Old Sydneians’ Newsletter – Volume 44

Dear Old Sydneians,

The Old Sydneians’ Union is working hard to deliver a number of exciting initiatives in the second half of 2026.

In Term II, the OSU Mentoring Program launched with almost 40 pairs, as we evolved from 2025’s successful campaign. This year’s cohort consisted of a wider group of individuals rather than just penultimate university. We will continue to evolve and learn the best practices but are thrilled with the level of engagement of the current participants.

Throughout Term II, the OSU hosted two ‘Grammar in Business’ networking evenings. The first event was ‘Grammar in Medicine’, which had over 60 of our alumni in attendance. We were able to appreciate the vast exposure of Old Sydneians and their contributions in an amazing array of specialisations. We reflected on this event and cannot wait to deliver more tailored and more specific evenings for those in medical fields. A big thank you to our panel of speakers for this event: Dr Rohan Krishnan (OS 2005), Dentist, Practice Owner, Medicolegal Expert; Dr Dushyant Iyer (OS 2010), Anaesthetist, Military and Retrieval Specialist; Dr Kostas Brooks (OS 2007), Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist; Dr Rowan Gillies (OS 1988), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

The second event was ‘Grammar in Law’, which had over 80 alumni in attendance. It was very exciting to see so many Old Sydneians come together, network and hopefully find friendships and opportunity in what we deliver for our community.  A sincere thank you to our panel of speakers for this event: Chief Justice Andrew Bell AC (OS 1983); Mallesons Partner, Phil Harvey (OS 1990); General Counsel and EGM Ausgrid, Nigel Lowry (OS 1990); Principal Russell Kennedy, Walter MacCallum (OS 1987, former OSU President); Judge, Tom Jones (OS 1992).

Term II also saw another evening hosted by the Alligator Wine Club, a strong group with a membership base of 48 like-minded individuals. The evening featured a curated four course wine-paired dinner showcasing eight exceptional sparkling white and red vintages from esteemed South Australian producers. Producers sampled at this event included: Hentley Farm,Kilakanoon, Penfolds, Rockford, Torbreck and John Duval. We look forward to announcing another Alligator Wine Club Dinner towards the end of 2026.

We would like to congratulate the following Old Sydneians who featured in the King’s Birthday Awards: 

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

Mr Philip Hilton Greenwood SC (OS 1975)

For service to the law.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

Mr Peter Morton Kinsey (OS 1963)

For service to surf lifesaving.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2026.

• The Gold Sydneians’ Lunch hosted on 17 July (for Old Sydneians who are 70 years of age or older).
• The Great Debate on 23 July with the topic: “that we don't need SGS when we have GPT”.
• The OSU Annual Lunch 2026 on Friday 4 September 12:00pm-3:00pm hosted at The Strangers’ Room, NSW Parliament.
• More Grammar in Business events to be announced!

The calendars are full, the engagement is high and we want to continue driving involvement directly with Sydney Grammar School and our many networks. I encourage you to take time to reflect on what’s important to you, reconnect with someone in your year group that you haven’t seen or spoken to in quite some time, and help be part of bringing our community closer together.

I look forward to seeing more of you engage as we continue to provide further opportunities.

Nick Manettas (OS 2009)
OSU President

We are often asked: ‘What are the differences between the Old Sydneians’ Union and the School’s Alumni Office?’

Hopefully, the following explanation will answer this question.

Although the Old Sydneians’ Union and the Alumni Office operate differently, they share a common purpose: bringing people together, strengthening connections, and nurturing a lasting sense of being part of the School community.

The Old Sydneians’ Union (OSU)

The OSU is an independent body that is run by its elected committee. The OSU was founded by Headmaster Weigall in 1893 with the objective to strengthen the bonds between the past and present members of the School. The OSU’s constitution and guiding principles were established back then and still govern today. They foster and promote the interests of Sydney Grammar School with an aim to promote, encourage, maintain, and strengthen friendship and goodwill amongst its members.

A major contribution of the OSU is The Old Sydneians’ Union Scholarship, which was established after WWI to assist ‘an outstanding boy in scholarship, sport and influence among his fellows.’

Over the years, the OSU has contributed to many building developments, such as acquiring the fields at Rushcutters Bay (Weigall) and helping with the construction of the War Memorial Building after WWII. It has also actively supported the School’s sport and music programs. In recent times it has introduced mentoring programs, industry networking evenings, wine club events, and an annual golf championship along with other initiatives.

Sydney Grammar School Alumni Office

The Alumni Office is run by employees of the School, who can be contacted Monday – Friday during term time (although they monitor alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au throughout the year). The office aims to communicate with Old Sydneians, provide information, organise events, publish the Old Sydneians’ newsletter and assist with enquiries. The Alumni Office also has a major role in the organisation of school reunions, which take place for year groups every five or ten years. It also invites Old Sydneians into the School to attend school events, and it gives them the opportunity to talk to boys in different educational settings. Alumni are welcome to review the School’s history by visiting the Archives department and contributing to it with their own memorabilia. The Alumni Office always likes to hear from Old Sydneians to celebrate and highlight the achievements and different paths that they have taken since leaving School.

Whilst the Old Sydneians’ Union and the Alumni Office may have separate messaging, they are aligned and work together.

Join us for an entertaining evening as distinguished Old Sydneians face off against College Street’s top debaters in a spirited parliamentary-style debate.

Motion: “that we don’t need SGS when we have GPT”

We are delighted that we have star-studded alumni involvement – The Hon Andrew Bell AC (OS 1983), James Hooke (OS 1988), Dominic Knight (OS 1994) and Brendon Chen (OS 2021). They are to face an experienced and fiercely competitive First Team. In a departure from tradition, the School will serve as the Government with the Old Boys as the Opposition.

Light refreshments will be available for purchase from 5:15pm in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre Foyer. The debate will commence at 6:00pm sharp in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre.

Book tickets here.

Football

Grammar has started the season very strongly. The First XI with three straight wins sits alone at the top of the table while the Second XI is currently in second position. Congratulations to Fraser Rowan (Form VI) and Michael Klein (Form V), who both made the GPS Representative team.

Overall, the twenty-nine teams have performed consistently well across all age groups but the Under 14s deserve particular mention for outstanding results. 

Rugby

There are four teams competing in the Open Division this year, with the First XV making a positive start to the season, recording two wins and one loss. The remaining Open teams have also competed strongly, and it has been particularly pleasing to see the continued development across the 13s age group.

In addition, we have entered three age groups in a new mid-week 7s competition against Redlands, Randwick High School and GOAL College (Ultimo). The Under 16s deserve special recognition, as they remain unbeaten after the second round of matches.

Volleyball

The volleyball squad concluded Term II with 17 wins from 21 matches and achieved exceptional representation at the GPS, Combined Independent Schools (CIS), and National levels. GPS representatives Ashton Clarke (VI), Connor Stoermer (V), Angus Sharpe (V) and Marcus Yan Wang (V) most recently helped defeat the CAS representative team, winning their combined fixture 3–1. Ashton, Angus, and Marcus were also victorious as the All-Schools Champions representing NSW CIS. Ashton was also selected and has been preparing for the Australian National Men’s Volleyball Team.

Cross Country

On 13 June we hosted the Grammar Invitational Cross Country event at Miranda Park, Miranda. It was a tough, rolling course, and all our teams (Opens, Intermediates, and Juniors) performed at a high standard.

The Juniors achieved fourth place in the GPS, the Intermediates finished second, and the Seniors placed fifth. With four competitions remaining, the Intermediates are well in contention for the premiership but are locked in a fierce battle with The King’s School.

Music

The Term II Concert on Thursday 4 June in the John Vallance Hall featured the following ensembles: Percussion Ensemble 2, Percussion Ensemble 4, Seymour Orchestra, Ventus Ensemble, Concert Band, Stringendo, Sheldon Strings, Camerata, Cantorum, AMCO, Grammarphones, School Choir and School Orchestra. 

The Woodwind Ensemble Concert in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre on Thursday 25 June included: Flute Choir, Flute Ensemble, Saxophony, Saxophone Ensemble, Bassoon Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Oboe Ensemble and Form V Wind Quintet.

Music Concerts for Term III

Tuesday 25 August
Term III Concert A
6:30pm
John Vallance Hall

Thursday 27 August 
Term III Concert B
6:30pm
John Vallance Hall

To our Old Sydneians who are 70 years of age or older, there is still time to book for the upcoming Gold Sydneians’ Lunch.

Date and Time:
Friday 17 July
12:00pm – 3:00pm 

Venue:
Big School 

Tickets can be purchased here

Reunions

Saturday 15 August
1990 36-Year Reunion, Forresters Hotel (12.00pm – 5.30pm) to watch the Wallabies v Japan (Convenors: Will Naughton willnaughton3@gmail.com and Michael Tomlinson michael.tomlinson@pointsbuild.com.au)

Thursday 3 September
1986 40-Year Reunion, Shelbourne Hotel, LinQ Bar (Convenors: Steve Hing and Jono Herrman)

Saturday 12 September
2016 10-Year Reunion, Lord Dudley Hotel

Saturday 26 September
1996 30-Year Reunion, College Street and later at Slims Rooftop Hyde Park House (Convenors: Jason Gellert and Andrew Leppinus)

Saturday 26 September
2006 20-Year Reunion, College Street and later at the Lord Roberts Hotel (Convenors: Alex Beale and Michael Frazis) 

Saturday 10 October
2001 25-Year Reunion, venue TBA, (Convenor: Robert Chiu robchiu@gmail.com ) – Please contact Robert for details.

Please note: 2021 5-Year Reunion will be on 9 or 10 October TBC (Convenor: Cian Bowes)

Saturday 17 October
1976 50-Year Reunion, Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, Terrace and Deck (Convenor: Paul Kotala) – Optional School Tour on 16 October

Friday 23 October
1960-1 65-Year Reunion Lunch, Weigall Pavilion (Convenors: Jim Cattlin, George Conomos and Phil Halloran)

Wednesday 28 October
1971 55-Year Reunion Lunch, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay (Convenors: Craig Moran, Phil Garling, Carey McMahon, Peter Middleton) 

For all our Old Sydneians who are living or visiting the UK 

Thursday 12 November -The OSU London Branch Drinks Evening from 6.30pm, The Sydney Arms Pub, 70 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NJ. (RSVP to Adrian Jack at adrianjack@aol.com and Ben Goodwin at goodwinben1@gmail.com).

The Relaunch of The Sydneian Bach Choir

Based at Sydney Grammar School, The Sydneian Bach Choir was founded in 2000 by the then Director of Music, Dr Christopher Shepard. Over nearly two decades, the choir developed a strong performance record, including the complete vocal works of JS Bach.

Following a break of over ten years, the choir is now being relaunched in a new form as The Sydneian Vocal Consort. The aim is to reconnect with the school’s choral tradition while creating opportunities for Old Sydneians and others to keep singing at a high level.

The Sydneian Vocal Consort will consist of two ensembles: firstly, a small group of Conservatorium students and recent graduates, together with Old Sydneians; and secondly, a larger ensemble for amateur singers who read music and have choral experience. Both groups will be auditioned and will work on a project basis. The small group will give their first concert on Sunday 20 September in Big School at Sydney Grammar School, to which you are all very welcome.

Whether you are still singing or are looking to return to it, please don’t hesitate to contact Koen at KJHV@sydgram.nsw.edu.au to arrange a short, informal audition.

The Conductor

Dr Koen van Stade is Head of Vocal Studies and Choirs at Sydney Grammar School. He has worked as a professional singer with many leading early music ensembles in Europe and holds a PhD from the University of Sydney. His work in the field of Historically Informed Performance Practice shapes the repertoire and musical approach of The Sydneian Vocal Consort, with a focus on historical vocal techniques, historical performance practice features, rhetoric, and historical tuning systems.

The GPS Challenge

The GPS Gold Challenge is the largest GPS Old Boy event. It is now held every two years for Old Boys of the nine NSW GPS Schools who have reached, or are about to reach, the age of 50 years. The event aims to rekindle friendships among former classmates, develop new contacts among the GPS fraternity and raise money for the charity, Redkite, which assists children and young people with cancer and their families.

This year’s Challenge features our classes of 1993 and 1994.

The key dates are:

Friday 2 October – Rowing at St Ignatius’ College, golf at Strathfield Golf Club, shooting at The King’s School and football (soccer) at St Joseph’s College.

Saturday 3 October – All other events plus the Closing Dinner at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill.

For more information visit www.gpsgoldchallenge.com.au or reach out to Simon Carson (OS 1993, simonmcarson@outlook.com) or Guy Keller (OS 1994, guykeller@bigpond.com).

The OSU Annual Golf Day

The OSU Annual Golf Day is planned for Wednesday 7 October at the Coast Golf Club.

Old Boys Connecting

New York

For our Old Sydneians who are in New York, a possible dinner is being organised.  Please email Matthew (OS 2006) leungcwmatthew@gmail.com to make sure you receive the invitation. 

Melbourne

Just a reminder that Dr Sebastian King (OS 1993, skk15@hotmail.com) and Jonathan Isaacs (OS 1984, jbisaacs67@gmail.com) are available to help with Melbourne alumni gatherings and activities.

Canada

Rob Lesnie (OS 1970) has also volunteered to assist any alumni living in western Canada, who want to connect. Rob’s email address is: roblesnie@hotmail.com

Similarly, Chris Dosne (OS 1973) lives in Toronto and is happy to liaise with Old Sydneians in the Toronto area and Eastern Canada. His address is: chris.dosne@century21.ca

Indonesia

Thomas Tan (OS 1992, thomas.tan75@gmail.com) lives and works in Jakarta, Indonesia. He looks forward to connecting with fellow alumni who also live there.

Tim Lindley (OS 1991)

Whilst in his final year at Sydney Grammar School in 1991, Tim Lindley’s life changed quickly and profoundly. During Sixth Form, his father suffered a heart attack and passed away, aged just 51. A year later, his mother suffered a severe brain haemorrhage. Consequently, at 18 years old, Tim was financially independent, supporting his younger sister and his recovering mother. As part of this journey, he entered the Australian Army’s ‘Duntroon’ Officer program to fund his university studies and spent over a decade in the reserves.

From those early responsibilities, Tim built a career across the management consulting, investment banking and company boards. He spent 25 years in investment banking working at UBS, Deutsche, then as Country Head of Barclays Bank Australia & New Zealand and as Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.

Today, he is a Chairman of ASX-listed Critica Limited, Chairman of Evoro, and Non-Executive Director of ASX200 Deep Yellow. He is also active in community service, as a board member of the Wayside Chapel and as a volunteer commercial pilot for aeromedical charities like Angel Flight.

As an OSU Committee member, Tim has helped spearhead ‘Grammar in Business’, delivering six industry-focused networking events for Old Sydneians, with a core focus on men's mental health.

Tom O’Neill (OS 2009) 

When soft drink was removed from the vending machines on the middle playground in 2007, Tom entered the workforce as a roaming lunchtime soft drink salesman. At the time, he was hell-bent on a career in medicine, but with hindsight it's probably no surprise he's since gone into business.

After Grammar, Tom studied a combined law and mechatronic engineering degree at the University of Sydney and took a brief turn at an early-stage payments startup, before becoming a wills and estates lawyer. Seeing how difficult it was to administer a deceased estate led him to start Vale – a legal technology company that streamlines the process. When someone dies, settling their affairs is slow, opaque and expensive, at the very moment families most need clarity and care. Vale exists to change that.

Tom’s journey has been shaped by mentoring as much as anything – people who opened his mind to possibilities that he would never have considered and gave him the confidence to pursue them. Tom has led the OSU's mentoring program for two years now and has enjoyed watching it develop and open doors for Old Sydneians who might never have gone looking for them.

Masters Cricket

Richard (Rick) Reid (OS 1972) recently had the privilege of playing for a Rest of the World XI in the Over 70s Cricket World Cup which was held in Christchurch New Zealand in February and March. He was wondering if there are any other Old Sydneians who might be involved in Masters Cricket, a rapidly growing activity in Australia and many other cricket playing nations. He also urges our "maturing" cohort to keep doing what they love for as long as they can. 

‘Letters to Isabel’ by Reg Harris (OS 1959)

After attending Sydney Grammar School around 1927–1929, Reg Harris’s father, Reginald Sydney Harris, became a journalist. He then served in New Guinea during WWII as a war correspondent. 

Between 1942 and 1950 he wrote many letters for his wife Isabel. They offer a unique triple perspective as infantryman, war correspondent and war crimes trials journalist on the Pacific phase of WWII. 

These letters have been included in a book called ‘Letters to Isabel’, which places the reader inside the battle zones to our north and in the naval vessels which played such an important role in the allied success. It also highlights Reginald’s postwar life as press secretary to federal ministers, particularly focusing on the Maralinga atomic tests, which ultimately caused his death.

Reginald’s love for Isabel, loathing for his enemy and intolerance for authority make this an exciting, uplifting and historically riveting read.

For more information, you can contact Reg on 0430 109 171 or at harrisreg1@gmail.com.

News on Weigall Tiger

Rob Zuttion’s (OS 1961) horse Weigall Tiger has just been retired from the track. He will now be based at the Noosa Riding School with a career in equestrian eventing. 

We hope that his brother Crocodile Pie and half-sister Saturday at Weigall experience similar success on the racetrack.

Congratulations

We congratulate Colin Hindmarsh (OS 1963), who was recently inducted into The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) Hall of Fame.

Colin was recognised for helping transform bus advertising into a respected media channel and for his lasting influence on the development of transit advertising in Australia.

If you have news of some significant event or achievement, that you would like published, please contact Steve Gonski (OS 1975) on smg@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

Sadly, many of our Old Sydneians have passed away in recent times, and the School sends condolences to friends and family. 

Old Sydneians who have passed away since our last OS E-Newsletter:

Ian Russell STEVENSON (OS 1942)
Alan Richard LAMBETH (OS 1946-7)
Kenneth Frank ASTRIDGE (OS 1947)
Brian Stanley HEATH (OS 1947)
Trevor Ashton MITCHELL (OS 1949)
James Edward Gregory MACINTOSH (OS 1949)
Warren Finlay Dawson GROUNDS (OS 1949) 
Tony CHAINE (OS 1955)
Dr Nicholas John CORONEOS (OS 1955)
Gary FURLONG (OS 1955)*
Michael Edward WAYLAND (OS 1955)
Barry Arnold SHIELDS (OS 1956-7)
Douglas (Doug) William GRANT (OS 1958)
Philip Charles SCHMIDT (OS 1961)
Thomas Huw COLE (OS 2004)

* The Alumni Office would like to acknowledge Gary Furlong’s (OS 1955) efforts as Development Officer of the Sydney Grammar School Foundation from 1994 to 2004. He was also a prominent member of the Old Sydneians’ Union committee.

These are the names that we have been made aware of at the Alumni Office. If you know of any Old Sydneians who have recently passed away, please contact the Alumni Office on (02) 9332 5918 or alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

The SGS magazine, Edition 22, Autumn 2026 is available in an online electronic format here.

A vast number of hard copy magazines are ‘returned to sender’ each time the School sends a new edition out to subscribers through the post. If you are regularly on the move and would prefer to receive the SGS magazine online via email, or would no longer wish to receive a hard copy of the magazine via post, please kindly notify the Alumni Office on (02) 9332 5918 or alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

You are able to view most editions of SGS magazine anytime via the School’s website.

Many thanks to Rodney Brender (OS 1979), Tim Williams (OS 1976), Richard Middleton (OS 1980) and Tim Saul (OS 1978) for helping us identify the names in the following 1973 Under 13D photo.

A Continuing Tradition, MGS v SGS, 150 Years of Cricket

To mark the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Sydney Grammar School v Melbourne Grammar School cricket match, Jim Cattlin (OS 1961) published a second edition of his book, A Continuing Tradition, MGS v SGS, 150 Years of Cricket. This updated edition now includes the history of games, scoresheets, team photographs, and accounts of each match up to the 2024/2025 season. Purchase here for $50 (plus postage).

Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby

Jim Cattlin (OS and First XV 1961) has published Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby. The book delves into the 150-year history of rugby at the School, with 440 photos of teams, action shots and illustrations. Purchase here for $50. 

In Gallant Company

Dr Philip Creagh’s (OS 1965-1966) book honouring the Old Sydneians who died in World War I is available, at a cost of $65 plus postage via the following link. This book includes short biographies of each Old Sydneian who didn’t make it home, comprising details of their school career, the circumstances in which they found themselves during the war and events leading to their untimely demise.

Old Sydneians’ Newsletter

Editor:

Mr Steve Gonski

smg@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

If you have news of some significant event or achievement, that you would like published, please contact me.

Alumni Office 

Ms Charlotte McColl

alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Publications Office

Ms Dimetra Skondras-Silva

publications@sydgram.nsw.edu.au