Old Collegians

Hi Everyone

In the last College newsletter, I advised that it would be the last from me on behalf of the Old Collegians Association. However, after what happened on Australia Day, another article is a must do.

Our very own 83 year old, past student 1954-1955, Don Miller, was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his long term service to the township of Cowaramup, otherwise known as Cowtown. He will be presented to the Governor at Government House in March.

Congratulations Don from all members of the Association and in particular our 1952 – 1956 group.

His volunteering services to the community and town involved helping fellow residents and driving major community projects whilst running a successful dairy farm and raising a family of five children. After the sudden death of his father aged just 54 years, Don and his brother, Bob, took over the running of the farm. Don was only 21 years old. Much later, together with wife, Dossy, and son Paul established the Millers Ice Creamery. Paul and his wife, Trish, have taken over the business.                                       

Don in his railway clothes

The projects are many and included: Helping to found the Lions Club in 1985, chairman of the Australia Day breakfast committee for 21 years, assisting with the now famous fibreglass Holstein-Friesian cows about the town, junior football club 1970’s and 80’s (Don was a classy rover in the late 1950’s), in the league team and Augusta Margaret River combined Association teams. Also, the Margaret River Speedway, District Social Club, Cowaramup Pioneer Park, Deja Moo Festival, manning the Lions Club burger van, gardening, repairs and painting, expansion of the oval, Waverley Road retirement village, starting the Cowaramup Men’s Shed, replica railway siding site. In 2015 he was awarded the Col Duggan Citizens Award and Life Membership of the Lions Club was awarded in 2022. 

We can add to that his being a long time committee member of the Old Collegians Association and organising some of the reunions for our 1952-1956 group.

Over the Christmas period, Sylvia and I had the pleasure of a visit to our farm for lunch from Deputy Principal Alf Mungioli. Alf is a great supporter of the Old Collegians Association, actively encouraging students to join after leaving the College. 

He is also a strong advocate of history and tradition, saying what we do is amazing including the annual scholarship and infrastructure projects. We look forward to a meeting with both Alf and the Principal, Rebecca Kirkwood, in the near future to discuss how we can connect with students. 

Finally, just a reminder to the 1952-1956 past students and families of the deceased that we are holding a reunion to celebrate 70 years since many of us first went to the Denmark Agricultural School in 1953. It is to held over the weekend of 27th to 29th October with the main event being on the Saturday 28th at the old school area. Please call me on 0428 526 398 or email hisylvi@bispond.com to register your intentions 

Cheers

Don McCausland