Old Collegians Association

Hi everyone

On 19th September over 200 past staff and students of DSA, DAJHS, DADHS, DDHS and DAC from 1942 to 2000, including partners and descendants attended the opening of the new gazebo in the grounds of the TAFE campus. Due to the very cold and wet weather, we were permitted to hold the ceremony in the gymnasium of the high school with Covid19 protocols in place. We thank them for that and all their assistance.

The gazebo celebrates 59 years of high school and agricultural education in town and at this site. It is located on South Coast Highway just to the left of the TAFE entrance. You can visit it at any time to see whose names are on the walls. The gazebo has been named the Buckingham Memorial after the foundation principal, Charles Buckingham and his wife, Gladys, who were there from 1942 to 1952. Two of their three daughters, Wendy Atherden and Margaret Weaver, were in attendance to unveil a plaque in honour of their parents.

It was formally opened by the Hon. Terry Redman, MLA for Warren-Blackwood. Terry was previously principal of the DAC from 1995 to 1999 and WACOA Denmark from 2000 to 2003. He spoke of how important education together with agriculture is to the families and the economy. He said Charles would never have imagined that one day cows would come in to be milked of their own accord as it is with the robot dairy.

In my speech I omitted to mention the Bill Ruhen family farm which was used for work experience for the students of DSA. I have apologised to his son, Jim. Bill was on the Agricultural Advisory Committee of the school in the 1980’s and 90’s. I also failed to mention that Wendy Atherden has donated $7,000 to the Old Collegians Association over the last couple of years. We are truly grateful Wendy. Wendy’s husband, Gerry, has not been well lately and we send our best wishes to him at this time.

We will be presenting the George Elliott Memorial Scholarship to a recipient on graduation day, 20 November. This scholarship is funded from those past students who have their names added to the Honour Walls - either at the college or the TAFE. To add names, contact Wendy Sutton 0419 048 694, Marjorie Morrison 9848 1633, Delys Ravenhill 0427 408 051 or myself, email: hisylvi@bigpond.com.

1953-1956 past students held their annual reunion in Mandurah in October. We had a most enjoyable lunch cruise which took us up the Murray River to the Ravenswood traffic bridge and back. It was great to see local residents Bob and Roslyn Quin, Brian and Pat Woodhead and Frank and Maxine Bassula who, because of illness, are usually unable to travel to these events. Brian Kent, Alan Grossman and his partner, Anna, attended a couple of happy hours. On the Saturday morning we all spoke by phone to Ray Giblett (past student 1954-1955) who lives in Broken Hill so was unable to join us.

Saturday saw us car pooling for a picnic at Lane Pool Reserve, Dwellingup. A beautiful spot and a relaxing time. In the evening we enjoyed a Chinese banquet. Wendy Atherden had sent a thank you card from herself and her sisters which was read out to the group by Don Jones. She wrote: “Dear Old Boys (Aggies), I was so thrilled to participate in your honouring of our parents. A great legacy. They were tough times and the school turned out tough, resilient young men. I am in awe of the ‘family affiliation’ you have developed over the years and the loyalty and affection between both you men and your wives/partners. As I said I believe it is unique. I must re-iterate my heartfelt thanks to you all and I know my sisters feel the same.” Most of us left for home after breakfast on Sunday morning. Congratulations go to Darryl Witham and partner, Jenny, for organising the events.

Roy Decke – 1953-1954 past student – and his wife Betty’s grandsons played football in the SWFL this year as, due to Covid19, the LSWFL (Manjimup and districts) did not play at all this season. Their son, Clint (1980-1981 past student) has a son, Kester, who played for Busselton. They made the grand final but lost to Bunbury. Kester, who is a big tall strapping lad, played in the ruck and at full forward. Riley Hall, another grandson, is 18 years old and a mighty 207cm, played for Donnybrook colts and lost in the preliminary final. However, he is a good knock ruckman to his running players and I predict he has a good future. A very proud Betty was busy travelling from ground to ground during the finals as well as going to Perth to watch her granddaughters play basketball. All the children take after their very tall grandfather and it is indeed a pity that he is not alive to watch them. He would be so proud.

Former principal Kevin Beal’s son, Stephen, past student 2004-2005, played for Royals in the GSFL this year and they won the premiership for the second time in a row. So far he has been in five premiership teams – three with the SWFL and two with GSFL. A great achievement.

On behalf of the committee, wives and partners, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous new year. Hopefully a vaccine can be found to help us have a normal life.

Cheers for now

Don McCausland

Chairperson