Alumni News

We welcomed back nine alumni for our first Year 9 Career Immersion program on Wednesday. Our students had the opportunity to learn about various pathways post Ballarat High School, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and straight into the workforce.

A common message from our alumni was to follow your passion, it’s normal to change careers and it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do. We thank the following alumni for giving back and sharing their journey:

Ammon Beyerle (1997) – Architect, researcher, writer and teacher. Worked for five years between France, Germany, Japan and Australia. Has recently completed a PhD regarding participatory architectural practice in local urban ecologies. Ammon’s other role is as a thesis studio leader, teaching in Architecture and Urban Design.
Dave O’Neill (2003) – Head of Corporate Affairs at Major Road Projects Victoria and published author (Santa Skis The Murray and The Seagull Who Soared). Became a tax accountant after school and worked internationally, before moving back to Australia to edit Vegetables Australia, a journalist at the Weekly Times, AFL Media Advisor and General Manager of Communications at St Kilda Football Club.
Eve Fisher (1995) - runs a short term property management and cleaning company in Torquay. Post school has been a journalist, high school teacher, university tutor, writer, editor, bar manager, bagel baker, sales representative and councillor.
Haydn Swan (1991) – Lecturer Geology at Federation University. Has completed his Masters in Geology and worked in diamond and gold exploration. Took some time out of geology to work for the Federal Police for 8 years before returning to his passion.
James McFarlane (2013) - Gardener at Scotch College. Completed a Diploma of Horticulture and Certificate III in Production Nursery. Also runs his own business mowing lawns and gardening in his spare time.
Karla Treweek (2008) – Accountant and Director at RSM Australia. Completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting at the University of Ballarat, then completed post graduate studies to become a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Kathrine Waugh (1996) – Project Manager for various government departments throughout the years.
Mick Russell (1990) – Executive Creative Director/Founder at Spike Creative. After school completed a 4-year apprenticeship as a graphic designer at The Courier, followed by roles as Art Director at Inside Football and The Footy Show and then five years as Senior Art Director for AFL Publishing, before starting his own business.
Rachel Tallent (2010) – Olympian and Psychologist. Competed in the Rio Olympics in 2016 in the Women's 20km Race Walk. Is a Registered Clinical Registrar, did Masters of Clinical Psychology, having already completed a Bachelor and Honours degree in Psychology.

Year 9 Career Immersion Day

We held a Year 9 Career Immersion program on Wednesday 24th July, where students had the chance to explore different career pathways and subject selection options. Guest alumni shared insights on various careers, while key learning area leaders discussed what to expect in Year 10 and elective options. Representatives of the VET program and Year 12 students pursuing VCE and VM pathways also provided valuable information. Sessions on job preparation and obtaining a USI further equipped students with essential skills for the future. Overall the event which aimed at providing students with the resources to make informed decisions, was a great success.

Eliza Hopkinson

Alumni Co-Ordinator