Introducing this year’s Reconciliation jersey design, which was proudly worn by our First teams during the AGSV Sport Reconciliation Round. 

In this third iteration of the jersey, our First Nations students, in collaboration with their friends and allies of Reconciliation, developed a design that centres around the themes of connection, unity and heritage.  

The design integrates spiritual elements from across Australia and the diverse ancestral homelands of our students, and links them to the lands and people of Trinity Grammar School, which is on Wurundjeri land.  

The design also reflects the house structure of the Senior School and celebrates the journey of First Nations and non-Indigenous students and their commitment to Reconciliation and inclusivity. 

The current uniform list contains nearly 20 compulsory items of school uniform, not including the many variations of sportswear. From 1903 until 1917, school uniform consisted of one item, the school cap.

The first examples were hand embroidered and are proudly worn by the students in the Foundation photograph taken on the steps of Holy Trinity in 1903.

The demise of the cap in senior school in the 1960s was no doubt hastened by the rejection of the ‘short back and sides’ in favour of the more fashionable hairstyles of the day.

John Dunkin (OTG 1969) who donated his blazer, cap and sporting memorabilia (pictured right).

Richard Hogg (1971) and Alastair Gunn (1972) both of whom sent photographs of their time at Trinity in the 1960s and 1970s and Alastair for also sharing his memoirs.

Megan Burgess and Joyce Francis for arranging the donation of the 1904 whole school photograph and information about Royden Bennett (OTG 1906).

Recent mindless queuing to board a flight in Sydney gave me an example of the friendly tribal connection that we have within the Trinity community when a random call out from an Old Trinity Grammarian who is also a current parent provided welcome respite. The warmth and willingness to connect no matter the situation is something I often experience both near and far from Kew and Bulleen and is a quality of our community that I cherish.

The commitment of Trinity students to their studies is credit to the culture that surrounds them at school and at home; and we continue to see fantastic results in and beyond the classroom. The ongoing support and care of our young people will continue to factor into the positive and tangible outcomes of our teaching and learning programs.

At the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association Community Breakfast held in early September, guest speaker Tess Madgen, Captain of the Opals Australian Basketball team, took attendees on a journey through her life as a high-performance athlete, including her recent experience at the Paris Olympics.

Bringing together members of the wider community, this annual event celebrates the connections we share, and for the students in attendance, offers a glimpse into the extensive network they will join upon graduation as Old Trinity Grammarians.

Tess Madgen speaks with David Constantinou

Ryan Landgren, OTGA President

Harry Thompson and Josh Fisher (staff)

Lachlan McDonald with Kate Fewster (staff)

Our Principal, Mr Adrian Farrer, visited our community members located in Shanghai with Ms Vicky Yu from our LOTE department in June. This was a wonderful opportunity and well received by all in attendance, which included Old Trinity Grammarians and former, prospective and current parents of Trinity students.

Our thanks go to all who were able to attend, in particular those who travelled some distance to join us for the occasion. 

In early July, Old Trinity Grammarians ranging in peer years from 1961 through to 2018 caught up with our Principal, Mr Adrian Farrer, Director of Business, Mr Mark Glover, and member of our academic teaching staff, Mr James Sherratt, in London.

Even though members of the group spanned different eras, it was great to hear of their experiences both at and post Trinity, it was interesting to hear how much they had in common, including their shared values. 

Thank you to all who were able to join us for the dinner and post dinner engagement. 

Date: Friday 25 October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Location: The Sawyers Arms
Price: $50.00, which includes a two-course set menu and refreshments.
Dress: Smart casual 

WOTG members toasted Mothers’ Day with a lovely afternoon at Bar Alba, Kew in May where we enjoyed their fabulous food, service and setting. It was a relaxed afternoon with many new members joining in. Following each event, we see new friendships being formed through discovered common interests. Please keep a look out for the details of our next event which will be held in October. Members are most welcome to contact us with ideas of what event you would like to enjoy next. An example of previous events: tour and high tea at Parliament House, Boyd House tour, South Yarra, and tour and briefing of MITS (Melbourne Indigenous Transition School). 

WOTG is a social group for mums who no longer have a son attending Trinity and who are looking for a different way to remain connected socially. Our events are diverse and chosen for members to enjoy activities they may not normally experience. 

To receive your invitation please add yourself to the WOTG database by clicking the button below.

Donna Cameron, Carolyn Crouch (Co-Convenors) Liz Beasley and Sue McNally (Patrons)

Each Grammarian, we ask four members of the community to reflect and respond to a prompt.

This edition, we asked them to tell us about a connection that is particularly special to them.

GIFS created by Year 11 Media student Jason Xu 

My bloodline connects to Saibai and Bamaga in the Torres Strait. Growing up off country in Melbourne was a challenge for me to access my cultural heritage. My Mum, or Ama in our language of Kalaw Kawaw Ya, has been able to help with my understanding of culture, facilitating my off-country connection to my people.

As a documentary maker my Ama would frequently travel up to the Straits to talk with our elders, to assist in keeping our stories alive.  Ama always made sure to include me in those conversations, to be around it, and take it in.  As a young boy it helped me develop my sense of belonging to people, land, sea and sky.

My upbringing has been formative in the development of my cultural identity as a Torres Strait Islander, something that I am eternally grateful to my Ama for facilitating in me. Through this I have connected with Senior Knowledge custodians such as two of my grandfather Popu Jeffa Aniba-Waia and Popu Walter Waia. Who have imparted to me the complexity of Bami (Knowledge).

My Ama’s legacy for me is to keep learning and developing my connection to culture, continuing to proudly share my story as a Torres Strait Islander man born and raised on the mainland.

One connection that is particularly special to me in my ongoing relationship with Trinity Grammar School is my son. I attended Trinity myself, as Class of 1993, and now I have the joy of seeing my son, Zachariya, who began his journey at Trinity in ELC 3 and now thriving in Year 7. Witnessing his growth and development, across his academic, sporting and music achievements within the nurturing environment of Trinity has been nothing short of an enriching experience.

Additionally, my nephew Zayd is currently in Year 11 at the school. This enduring connection has enriched our family, creating a shared legacy of education, values and community. It’s a profound experience to witness the school’s positive impact on my son and nephew, just as it once did for me.

I am immensely grateful for the role Trinity has played in enriching the lives of my son and nephew, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success that this cherished connection will undoubtedly bring in the years to come.

At 17, in 1987, I completed Year 12, and soon began my career as a first-year apprentice chef at Society Restaurant in Melbourne.

This pathway, though demanding, was something I had always aspired to.

The long, challenging days, split shifts, and low pay made me question my choice at times, but my driving force was a single word: passion.

Passion is essential in life, and I found my passion in the world of Hospitality, something that I have been involved with for 36 years.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptionally talented individuals. The thrill of preparing meals for 300 guests in one night is unparalleled, requiring teamwork, dedication, trust and communication. And, of course, passion remains at the heart of it all. Having held over 15 jobs in the hospitality industry, I found my place at Trinity in 2013.

My passion for all things hospitality still remains as strong as ever, and within the school it can mean working with the Year 9s to make pasta, the ELC students having a kitchen tour and cooking demonstration, or the Year 11s learning how to make espresso coffee.

Whether it’s working in the industry or teaching Year 9s, food has the power to unite people, creating shared experiences and fostering connections. It brings joy and brings people together around a table, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Being involved in the rugby community at Trinity has been a deeply rewarding experience.

Rugby, a sport that is not native to Melbourne, has a unique way of bringing people together, and my involvement with the Trinity Rugby Supporters’ Group has allowed me to form lasting friendships with parents across all year levels.

As a member of this community, I have witnessed the difference we make. We are not just supporting rugby; we are nurturing the growth of our boys, teaching them the importance of sportsmanship, discipline and unity.

The bonds I have formed with other parents are strengthened by our collective efforts to provide a supportive environment for our boys.

Trinity rugby is more than just a group of individuals cheering from the sidelines; it is a family. We celebrate victories together, provide comfort during defeats, and work together to ensure that rugby thrives. Through my involvement, I’ve learned that it’s not just about rugby; it’s about the people and the relationships forged in the process. The rugby community has given me a sense of purpose and has shown me that together, we can make a significant impact, supporting a sport that brings out the best in everyone involved.

The Old Trinity Grammarians’ Athletics Club is a recent addition to the suite of sporting clubs on offer to the Trinity community. Providing a pathway to promote fitness, encourage ongoing community connection, and enable healthy competition, the OTG Athletics Club welcomes past students and community members of all levels of athletic experience and ability.

Formed just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the OTG Athletics Club encourages those with newly inspired or long-standing athletic aspirations to push their boundaries and compete in a social and community-orientated environment. In addition to regular trainings and competition, the club will boast a busy calendar of organised events, such as the reintroduction of the annual ‘Trinity Gift’ handicap event.

With future planning in mind, the club will look to assist all members by providing coaching, utilising school and community-based training facilities, and allowing teams to be entered into Athletics Victoria events to compete under the green and gold.

Please contact otg@trinity.vic.edu.au for expressions of interest or any enquires.

Oscar Brown (OTG 2022)

The OTGCC recognised some outstanding on and off-field performances (okay, maybe the on-field contributions were more commendable than outstanding) for season ’23/24 at its annual Awards Night held in the East Room back in April.

Whilst for the (insert very large number) season in a row, a premiership evaded the clutches of both XIs, there was no shortage of reasonably decent performances worthy of acknowledgement. Congratulations to the following award winners.

1st XI Club Champion: Michael Forwood (OTG 2020)
2nd XI Club Champions: Jack Cooper (OTG 2019) & Ben Cook (OTG 2019)
Best Young Player: Tom Lydon (OTG 2022)
Speros Beasley Best Clubman: Adrian Johnson (OTG 2014)

We were also incredibly proud to induct our inaugural life members David Cowley (OTG 2008) and Daniel Speake (OTG 2014) for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the club over 10+ years. These two gentlemen embody everything that we as a club, and as amateur sportsmen, strive to achieve. They have been exceptional on-field performers, but more importantly they have been selfless teammates, dedicated volunteers and loyal friends.

I, along with the rest of the club, will now go back into hibernation until about September when the winter chill subsides. As always, please reach out (sebnicolosi15@gmail.com) if you have any interest at all in rolling the arm over in season 2024/25. We are always looking for new players!

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012)
OTGCC President

Another great Past Players Luncheon with over 40 Old Players and 20-30 of the new brigade at Bulleen to watch the Seniors. Just to show how important these annual days are, we had one of our Old Trinity Grammarians fly over from Dubai to connect and catch up with old mates.

Leo Farrell (OTG 1985) made the trip over and had a ball, pictured here with one of his teammates, Tim Phillips (OTG 1982), whose son, Sam (OTG 2022) was playing in the Seniors.

Jim Higgs OAM (OTG 1967), former player for the Australian Cricket team, was also there to cheer on the Green and Gold and catch up with everyone.

The annual event is a great way for the players to see how the Club has evolved and probably how much the game has changed since they played.

Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with the choccies, with Old Haileybury too good on the day, but a great day was had and we look forward to the next catch up.

Tony Mulcahy
OTGAFC President

The OTGHC have been off and running for the first half of the winter season! With new challenges as a result of a promotion from our 1s last season, both teams have been improving out of sight from last year. We’ve seen increased engagement at training, games, social events and more, creating a great sense of mateship amongst the lads at Old Trinity Grammarians’ Hockey.

We look forward to sinking our teeth into the second half of the winter season over the coming two months, with both teams looking to make a late push for finals. It’s going to make for an action-packed end of the year!

Looking ahead, we would like to invite anyone, with or without prior hockey experience, to join the club for the Term 4 summer hockey competition. It’s a great opportunity to stay connected over the off-season. Don’t hesitate to reach out at otghockey@gmail.com if you’re keen!

Tom Cohen (OTG 2018)
OTGHC Committee Member

As the grounds become heavier and the Saturday afternoons get colder, June marks the half-way point of the 2024 FFV soccer season. Despite the slow start to the season, we are starting to find our playing style and slowly climb the ladder – with many fresh new faces we are ambitious that we can achieve promotion in the near future. The past few weeks have seen our Senior team knocking at the door of the top four, while our reserves teams have consistently looked dangerous, with the Reserves title very much achievable.

Although we have seen a few players lost to injury and travel (a smart move considering how cold it is here), the Club has been impressed with the connection between the players and coaching staff – we’re looking forward to seeing where our teams will be at the end of the season.

Spirits are high in the OTGSC camp despite the challenges ahead! Whilst identifying as a Soccer Club, we make sure there is plenty of time for off field celebrations, and we are confident that the camaraderie of our playing group is due to these events.

With many players starting to return from their overseas trips, we will be increasing the number of these team bonding events. In particular, we are looking forward to the upcoming Trivia Night and Presentation Night, which provides an excellent opportunity to re-engage with old players and bring in new members. We’re looking forward to seeing more friendships between the old and new Trinity Grammarians develop, and with this increased opportunity for all in the Trinity community.

As the schools Firsts XI season draws to a close with a premiership win, we played our annual OTGSC vs First XI Cup Game which is always a great opportunity to connect and reunite those who are Old Trinity Grammarians, and those who are in their last couple of years looking for a welcoming and expanding community to be a part of post-school. Whilst there are plans to have a social Sunday league team (Thirds) and women’s team involving our sister school, Ruyton, the Club are currently supporting a Senior Men’s team and a Reserves Men’s team in the State League 5 East Division.

If you are interested in joining one of our teams, or becoming a part of the club in a different capacity, please contact Jeremy Neylon or Lino Salzano (Co-Presidents) by email (jeremyneylon1@gmail.com or linosalzano4@gmail.com).

Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013) & Lino Salzano (OTG 2018)
OTGASC Co-Presidents

The OTG water polo club has had a successful 2024 thus far, with the ‘Otters’ team winning its second consecutive Victorian State Summer League Premiership. This was finished off with the club’s largest ever Best & Fairest event, where the premiership was celebrated in style.

The club has had a strong level of participation as it was able to field two teams in the Victorian leagues for the first time since prior to the pandemic. The club owes its strong culture to the Trinity characteristics of kindness and mateship, which have seen record rates of returning players and a jovial atmosphere at trainings and games.

Both teams are gearing up for the next season starting later this month, with numbers looking stronger than ever before.

If you want to join, please send Ed an email at ecasmith1998@gmail.com.

Ed Smith (OTG 2017)
OTGA Otters President

“The atmosphere was amazing. Watching Cathy Freeman race and the Australian women’s water polo team win gold were also exceptional highlights,” she added.

“Gaining respect from others through their understanding of my sport, training ethic, determination, and mindset, you learn the importance of holding respect for everyone”.

Did you know that the names, details and achievements of almost all past Trinity students are recorded in a series of handwritten books stretching back over 121 years?

Rob Smead (OTG 1959) is a proud Old Trinity Grammarian who volunteered one day a week in Trinity’s Archives department. This video, which is part of the OTGA Community Conversations series, takes us behind the scenes in the Archives as Rob shares artifacts and stories from throughout the school’s history.

When Ray Weinberg AM (OTG 1944) was a competitor in the 1948 Summer Olympics it was very apparent that the Australian team was “under-outfitted” in many ways, compared to other countries’ teams.

Many other teams had special national Olympic team lapel pins, which were all the rage and became almost “currency” during the Games, and with collectors thereafter.

Fortunate enough to be chosen to represent his country at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, he used the experience he had gained, and created, designed and had manufactured the first Australian Olympic lapel pin.

His design of a kangaroo above the Olympic rings has been copied by numerous Australian Olympic teams that have followed.

Thanks to Jo from Trinity’s Library staff for sharing this story.

An enthusiastic and inspiring team of OTGs braved the cold to facilitate two weeks of personal growth and self-discovery for Trinity’s Year 8s through the Learning Journeys program.

Their contribution and commitment helped make this year’s program an impactful experience students will remember and value into the future.

Well done to everyone who led activities, visited as guest presenters, or supported behind the scenes!

Co-founder of Global Citizen Simon Moss (OTG 2000), who is currently based in New York, visited Trinity in August, speaking to a Year 10 Ethics Class and Year 9 Religious Education class about his work in global development and charities.

In May, commemorative signage was unveiled at the Craig Hockey Field in Bulleen. The Craig Hockey Field is named in honour of Michael Craig (1931-2023).

Michael is an Old Trinity Grammarian (OTG 1948) who captained the school in 1948 and went on to make a significant contribution to hockey, including captaining the Kookaburras to the Rome Olympics in 1960. Michael sadly passed away in 2023 just weeks after attending our Gallery of Achievement Luncheon.

Our thanks go to David Pryles, CEO of Hockey Australia who spoke of Michael’s extraordinary contribution to hockey; friends and family of the Craig family and members of the Camberwell and Trinity community who joined us for this dedication.

In mid-August, North Melbourne Football Club players Luke McDonald (OTG 2012) and Nick Larkey (OTG 2016) led a small football clinic on the Birrell Oval. The following week, Luke and Western Bulldogs player Anthony Scott (OTG 2013) led an insightful panel discussion for the Football Presentation Evening to mark the conclusion of the AGSV season.

Six OTGs; Aidan Filshie (OTG 2016), Robbie Gillies (OTG 2008), Nick Pearce (OTG 2011), Rob Pollock (OTG 1992), Charlie Simondson (OTG 2016) and Mike Zhou (OTG 2019) generously volunteered their time to be part of a creative project that celebrates the unique paths Trinity students traverse during and after school.

Take the Trinity Choose your own adventure quiz to hear their stories!

Let us know! We’re always looking for good news stories to share and celebrate across the community. Reach out via otg@trinity.vic.edu.au

Retired Bishop Gerald Beaumont (OTG 1956) passed away in July 2024, as a student Gerald was a member of the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and Henty House.  Gerald held positions within the Anglican Church, more recently as the Vicar of St John’s Camberwell where his funeral service was held.

Robert Coles (OTG 1951) sadly passed away in May.  Robert was a member of Henty House and a was a Prefect who enjoyed athletics, swimming and tennis at Trinity.

Peter Hoobin (OTG 1949) was Captain of Arnold House and swimming who was also a member of the choir at Holy Trinity.  Peter lived in Brisbane and passed away in April, aged 93.

David Langley (OTG 1961) regularly attended Trinity events and catching up with his many friends from school, he was a member of Arnold House and a prefect who enjoyed football, swimming and tennis.

Ian Mason (OTG 1949) attended Trinity as a student and was a member of Roberts House, he also played 68 games for the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club. He returned to Trinity as a member of the teaching staff in the Junior School 1952-53, before commencing at Camberwell Grammar School, where his career spanned for more than five decades.

Michael Orr (OTG 1962) passed away in June, he was a member of Arnold House.

Ian Ruffley (OTG 1956) enjoyed the continual contact with the school and the catchup opportunities with old friends.  Ian, who sadly passed away in April at age 84, enjoyed a lifelong passion and career in automative engineering, specialising in vintage sports and racing car restoration.