this month by the Mike-Hussey-coached Welsh Fire. The competition will run between 21 July-16 August on Sky Sports. In the meantime, Matt is currently playing with the Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

SPC features on Ballarat's new Monopoly Board

I spy with my little eye…a St Pat’s crew on Ballarat’s new Monopoly board!

But there’s just one question — who’s in the boat?

Past or present, it could be yours. 

Celebrating community at St Patrick's Day Lunch

Friendships and community were the key themes of our St Patrick’s Day Lunch, held on Tuesday, 17 March. More than 110 people from the SPC community turned out for the lunch and we shone the spotlight on the Class of 1966 celebrating their 60-Year Reunion and Class of 1976 marking their 50-Year Reunion.

Class of 1976 celebrates 50-year anniversary

There was plenty of banter as members of the Class of 1976 reminisced at their 50-Year Reunion as part of our St Patrick's Day Lunch celebrations. Who can you recognise?

Mighty big milestone for the Class of 1966

What a great turnout for our 60-Year Reunion with nearly 30 members of the Class of 1966 gathering to catch up at our St Patrick's Day Lunch. A special framed photo was presented to each of our Old Boys in attendance. 

And in a first, we even had an Old Boy watching the day's proceedings from his home in South Australia after the fuel crisis forced him to abandon his plans to drive across for the lunch in Ballarat.

Is your Class Reunion coming up this year?

Make sure you lock in these dates if you have your Class Reunion coming up this year!

Hosted by the SPC Old Collegians' Association, we'd love to welcome you back.

Don't forget to ensure your contact details are up-to-date so we can get in touch with you about your reunions. 

Save the Date - Old Boys' Winter Warmers Lunch

📆 DATE: Friday, 26 June 2026

🏫WHERE: NEW LOCATION - SPC Boarders' Dining Room

🕰️TIME: 12.30pm 

👦GUEST SPEAKER: Old Collegian Bill Joyce (SPC 1961-63)

💵COST: $30

Come along and chase away the winter chill with a delicious meal in good company and the cosy quarters of the College's Boarding precinct dining room. Listen to former boarder Bill Joyce (SPC 1961-63) as he recalls some of his memories of his experiences and check out the fabulous facilities our boarders now call their home away from home. 

This event is hosted by our Old Collegians Association. We would love to see you and we warmly encourage you to bring an Old Boy or two who may not have been before. Partners are also very welcome.

TO REGISTER: You can do this a couple of ways - 

Contact the College's Alumni Officer Lorrie Liston on 5322 4442 or email lliston@stpats.vic.edu.au and bring $30 cash with you on the day

OR

Register and pay online prior to the event by clicking on this link - 

Obituaries

St Patrick's College honours those Old Boys who have sadly left us and recognises their contribution to the life of the College and to broader society in general. The College received news in recent times that these Old Collegians have passed away, including:

• Leo Clark (SPC 1961-64, PY1966)
• William Duncan (SPC 1948-49)
• Fern Gallagher (SPC 1959-62, PY1964)
• Brian Grogan OAM (SPC 1949-53), pictured above
• Brian Kershaw (SPC 1950-52, PY1955)
• Ray Kervarec (SPC 1939-42, PY1944)
• Brien Mason (SPC 1939-42)
• Peter Molloy (SPC 1960-61, PY1965)
• Peter Neylon (SPC 1958-61)
• John Noonan (SPC 1947-58) 
• Don Phillips (SPC 1945-48, PY1949)
• Patrick Ryan (SPC 1983-88)
• Brendan Smith (SPC 1973)
• Br Jim Ward cfc (SPC 1945-47, PY1948) & former staff

• James Werndly (SPC 2001-04, PY2006)

   

We have also been notified of the sad passing of College Legend John McArthur (SPC 1941-44) and we will publish a tribute in our next edition of the GWB.

Our condolences to those who remember former SPC librarian June Brae, who passed away on 14 March 2026. June worked in the library for 16 years between 1991-2006, and was respected for her dedication to excellence, professional knowledge of the KRC’s collection and her tireless work ethic.

We also extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of much-loved staff member Daniel Sutton, who passed away suddenly on 16 December 2025. Daniel was a true gentleman whose presence enriched St Patrick's for more than 15 years. He commenced at the College in 2009 as a Learning Support Officer while completing his teaching degree, before taking up a teaching role within the Science Faculty. In classrooms and corridors alike, Daniel shared his deep love of learning and the scientific method, inspiring countless students through his calm guidance and thoughtful instruction. Beyond the classroom, Daniel's contribution as Daily Organiser was vital to the smooth and efficient running of the College. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his wife Fiona and sons Orion and Austin.

Our sympathy to Old Collegian Barry Schuurs (SPC 1972-77) and his family including sons Anthony (SPC 2008-13) and Xavier (SPC 2012-17) on the passing of his mother Coby in mid-January 2026, who reached the mighty milestone of her 101th birthday in late 2025. 

Please click on the button below to read more about these much-missed members of our community.

Brian Mullarvey (SPC 1956-59) returns for visit

Old Collegian Brian Mullarvey (SPC 1956-59) and his wife Sue, pictured above, visited the College last week for the first time in over a decade. Did you go to school with Brian? 

A family legacy spanning generations

The College was delighted to recently welcome Kate Lawless, granddaughter of John Lawless, who first attended the College in 1893 as one of its earliest boarding students. Kate’s visit may represent the longest-standing family connection to the College, offering a wonderful reminder of how deeply woven our history is across generations.

Long-forgotten school mementos rediscovered

Old Collegian Peter Harney (SPC 1964-65, PY1966) discovered some of his long-lost and forgotten school reports recently. He is pictured above showing the College's Alumni and Foundation Officer Lorrie Liston at his Class of 1966 60-Year Reunion on St Patrick's Day and he has very kindly donated the mementos to our archival collection.

🎖️ DO YOU KNOW AN OLD BOY WHO SHOULD BE INDUCTED AS A SPC LEGEND OR YOUNG ACHIEVER? Do you know an Old Collegian who has made a significant impact within the community? The SPC ‘Legend’ and 'Young Achiever' awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our remarkable Old Collegians. Now it's easier than ever! You can nominate an Old Boy online by clicking on the buttons below.

What have our Old Boys been up to lately...

Look out for LeRoy Hand (SPC 1993-98), pictured above, who has been announced as one of the fabulous Stars in Ballarat’s Dancing with Our Stars competition, raising funds for Ballarat Foundation. Click on the button below to read more about LeRoy and read more stories on our Old Boys, who have made the news recently.

Good times enjoyed at Paddies Autumn lunch

The first Paddies lunch of four to be held on the first Friday of each new season in 2026 was held at The Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne at the start of Autumn.

📆 Emerald Lunch dates in 2026 - Friday, 5 June; Friday, 4 September; Friday, 4 December.

Where are they now - Geoff Jones CSC OAM 

We recently reconnected with Geoff Jones CSC OAM (SPC 1975-77) who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2025 Australia Day Honours for his service to business and to the entertainment industry. 

Where are they – David Murphy (SPC 1971-77)

The College reconnected recently with David Murphy (SPC 1971-77) who has jumped at what life has to offer, working for the past two decades as an adviser and security manager for some of Australia’s major defence submarine and frigate programs.

Long-overdue visit for Jack Oster

Jack Oster (SPC 1956-58, PY1963) and his wife Ellen visited the College at the start of the school year - the first time in over 50 years!

Where are they now – Lee Murphy (SPC 1992-97)

The College recently reconnected with Lee Murphy (SPC 1992-97) who has crafted a successful career in IT and recalls his favourite memory of school at SPC was spending every recess and lunch at the popular jerk (handball) courts.

Therese visits her family's special picket

We welcomed Leongatha's Therese Bourke back to the College last week. While in Ballarat for a few days, Therese took the opportunity to check out the Bourke family's personalised picket on the Main Oval. 

Therese was married to College Legend Michael Bourke (SPC 1950-54) who sadly passed away in 2022. Michael spent plenty of time on the College's famed oval as vice-captain of the 1954 First XVIII Football team and captain of the 1954 First XI Cricket team. He also played in the 1953 First XVIII Football team.

You can purchase your own picket and record your own lasting memory by clicking on the button below.

Where are they now – Barry McAdie (SPC 1960-63)

It doesn't take many guesses to see how Old Collegian Barry McAdie (SPC 1960-63) likes to spend his time! And perhaps you won't be surprised to learn Barry's career involved developing policies to improve our railways, roads, road transport and aviation.

LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BALLARAT - Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments in Ballarat is a proud sponsor of this edition of the Green, White and Blue e-newsletter. Nestled in the heart of Ballarat, near St Patrick's College, just a stone's throw from picturesque Lake Wendouree, is their fully self-contained, two-bedroom apartments. Click on www.lwla.com.au to find out more about the Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments, owned by Old Collegian Gavin James (SPC 1970-75).

Retired Old Boys enjoy monthly BBQ and chat

It’s not too bad a percentage when SPC Old Collegians make up nearly half your informal get-together. Do you recognise these Old Boys, pictured above.

Where are they now – Les Baxter (SPC 1991-96)

The College recently reconnected with Les Baxter (SPC 1991-96) who loves life, family, work and even has his own Youtube channel.

Where are they now - Bryan Walsh (SPC 1959-63)

We recently reconnected with retired Old Collegian Bryan Walsh (SPC 1959-63, PY1964) who has been a pivotal part of the Northern Territory’s wildlife management leadership over the past few decades and is also the author of a number of publications on wide-ranging subjects from the breeding habits of the Peregrine Falcon to the best crocodile capturing techniques.

Ian relives his SPC Head of the Lake days

In the lead-up to this year's Head of the Lake, Old Boy Ian Johnson (SPC 1979-81) recalled some of his own memories during a visit to the College earlier this term.

Did Ian find glory, click on the button below to find out.

Dux's book prize finds its way back to SPC

A well-worn mystery novel, awarded to a SPC student over 70 years ago, was returned to the College recently after it was discovered in a second-hand book sale.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA & FACEBOOK - To keep fully up to date with all happenings in and around the College and the OCA we strongly encourage you to join our Instagram page and like our Facebook page and join the thousands of members of our community already receiving regular updates into their daily news feed, simply click on these links - @spcballarat & https://www.facebook.com/spcoca/ 

SPC Athletics Team crowned ACC Div 2 champions

Huge congratulations to our Athletics team, who were crowned Division 2 Champions at the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) Athletics Carnival in mid-March. 

After trailing by just two points at the first progressive score, the boys rallied to take an 11-point lead before holding strong in a tight contest to secure a seven-point victory over Salesian College. 

Proudly led by captain Archie Elliott and vice-captain Archie Todd, the team took out both the U14 and Open age groups, along with the Senior and Junior divisions — a true team effort across the board.

Etch your name into our Performing Arts Centre

A special opportunity also exists to etch your name into the future of performing arts at St Patrick's College. Old Collegians are warmly encouraged to consider "buying a seat" in the upper level of the auditorium - complete with your personalised plaque.

To find out more, please click on the button below.

Year 9 students explore sculpture with artist

Earlier this term, our Year 9 Art students explored sculpture with visiting artist Patrick Duffy, creating expressive faces using recycled cardboard.  

Students experimented with cutting, layering and shaping cardboard to build striking three-dimensional forms, discovering how everyday materials can be transformed into powerful artworks. 

Huge thanks to Patrick for sharing his time and expertise with us. It was a fantastic hands-on workshop that encouraged creativity, experimentation and sustainable art practices. 

Respect Cup promoting gender equality

St Patrick's College united with Loreto College, Ballarat, Sacred Heart College Geelong and St Joseph's College Geelong once again for the annual Respect Cup, promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. The Cup was held in mid-March at Mars Stadium.

And finally....

You can take the boy out of St Pat’s, but you can’t take St Pat’s out of the Old Boy! 

Our Old Collegians on staff proved it, proudly joining our Year 12s for a war cry ahead of this year’s Head of the Lake.

When past and present come together like this, it’s more than tradition — it’s legacy.