2021 President's Report

In March 2021 I was elected as President to succeed Mr Michael Harvey. With Michael remaining on the Committee as Treasurer it was a seamless transition to the new role and along with other returning committee members provided great stability for the planning of events in 2021.  It was again disappointing that due to the impacts of COVID-19, the OVA were not able to conduct a number of events including the Annual Dinner, interstate reunions and the North West luncheon.

Despite this it was a very successful year highlighted best by two successful events in November, the OVA Golf Day and Friday After Work drinks.  In addition to these Old Virgilians enjoyed a 'Day at the Footy' with over 60 vocal Old Virgilians attending a home match day against Hutchins – which the Saints won! The Annual Mass, OVA Tuesday luncheons and the Old Virgilian presence at the 2021 Thanksgiving ceremony were also notable events. The OVA also managed time to re-launch its website which is now more user friendly and better showcases the scope of activities undertaken by the Association.

The conduit for most of these events is the amazing work undertaken on the OVA’s behalf by College Archivists Graeme Rainbow and Bruce Woods on the monthly e-newsletter OVAtions. The breadth and quality of stories from Old Virgilians around the world is simply amazing and highlights Graeme’s determination to unearth these incredible achievement stories. OVAtions is subscribed to by over 2 500 readers and we are always looking to expand this number.  If you have not done so already, please visit www.oldvirgilians.org.au and subscribe – it takes less than 30 seconds!

Unfortunately I have had to make the decision to stand down after one year as President.  The pressure of work, family and studies has made it too difficult to sustain such an important role. I wish my replacement every best wish in the role and will remain in contact with the OVA for functions and ongoing support.

Details of 2021 Activities

OVA GOLF DAY

A record field lined up to play in the OVA Golf Day played in perfect conditions on Friday November 5 at the magnificent Royal Hobart Golf Club. The OVA raised in excess of $5 000 which will be used to support charities close to home, Edmund Rice Camps and also far afield, namely the Mary Rice Centre in Kenya.

Thank you also to our generous and loyal event sponsors:

Major Sponsor

Mr Ron Brooks – Raine and Horne

Support Sponsors

Mr Shaun Heyward – Tilford Auto Group

Mr Paul Graham – Graham Family Funeral Directors

Mr Matt Docking – RHGC Pro Shop

Thank you also, to past committee members Peter Beven, Peter Dixon and Terry Kay for all their work, particularly in regards to liaison with the RHGC & Pro Shop.

Results

Played in perfect sunny conditions on immaculate greens scoring was always going to be impressive. Below is a summary of results on the day:

Br E. Joyce Trophy (Best score by an Old Virgilian)

1st           Nigel Shaw                         39 points

2nd          Rob Braithwaite                38 points

3rd           Peter Manton                    36 points M

Best score by a Non-Old Virgilian

1st           Shaun Heyward                42 points

2nd          John O’Shannessey        40 points

3rd           Frank Swavely                   39 points

Ladies Event

1st           Tricia Dixon                         37 points

2nd          Amanda Wells                   36 points

3rd           Mary Beven                        35 points

Teams 'Irish Stableford'

Winners: Shaun Heyward, Mitch Whitney, Adam Dance and Duncan Young     133 points

FRIDAY AFTER WORK DRINKS @ THE MAYPOLE

On Friday November 19 more than 60 Old Virgilians gathered at the Maypole Hotel for a Friday after Work catch up. Host Old Virgilian Justin Devine, provided great hospitality and it wasn’t long before Old Virgilians from many year levels were connecting and reflecting on the common bond as Virgilians – as well as the other news of the time! Thank you to Committee members Zac Pierce and Declan Waddington for organising the inaugural event which looks sure to become a regular feature on the OVA calendar.

2021 ANNUAL DINNER INDUCTEES

Despite the dinner being postponed to 2022, the OVA Committee identified the following Old Virgilians who will be inducted on to the OVA’s Heritage Roll of Honour.

• Dr Leighton Kearney (SVC1998-93) B MedSci MBBS (Hons), Cardiovascular Imaging Specialist and recipient of numerous prestigious awards 
• Jack Riewoldt (SVC 2001-04) – Multi-award winning AFL footballer
• Dr Martin Scurrah (SVC 1951-58) PhD in Business & Public Administration, outstanding teaching and professional career, Regional Director of Oxfam

At the Association’s November luncheon there was a posthumous induction to the Roll was made.

• Gavin O’Dea (1906-1973) (SVC 1921-22)
  Outstanding contributor to the North West Community – business, Catholic Church & sport.