OTG Fathers Gathering

Old Trinity Grammarians who currently have their son/sons attending Trinity recently gathered at the school, touring some of the recent improvements including the Batson Building, Tudor Centre and the Robertson corridor. Principal Adrian Farrer provided an update and David Hopwood (OTG 1994) represented the OTGA.

Founders’ Day Assembly

David Mackay (OTG 2006), 2006 Captain of Football and Captain of Hindley House, spoke to Trinity students at the Founders’ Day Assembly. In his address, David spoke about his experience and encouraged students to be willing to step out of their comfort zones to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way. David was inducted into the Trinity Gallery of Achievement in 2022.

Founders’ Day Fair

Thank you to the many Old Trinity Grammarians who assisted at the recent Founders’ Day Fair; it was great to see representatives from the Old Trinity Clubs (Football, Soccer, Cricket, Water Polo and Hockey) and members of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association who volunteered at the OTG Bar and running a variety of fun sporting activities for those who attended.

AFL Draft

Tom Gross (OTG 2024) was selected in the AFL Draft by West Coast Eagles Football Club at Pick 46.

Tom has been an integral member of the Trinity 1st XVIII side since Year 10, captaining the team in his final year. He won the Best and Fairest in both Year 11 and 12 and was selected in the AGSV representative team in 2023 and 2024.

Tom joins fellow OTGs currently playing in the AFL; Todd Goldstein (OTG 2006) for Essendon, Nick Larkey (OTG 2016) and Luke McDonald (OTG 2012) for North Melbourne, and Anthony Scott (OTG 2013) for the Western Bulldogs.

Aidan Filshie (OTG 2016) recently launched a solo show in the Sol Gallery Space. Aidan’s artworks highlight his exploration of artistic voice and connection to the landscape, with water and light featuring as prominent themes.

This piece entitled West Head Lookout (oil on canvas), has been purchased by the school as part of the Trinity Art Collection.

Retirement

John Summers (OTG 1979) recently retired after more than 40 years of service at Trinity Grammar School. John was a student at Trinity and began his employment in 1983 as a member of the Property and Maintenance team. We are grateful for John’s four decades of dedicated service and wish him well for his future.

He was also involved in Rotary and was the president of the Brunswick Club in 1982-83.

In 1970, Peter started Wiretainers; an Australian steel manufacturing company that makes a variety of products from animal traps to the trailers that your luggage goes on at the airport. Peter continued to work with the company until he was 81.

Peter sadly passed away in September. He leaves behind his wife Judy, children Soozey, Heather and Charles, and seven grandchildren.

Peter is also a member of Trinity’s Gallery of Achievement.

Ian Farquhar (OTG 1962) boarded at Trinity in 1961/62, represented the school in tennis and was a member of Henty House. He attended the 2023 Gold Mitre Luncheon where he very much enjoyed catching up with old friends.

After matriculating, he enrolled in Hobart University to study law and did his articles there before moving to Perth (his mother’s birthplace) where he ultimately established a broadly-based legal practice in Fremantle.

Ian passed away on 14 September (aged 80) upon which a senior barrister at the Western Australian Bar paid the following tribute: “he was the epitome of the suburban practitioner. In practice, he was the ultimate GP, practising in the areas of commercial, civil, wills and criminal. Nothing was beyond him. He would act for many who could afford him and for many who couldn’t. It made no difference. He took them all on. He was, in my respectful view, an object lesson to young practitioners on what it means to be a lawyer.”

Alan Fookes (OTG 1942) sadly passed away in October 2024 and at that time was Trinity’s known oldest Old Trinity Grammarian. As a Gold Mitre lunch regular, Alan was known and respected by many.

Alan commenced his Trinity journey in 1937 and after leaving school joined the RAAF and began training for WW2 deployment (as was the case of many young men). After returning Alan pursued a successful career in accountancy and raised his much-loved family. Alan is survived by his three daughters and their families and will be sadly missed by many.

Dugald’s warmth and charisma helped him build an extensive network of friends across many walks of life, including his social, sporting, music, and business communities. Despite learning in Year 7 of the potential for a terminal illness, he lived his life with extraordinary energy, purpose, and resilience, embracing every moment to its fullest.

In his final months, Dugald was cared for at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where he spent two months in palliative care. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Dugald’s legacy of positivity, courage, and friendship will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Our condolences to Dugald’s family Keith (OTG 1963) and Liz.