Alumni Program
YEAR 9 CONNECT DAY – ALUMNI PANEL INSPIRES THE NEXT GENERATION
On Thursday 26 June, we welcomed back an incredible panel of six Koonung alumni for our Year 9 Connect Day. Each brought their unique career stories, insights, and life lessons, showing our students that there are many exciting paths to success beyond school.
Rebecca Mallaby (Class of 2016).
Rebecca’s career in architecture is already decorated with national awards. After completing a Bachelor and Master of Architecture at Monash University, she has worked for four years at Melbourne’s renowned design studio, Carr.
Her mission? To create inclusive, future-focused spaces that transform the way we live and work. Rebecca’s story reminded students that passion, hard work, and vision can lead to remarkable opportunities.
Lanie Harris (Class of 1996).
Lanie’s journey proves that careers don’t have to follow a straight line. After studying Behavioural Science (Psychology) at La Trobe University, a year of travel sparked her interest in communications.
Starting as a temp, she rose to become Media Manager at Metro Trains and has worked across organisations from Australia Post to Melbourne Water. Lanie’s experiences taught students that curiosity, adaptability, and saying “yes” to opportunities can take you far.
Bronwyn Pearce (Class of 2004).
As Head of HR, People and Culture at Southern Cross Computer Systems, Bronwyn plays a key role in shaping workplace culture and strategy. She also serves on the board of directors and enjoys planning company-wide events. Her career highlighted for students the importance of people skills, leadership, and creating positive environments where others can thrive.
Victoria Preshaw (Class of 2018).
Victoria’s love for fashion began in Year 10 through a VET course (Certificate in Fashion Design). After graduating from Koonung, Victoria completed a Bachelor of Fashion and Design Technology at RMIT, she discovered her passion for the business side of fashion.
Now a Visual Merchandiser for Hugo Boss, she manages flagship stores in Melbourne and South Australia, designing eye-catching displays and launching new collections.
Victoria's story showed students how starting small, even as a Christmas casual, can lead to big opportunities.
Todd Simpson (Class of 2007).
Todd works as a Senior Consultant in AI & Data Consulting at EY (formerly Ernst & Young), combining technical expertise with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has co-chaired EY’s global inclusion program, served on social committees, and even won an EY CEO Award. Todd encouraged students to get involved beyond their core role and to embrace leadership opportunities wherever they arise.
Peter Bartel (Class of 2019).
Pete is making his mark in the world of elite sports as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Maribyrnong Sports Academy and High-Performance Manager for the Calder Cannons.
His career has included internships in Australia and the USA, including an elite baseball facility. Pete had plenty of tips for our budding athletes, especially the AFL hopefuls, and there were no shortage of questions about training, performance, and fitness!
The Year 9 Connect Day alumni panel showed students that success comes in many forms, from architecture to elite sport, from fashion to AI. We are grateful to Rebecca, Lanie, Bronwyn, Victoria, Todd, and Pete for sharing their time, wisdom, and encouragement with our Koonung community.
ALUMNI: WE WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE YOU IN AN ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT.
Koonung Secondary College alumni spotlights showcase the various pathways our alumni have taken since graduating from Koonung and the professions they are currently pursuing.
We feature these on our school website (image below), in our school newsletter, and on our social media pages (with your prior approval, of course).
If you’d like to get involved, please email our Alumni Program Coordinator at alumni@koonung.vic.edu.au OR complete the online ‘Alumni Spotlight’ form HERE.
ARE YOU AN ALUMNI OF KOONUNG?
If you are a Koonung alumni (went to or graduated from Koonung Secondary College), we would love you to join our alumni program. It's FREE to join.
FOLLOW THE ALUMNI PROGRAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
ARE YOU AN ALUMNI ON LinkedIn?
If so, we’d love you to please update the education section of your LinkedIn profile to include the correct Koonung Secondary College LinkedIn page. Our college LinkedIn page now includes an ‘alumni’ tab, and once you've added Koonung Secondary College to the education section of your personal profile, you will be added to the alumni stats on our official LinkedIn page. We'd be so grateful for this! See image below for reference.
KOONUNG PARTNERS WITH OURSCHOOL TO DELIVER ALUMNI PROGRAM
The alumni program at Koonung Secondary College is part of a broader, not-for-profit program called Ourschool (https://ourschool.net.au/).
Ourschool helps government secondary schools build thriving alumni networks to benefit current students and school communities. Koonung began it's partnership with Ourschool in 2022.
Click on the link below to view a video of the Ourschool CEO talking about the program.
CONTACT US.
Koonung Secondary College
Alumni Program - Nancy Manders