From the OGA

In 2025, the Old Girtonians’ Association (OGA) continued its commitment to safeguarding and sharing the School's rich heritage. A major highlight was devoting the first half of the year to preserving more than 100 years of past school uniforms — an extensive but deeply rewarding project as we work through the many historical items entrusted to us.  We were also excited to digitise every VHS in the archive, uncovering some wonderful hidden treasures along the way, and install a new compactus in Girton House, enabling the OGA to begin refiling over 140 years of images.

The Girton Preservation Club has also made excellent progress. After completing scans of The Girtonians and the centenary book Hardship to the Stars, the team shifted focus to digitising class photographs, ensuring these moments in time are saved for generations to come.

Throughout the year, the OGA hosted six reunion events, reconnecting Old Girtonians from across multiple graduating years. Special thanks to Pey Mei Liong (1985), who coordinated an exceptional reunion in Kuala Lumpur for the Classes of 1985 and 1986, bringing together alumni from Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei in a global celebration of Girton spirit!

We were delighted to see Old Girtonians sharing their journeys and insights with our students: In January, Commonwealth Games cyclist, Alessia McCaig, and professional violinist and social media sensation, Evangeline Matthews, spoke at the VCE Conference, inspiring current students with their achievements. In May, the OGA Career Connections Event welcomed back physiotherapist, Dan Atkinson, internal auditor, Emma Butters, and wills and estates lawyer, David Symons, as guest speakers — generous contributions that helped guide Year 12 students as they consider their future pathways.

At the Valedictory Dinner in November, Eva Westbrook (12 Frew) was awarded the 2025 OGA Departing Girtonian Scholarship, receiving $2,500 to support her next steps after Girton. Eva has been immersed in school life since Year 2, distinguishing herself as a performer, leader and community advocate. As Prefect and Co-Curricular Captain in 2025, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication both within the school and in the broader Bendigo community, volunteering widely and leading the Girton Community Action Group with passion and purpose. Her embodiment of Girton values makes her a worthy recipient of this scholarship. 

This year also brought moments of deep sadness for the Girton community. We mourned the passing of former Senior Master Mr Les Evans, an esteemed teacher of Mathematics whose leadership and dedication shaped many aspects of school life. We were also saddened by the loss of Mr Tom Glazebrook AM RFD ED, a much-loved mentor and friend whose long support of students and the South Bendigo Rotary Club Scholarship bearing his name has enriched many students lives. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Girton Boarding Mistress, Maureen Smith.

At the end of Term 4, we recognised Mr David Turpie with an honorary Associate Life Membership to the OGA in acknowledgment of 20 years of service to Girton Grammar. Additionally, the OGA continued its tradition of supporting student excellence, awarding academic prizes to 10 Speech Night recipients and encouraging Girtonians to pursue their academic ambitions in the years ahead.

In 2026, the OGA plans to develop a digital timeline of Girton’s history, building on the Girton Preservation Club’s ongoing work to catalogue and digitise the School’s extensive image collection.

Following the announcement that the John E Higgs Hall will be redeveloped, the OGA will also curate a dedicated collection of images and stories to preserve the legacy of this iconic building. In addition, the OGA will proudly support the School’s inaugural Giving Day on 28 May, helping to raise funds for the Hall’s redevelopment, and encouraging past, present and future members of the Girton community to contribute to this significant project in the life of the School.

Ms Kristi Mitchell

Alumni Manager