Old Collegians

Hi  - the end of another year becoming so close.

It was with our great pleasure that former student Melanie Constable (McCarthy), who lives in Denmark, presented the George Elliott Memorial Scholarship on Graduation Day, representing the Old Collegians Association of which she is the Treasurer. 

Melanie, who attended the College in 2002-2003 and was Captain in 2003, appreciated connecting with the College once again. The recipient of the scholarship is Sarah McConigley. Sarah is born and bred in Denmark, attended Denmark Primary School and, at present, Denmark Senior High School.  She loves everything about farms and farming, driving tractors, raising sheep and chooks, growing fruit and vegetables and can pretty much turn her hand to anything. An excellent start for her further education at the College from 2023. We extend our congratulations to Sarah and wish her all the very best in her endeavours. 

As mentioned in the last article, our 1953 past students are celebrating 70 years since we attended Ag School with a Denmark reunion next year. Others from 1954 to 1956 who join us every year, are also attending. We hope that all surviving students from those years will join us along with family of those who are deceased. The invitation is open to all DSA and DAJHS students (Aggies and Townies) from those years. 

The dates are 26th October to 29th October 2023, with Saturday 28th being the main event at the old school area. Further information will be forthcoming. Please mark the dates in your calendar. As we are all getting older and numbers are decreasing, this could be our last reunion so let’s make the best of this opportunity. 

Delys Ravenhill has advised that they had a terrific DAJHS 1962 class 60 year reunion on November 5th. They had a boat trip, lunch at Rivermouth Café and evening meal at the Denmark Tavern. Well done.

I advise that this will be my last article in the College newsletter. Myself and the Committee are all retiring. It would be hoped that someone will take on the roles. It would be sad and a shame if it diminishes. During its 30 years, the Association has contributed $28,000 to the College. As Chairperson, I thank the committee for your many years of loyalty, time, energy, effort, dedication and personal expense all for free in keeping the Association viable and ongoing. We are proud of having the opportunity of attending Ag School (two of the best years of our lives), being mates for life (second to none), meeting one another’s wives, partners and extended families, and of course the Townies, farmers and their families. It has been a wonderful journey but at 86 years of age I have decided to call it a day.

Thanks also to the Association Life Members who have their names on the Don Sheed Honour Wall at both the College and TAFE area and to all the past students we have had the pleasure of meeting over the years. To Sylvia, my partner, thank you for all that you do for me and the Association. Without you we would not have been able to do what has been made possible. 

Thank you, Wendy Sutton, for your energy and persistence in obtaining memberships from those living in Denmark. You made the new gazebo possible. Also for continuing to distribute copies of the newsletter to those residents.

I would also like to thank the College for allowing us to have space in the newsletter. Special thanks to Janice Axe for her help especially in finding old photos.

On behalf of the committee, wives and partners, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Cheers

Don McCausland