HSC Class Of '86

12A

12B

12C

12D

Thank-you to everyone who provided us with bios. We hope you enjoy reading what your fellow classmates have achieved in their lives!!!

Julia Naismith (Walker)

Lives: Matamata, New Zealand
Contact: juliamw@xtra.co.nz

Dear old QHS pals, I was so disappointed that I missed the reunion. Didn’t know it was on until the night before – and couldn’t really organise myself to get on a plane the next day to get there in time ! But it was so great to see the pics and read about you all. Such funny and fond memories of those school days !

Here is a quick run down on what I’ve been up to over the past 20 – gulp – years:

Completed a Bachelor of Business Degree (Human Resources Management major) in 1989.
First job was in Executive Recruitment in Toorak, Melb, which was excellent for 3 years.
Went on a holiday to the Hunter Valley in 1993 and found my real career path and passion – in the thoroughbred horse breeding and racing industry. Worked at a major stud farm in the HV for 2 years before moving to New Zealand for a 1 year job contract. 11 years later I am still here !

1997 – 2004 I was initially the Marketing Manager and then promoted to General Manager of NZ’s major thoroughbred auction company, New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd.

2004-2006 Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing Board.

My career has taken me to many places, UK, France, USA, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Philippines, etc.

I got married in July last year (held out for many years !) to New Zealand’s leading racehorse trainer (no surprise there), Mark Walker.
In July this year we welcomed our first baby, a beautiful boy, Zavier William Walker who has been keeping me very busy for the past 5 months.

My mum still lives near Barwon Heads so I do come back over to visit a couple of times a year.

I would love to hear from any of my old pals for a catch up. Some of you will remember Neroli Palmer from our year. She and I have been great mates for 25 years now. She lives in Sydney, is a school teacher and has just had her first baby girl.

Great to see and hear about so many happy lives.
Best Wishes

Julia Naismith (Walker)

Lachlan Reynolds

Lives in New Zealand
Contact therbs@slingshot.co.nz

Hi all! Great to hear from you (and not a bad effort finding me). Well done for getting yet another reunion organized.
I don’t know whether you got my emails for the 10 year reunion, but I was living in the Philippines at the time and not able to get back. I’ve since had another stint back in Oz but now I am living in New Zealand. Well, I’ll see what I can do about a business trip to Melbourne to coincide with the night but I’m not a definite attendee. I’ll have a hunt through the archives for some photos.
If you are planning to do any “Where are they now?” kind of thing then this is my potted history since QHS:
I went on to the University of Melbourne, where I graduated in 1991 with a BSc (Honours) in geology. I also met a woman there called Jenny Blair, who I married in early 1992. I’ve worked mainly in minerals exploration and mining, with stints in Kalgoorlie (WA), Cloncurry (Qld), the Philippines, Roxby Downs (SA). I’ve been in New Zealand for the past 3 years supervising teams exploring for gold. Jen and I have two daughters (Zoe, 6 and Ella, 4). My family have also all left Queenscliff.
Thanks for the email list – there are a few people that I had completely lost contact with who I will look up. I wish you all the best and hope a great time is had by all.
Cheers, Lachlan

Chris Taylor

Lives in Drysdale
Contact cltaylor69@bigpond.com

Left school and got an apprenticeship in carpentry. Finished apprenticeship and bummed around for a year and joined the real workforce. Now run my own building company and also develop a few properties. Got married to Lisa in 1995 and have since had three children – Keeley, 7, Quinn, 4 and Elly, 1.
Still living in Drysdale but probably in my 6th house. Can’t believe it has been 20 years!

Joanne McHenry (Dixon)

Lives in Wallington
Contact smchenry@netspace.net.au

WOW its hard to think all the way back to late 1980's.

After leaving school end Year 11, I went to Business College, then got a position at Tresureway Head Office. Worked here for 6 years, during which time I was a secretary and ended up in the buying office as assistant buyer.

We got married in 1990, I left work in 1992 to have first baby. I have now been home for 14 years with my children. I love it when people ask me if I work, I say "Yes I do, I am a domestic engineer, a psychologist and a hydro-technician!"

My husband is Stephen and we have four children,(3 boys and 1 girl). Their names are Lachlan 13, Jayden 11, Brielle 9 and Ryson, almost 6.

Have lived in Melb, then Leopold for 12 years and now in Wallington.

Tammara Sacchetta (Andrews)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact tamarasacchetta@optusnet.com.au

With HSC over I joined my partners in crime - Kelly Pearce, Vikki Broadway and Sharon Daniels and hit the pub scene for that first wild summer out of school. Looking back now I wonder where we ever got the energy from! Many wonderful (and heaps of embarrassing) memories of that time. Got a job with an Insurance company, and the first thing I did with my very first pay cheque was to invest in singing lessons. Felt complete joy and always on a high when singing. Joined my first band - an all girls band "Girls Night Out", then started with a 5 piece vocal group, Jive City - we had a ball doing competitions & appearances (no pay, just for the love of it). Career changed course a couple of times before I finally settled into 7 years as Personal Assistant to Rex Gorell. While working for Rex I continued to sing and teach Drama at a local Entertainment school. Singing and song-writing always remained my number one passion! Enjoyed most of my 20's as a single, career minded woman with a few relationships in between, before finally meeting my husband Tony, who is a policeman, working at the drug squad at the time. Had our daughter Brooklyn in 2000 followed by our son Sam in 2003. During this time started singing with an 80's cover band called Agent '86, before finally finding my feet singing in a Corporate band called Heartbeat. This band has evolved to the current band I play in called "Charli". I'm over the pub scene now, so we specialise in Corporate work - corporate functions, fund-raisers, weddings etc etc - with the odd back-yard party thrown in. Finally slowed down in my career now though and am happy working 3 days a week and singing in the band every weekend. Wonderful loving husband who is now a Crime Scene Investigator, 2 gorgeous children and a happy, healthy life - I couldn't be happier! I hope you are all loving your lives too……

Pam Connelly (Richardson)

Lives in Bridgewater
Contact brad.bridgewater@bigpond.com

Hi there, Pam Connelly (Richardson) here, I hope all are jolly and well. I spent most of my 20’s traveling from W.A. windsurfing, to Byron bay…Cactus…and spent 10 years at Mt Hotham doing ski resort work (towie and snowboard instructing), I also did a degree in fine arts. I met my husband Brad at Mt Hotham and we moved to S.W Vic to a lovely wild place called Cape Bridgewater where we spent summers and continued winters at Hotham. We were married at Bridgewater in March 97, I got pregnant soon after and at 5 months pregnant Brad broke his neck and our life changed quite dramatically. We did a stint at Ocean Grove, as a chin control wheelchair and a new baby don’t go well in a humpy of sorts in dunes with no power!, (and nor do they go too well in snow). Anyway to make a long story short we are back at Bridgewater on 60 acres in a ‘proper’ house with a new baby Kelsie, little sister for an 8 year old rascal called Albert. We have sea 3 sides and are on the top/ back of the cape with cliff for our back fence. I spend as much time painting as I can and the things that are important to me are my family, friends, nature, art and just basically trying to enjoy this jolly old thing called life! Cheerio.

Jacqui Harris

Lives in Jan Juc
Contact tonys108@bigpond.net.au

Finally met the love of my life Tony! in 2002 moved to Bells Beach 2003 birthed Bonnie Feb 2004. Pregnant again, baby’s due end of March 2007. Recently let go of my small business (Tranquillity Base) in Ocean Grove after 15 ½ fantastic years. The shop allowed me to fulfill my life long dream of travelling to India a couple of times. It was so good to see old school buddies again at the reunion and glad to be on email. It’s all good.

Sandra Peace

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact salonmoshka@hotmail.com

Still living in Ocean Grove! Left school after Year 10 for a hairdressing career.
Had two children Nathan 15, and Ruby 12, brought a Salon (in Ocean Grove) married and divorced all before age of 30.

Still own my salon, have staff or 9 including myself, work for 2 1/2 days per week. Also work (well its not really work!!) as mystery shopper grading salons and spas around Geelong and Melbourne.

Studying part-time for dip visual arts, major in painting.

Travelled most of Australia, especially love north and WA, and some OS trips.
Still single! selfish but loving it. Love my teenagers although this is different? (better than sleep deprived nights) sorry all those with young ones!!! They are more expensive; Nathan`s life revolves around eating!

Anyway, wanted to wish everyone a fantastic Christmas, and thanks for a great night.

Kristen Kenwood

Lives in Airport West, Melbourne
Contact kkenwood@qantas.com.au

Spent time living in Dubai and Canada, have had great experiences travelling throughout the world. Currently working for Qantas in a managerial capacity. Not married and no children . . . at this stage!!

Leanne Saunders (Wells)

Lives Pt Lonsdale
Contact leanne.saunders7@bigpond.com

Did Nursing Diploma at Warrnambool.
Currently on maternity leave from Geelong Hospital where I work in Theatre.
Been married to Dave Saunders for 10 years and we have 4 kids. Thomas, 8, Lauren 5, Charlie 3 and Nicholas, 6 months.

Michelle Ludeman

Lives Ocean Grove
Contact benludeman@hotmail.com

Studying nursing at Uni.
Have worked as a Personal Care Attendant at Queenscliff Nursing for past 8 years.
Partner, Simon Walters. Son Ben, 15.

Dean Coltish

Lives in Pt Lonsdale
Contact dcoltish@ddhardware.com.au

Worked for the Commonwealth Bank for 15 years but 2 years ago decided a change was on the cards, so joined a company run by family friends called Detail Door Hardware where I work as a rep. (No regrets).
Married Learne about 10 years ago and spent several years enjoying overseas travel. Have just settled down and started a family with the birth of Tanner 16 months ago.

Tim Goddard

Lives in Barwon Heads
Contact tgoddard@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Married to Sandy, with a 2-year old son Jack.
Since HSC . . . still filling in forms . . . . !

Fiona Hider (Hemsworth)

Lives in Marshall
Contact fionahider@bigpond.com

Worked for Clarins cosmetics company at Myer and also as part of their state promotional team. Married to Gregg, I have 6 kids - Opal, Jayden, Darby, Tamika, Axel and Blake. Haven’t worked for the past 10 years – have been too busy breeding . . .

Victoria Stephanides (Broadway)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact ste8117@bigpond.net.au

Post HSC life has been a whirlwind – as life should be. A steep learning curve! I’m a nurse – have been for the last 17 years. I’m married to Steve and have two fantastic and very handsome boys. Nicholas is 9 years old and Jack is 7. I love them more than life itself! We live in Ocean Grove and the boys attend Christian College in Drysdale. When I’m not nursing, cleaning house, cooking, washing, ironing (and sorting out third world poverty while I’m at it!) I love scrapbooking, shopping, gardening, shopping, going out for coffee, did I mention I like to shop???
Kerri Davison (McDonald)

Lives in Swan Bay
Contact ksdavison@iprimus.com.au

Worked in the travel industry for 15 years – 8 years with Jetset, 7 with Air New Zealand. Married Steven Davison and have a daughter Isabella, 3 and baby number 2 due in three weeks!
Narelle Magee

Lives in Elwood, Melbourne
Contact narellemagee@hotmail.com

I hope you are all well. Unfortunately I cannot come to the reunion - 20 years can you believe it !!! The date clashes with the U2 concert which I am not about to miss - I still love U2 20 years on !!!!. So I hope you have a fantastic night - would have loved to catch up with everybody and see what they are doing.

2006 has been a year of change in the Magee/Canty Household - 10 years of marriage (due for Long Service Leave there !!!), finally left Ernst & Young and started working with the not for profit organisation I had been volunteering with one day a week for 2 years, Glen left Cricket Victoria to become CEO of Austswim, we have started building our dream house at Little River and I am pregnant with our first child !!!! Due on December 10. My sister Alicia had her first baby this year, as well, a little boy. Mum is over the moon as the Magee girls have taken their time to procreate !!!! I am hoping for a quieter 2007!!!

Please pass on my best wishes to everybody - I look back on my years at QHS and realise they were great fun - great year level and some great teachers as well.

As my parents are still live in Marcus Hill I am occasionally in OG so you never know I may bump into one of you one of these days, otherwise see you at 30 years !!!!!!

Mardi Anderson

Lives in Belmont, Geelong
Contact mla_555@yahoo.com.au

Thank you for tracking me down and reminding me it is now 20 years !!
And I am 20 years older !! Scary really! Unfortunately I will not be able to attend but I hope you all have a great night of reliving memories of those innocent and fun days at QHS.

For the record, I am working at Kardinia International College as Administration Officer and have been there for 5 years. Prior to that I was at Western Heights College in a similar position.

I divorced (Dean Lindsay) in 1998 after finding out he had a boyfriend - yes, quite devastating, but I am now engaged to be married in 2007 and my new partner is just wonderful. No children for us, we have decided the 'DINKS' option is just great.

We have a lovely home in Waurn Ponds and only visit Queenscliff now to see family.

Wishing you all well, and enjoy the reunion,
Mardi Anderson

Katherine Simkus (McHenry)

Lives Brisbane Qld
Contact ksimkus@msn.com

After leaving school went to Warrnambool to do Nursing. After graduating moved to Melbourne for a few years and worked at Royal Melbourne Hospital ,then Caulfeild Hospital. In 1992 went traveling to Europe & U.K for 2 years, whilst here met now Husband Paul .Returned to Australia, Brisbane, got Married in 1994 in Geelong. Our first child Brianna was born in 1996. We moved to Sydney for work for a year when Brianna was 3 months old ,hated it , moved back to Brisbane and 2nd child Ashton was born in 1999.
l have continued to work part time as a nurse. We have a few businesses in Brisbane and Cairns which Paul manages. Have just moved house to Lota ,on the bay near Brisbane and everything is great.

Sonya Bailey

Lives in Thornbury, Melbourne
Contact sonya96@tpg.com.au

Bones of a Biography . . .
After leaving school I got myself a rather pointless degree in commerce, that I never actually used. I was also show-jumping horses and doing phone sex – very weird job but quiet educational at 20. I gave up the horses and moved to Melbourne when I was 24 and worked as a high rise window cleaner. Another weird job, abseiling down to hotel room windows 10 stories high and observing the reaction of people who think they cannot be seen, I never got tired of the shock on their faces but my body wasn’t dealing with the workload so I took 3 months off – an entire winter, and I sat by an open fire in a dingy share house in Brunswick and read books and ate dahl.

From here I did a 12 month stint as a cook before heading off for a 6 month backpack trip around Asia. Within 2 weeks of this trip my partner nearly died in a backwater province of Indonesia. We never did work out what was wrong with him, other than a temperature of 42C, and muscle spasm so severe that his throat was closing up. In Bangkok we got hold of some pretty pink pills that controlled the spasm, but also turned him into a bar fly.

I re-educated when I returned to Melbourne and within 7 months was working as a masseur. From here things settle down, I set up business 10 years ago and still love it. I also have a diploma in transpersonal counseling (weird hippie shit), and a BHSc in Musculoskeletal Therapy. I’ve been lecturing at a Natural Health college in Melbourne for 6 years now, and I travel to somewhere I’ve never been to before - every year. This year was France and Czech Republic. One year I went to Turkey and very nearly came home with my very own Turk. (oops).

Jan Thompson

Lives in Mosman, NSW
Contact kveinc@optusnet.com.au or jan.thompson1@optusnet.com.au

I moved to Sydney in 1987 to do Mothercraft Nursing and did some private nannying and then have worked in child care centres since.
I am currently the Director of the Roundhouse Child Care Centre in Fairlight, Sydney.

Matt Symes

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact l-msymes@bigpond.net.au

Telstra technician – sub-contractor.
Married Leesa in 1993.
Kids, Spencer and Sophie.
Love holidays in Queensland, go every year.
Surf whenever I can.
Pretty much drive the kids around these days to their sports.
Still love a beer!

Lisa Hinz (Wiltshire)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact lisahinz68@optusnet.com.au

After high school, I moved to Queensland, married a Kiwi (Vaughn), moved back to Ocean Grove and had two boys, Harley and Billy. Bought a panel beating business in Geelong.

Vicki Stimson

Lives in Drysdale.
Contact ejakubzik@bigpond.com.au

Worked in family business for 4 years.
Worked in a panel shop as a secretary for 7 years.
Currently working for an accountant as a bookkeeper and studying to be an accountant while I run around after four kids!
Partner Eric Jakubzik; kids Liam, Phoebe, Tegan and Indiah.

Leanne Smith

Lives in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast
Contact smilei@bigpond.com

POST HSC

After school Chris and I (yes, we are still together!) went to Melbourne. Worked with the Attorney General moved within the Department to the County Court. In 1992 we went overseas travelled extensively through Africa, Europe and Asia. 1996 money ran out and we ended up in England Managing Pub / Restaurants for Bass Charrington Brewery. Had the time of our life for three years eating and drinking our way around UK. Apparently sales were up when we had the Pub in Sussex (not surprised I think we single handedly increased those sales ! ) We both put on so much weight I swear my bum had it's own postcode !

We returned home and I started working for Kleenmaid as Marketing Manager for NSW and soon after fell pregnant with Grace who is now 7....then Bella who is 4 ....then Jackson who is 2. No more kids now....we are done. No more bedrooms, no more room in the car, no more seats left at the dinner table !

Bought a house here in Maroochydore just before Grace was born. We love it up here, Chris fishes, surfs and works here on the Coast while I am now a Domestic Engineer who does some contract marketing for Hallmark.

Catching up with everyone at the reunion was a hoot. It was great to see so many people all in for a good time. You guys did a fantastic job !

Samantha Pickering (Hill)

Lives in Ashburton, Melbourne
Contact samnpetep@yahoo.com

After school, moved to Brunswick in a share house with Mel and her brother and sister. Worked at Myer in the city for about 4 years. Came back to Q’Cliff briefly in ‘91 and shared a house with Fiona Hemsworth and worked at the Vue Grand being a kitchen hand and sometime breakfast cook! Got engaged to a bloke and was living back in Melbourne again. Introduced Mel to my new housemate Peter who was at uni with my fiance and they went out for about 4 years. When both our relationships ended for various reasons, Peter and I ended up sharing a house together, and on a particularly drunken night out, ended up in bed and haven't been apart since!! That was 11 and a half years ago, we've been married for nearly 6 and have beautiful daughter Hayley who is 2 and a bit. Pete is a mechanical engineer and I work from home now (as little as possible!!). A few years ago we bought a house in Ocean Grove that we try to get to over the Summer and weekends (still renting in Melbourne as the market was too outrageous to buy here).

Dale Smithyman

Lives in Porepunkah, Bright
Contact dales@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

Completed Computer Science degree at Deakin 1987-1990.
Computer programmer with Telstra 1990-1994, hooked up with partner Amber Connor 1992.
Environmental Management degree 1994-1996
Ranger on Kangaroo Island 1998-2004
Daughter Isobel born October 2000, Jasmine born November 2003
Ranger on Mount Buffalo 2005-2006
Now living in Bright and working with the Alpine Shire

Meaghan Bare

Lives in Clifton Hill, Melbourne.

Contact Meaghan.Bare@BAKERNET.com

Post-HSC, I went to Melbourne Uni, worked in Canberra then travelled overseas (but not for long enough!) Work now as a lawyer in the world’s biggest law firm, and have a two-year old son Tristan with my partner Linton.

Valerie McLean (Davidson)

Lives in Glen Iris, Melbourne
Contact bluest@bigpond.net.au

Since living school life has been a world wind of excitement: studying hotel management at William Angliss, living and traveling in America and Europe, living mainly in London for about 1 1/2 years, then returning to Melbourne and marrying my gorgeous husband Jason McLean (who I met at William Angliss and traveled with). I was the cocktail supervisor at the Regent Hotel Melbourne, managed Stephanie's restaurant in Hawthorn for a few years until its close, and Jason and I started our own catering company and held the catering contract at sandringham yacht club for another few. Now have 2 fabulous kids Georgia (6 y.o) and James (3 y.o) and a third baby "Bluestone Restaurant Bar" in Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Jason and I have owned and run Bluestone on a fulltime basis for over 6 years now.
We would love to see anyone, anytime, (although Christmas is a bit crazy) so drop in and say hi or check out our website (another baby of mine) at http://www.bluestonerestaurantbar.com.au/

Sharon Moore

Lives in Emu Plains, NSW
Contact garlandsfloral@hotkey.net.au

Here comes the last 20 years of me!!!
Name: Sharon Moore
Partner: Paul Garland, (13 years together and still hasn't proposed, the sod!)

Children: Love of our lives - Georgia age 5. Pets: Monette, the dragqueen cat!

After leaving QHS, did Floral apprenticeship at Box Hill tafe, and worked in local area for 4 years. Then travelled to UK, Europe, Africa, and SriLanka for 2 years. Made it home aged 23, and moved to Sydney within 3 weeks of being in Oz. Lived Epping and Erskineville and finally Emu Plains for the last 10 years. Meet Paul 13 years ago, and we started our Flower shop 8 years ago. Paul’s banned from shop (drove me mad) and works for Toyota in Sydney. Shops going from strength to strength and the last 3 years we have made it in the top 30 for NSW & ACT. My Mum moved up to Sydney 3 months before l fell pregnant with Georgia and she's now my courier and partner in crime. Life’s good, but I miss the beach, and loved being home in Lonny and smelling the seaweed (true)

Luke Edwards

Lives in Geelong
Contact Luke.Edwards@healthscope.com.au

I would just like to express my disappointment at my unavailability and not being able to go - it would have been great to catch up will you all and by the sound of it a great night was had by all. Noosa was a good second but I would have loved to come. Great to see the photos!

As I wasn't there I will give you a 2 second Bio.

Married to Kylie (went to Matthew Flinders) - only a dog and cat at the moment. Living in Geelong now (after working in Brisbane for almost 9 years)
B Comm (Deakin). Working for Healthscope (own 48 private hospitals across Aust). Still surfing (just like the old Physics Board riders - Simon, Andrew and Paul????....) Played footy till 2002 (yes I was old!!)

The only person I have seen from 86 of late is Brad Potter (Melb Uni is 2 mins from my head office)

Feel free to drop me a line at any time

Best wishes to you all and your families.

Tiffany McKenzie (Alver)

Lives in Stirling, WA
Contact 0417 948975

Living in Perth with husband Dave, working for WA Police.

Carolyn Matthews

Lives in Newtown, Geelong
Contact cmatthews@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

Went to University of Melbourne, graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1990. Taught for 2 years all over Victoria then came back to Geelong, and have been at Geelong College for 13 years. Have done various things – Head of Day House, Tutor in Girl’s Boarding House. I am about to return to full-time work in 2007 as Head of Day House (responsible for 90 students, team of 6 staff). I am married to Mark Stillitoe – he has his own business in Melbourne. We have two children, Edward, 8 and Juliette, 5. My parents still live in Point Lonsdale and I come home fairly regularly.

Simone Kirkness (Culliver)

Lives in East Fremantle, WA
Contact jwkahp@iinet.net.au

Living in Freo for the past 13 years with husband John and son Nicholas.

Sharon Donovan (Daniels)

Lives in Obi Obi, Queensland
Contact paulshaz@ozemail.com.au

Live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Both husband Paul and I are Registered Nurses. I am now retired as Paul works overseas (there for a month, home for a month, then back again!). We live on five acres with horses and cows. At present am loving being a mum to 5 year old Liam and 16 week old Thomas.

Melanie Venning (Drimer)

Lives in Mona Vale, NSW
Contact melanie.venning@marsh.com

Husband's name: Paul Venning
(step) Children’s names: Hannah (17), Hayley (21) and Scott (23)

Current job: State Manager, Specialty Services, Marsh Pty Limited

Post HSC life:
1 year civil engineering at RMIT - enough physics and tensile testing and left to join an insurance company BComm (marketing) part time in the 90s whilst working full time (isn't that fun, for those that have juggled that?!)
14 years (oh goodness!) as broker, starting in servicing and moving into national business development role alongside managing operations for NSW.
Transferred to Sydney in August 2003 to take on additional role of state manager.

Met husband at the same time (who lived in Sydney and worked for Marsh - keeping it in the Family!) Things I miss about Melbourne: subtle sophistication, red wine in front of open fires, well dressed people (if only in black!), my friends, my mum (!!!), not the weather!

Things I love about Sydney: its fickleness (!!), its weather, Pittwater, the beaches (yes, we live one block from the beach next door to where Home & Away is filmed, and no, I have never seen Alf), my husband, my new family, working out of head office (needed to get corporate at some stage), our wine cellar and my new friends I have made since I moved here.

Having just sold our house with a view to upgrade and downsize (being empty
nesters) we are going through the process of real estate agents prostituting themselves to us on a weekly basis. We will stay on the Northern Beaches but may end up with an apartment in town where both Paul & I work long hours (he is CEO of an insurance company (he was cramping my style at Marsh so I made him leave 2 years ago!!) so I have become the corporate wife as well as having a busy job of my own, however haven't had any bodily augmentation and have to rely on natural wit, beauty and charm to uphold this position!!!! I don't want any sniggers about that last bit......................).

Main passions in life: the water/beach, weekend getaways, hosting dinner parties (I am a lucky girl in that Paul and I have fights over who is going to cook and he is a good cook (without Mrs Kent's help in the formative years, as well), I probably drink far too much (red wine mainly but he is trying to push me over occasionally into the white wine world) but try to have at least 3 dry days per week (do I sound a little like an alcoholic? I hope not!) and don't get hangovers. I love to travel but am completely over the in-and-out interstate trips (which is why my friends and family in Melbourne see me on an increasingly diminishing basis!). Give me a long haul flight with somewhere interesting or fabulously relaxing at the end of it any day. Just remember to do those DVT exercises........

Photo: my wedding photo from last year which is, lets face it, often the most flattering of everyone! We got married at a lovely restaurant called Pilu overlooking Harbord Beach with only 24 guests (most immediate family).
Our honeymoon in Vatulele, Fiji was the most idyllic thing I have ever done
- there is nothing like having your own villa and when you want service you walk down to the waters edge and place a flag in the water so they see you from the main house up the beach!

Andrew Blizzard

Lives in Jan Juc
Contact ablizzard@scale.com.au

Self employed in Geelong as a landscape architect. Still enjoy surfing more than anything else in life. Currently living in Jan Juc with partner Kristen. Children: none that I know of!!

Paul Sinclair

Lives in Mount Buller
Contact psinclair@dodo.com.au

1986 - Check-out chick and Payroll/Accounts @ Tuckerbag, O/G
1988 - Joined Victoria Police Force (no lie) stayed in for 7 years, ended up “Senior Constable 26653” Fingerprint Detective
1995 - Opened “Paviliion Gardener”, Newtown Geelong, retail and garden design (early version of Backyard Blitz, not as handsome as Jamie Durie unfortunately!)
1999 – Sold business, cashed up, travelled to Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Geelong “Sailor’s Rests” hospitality extraordinaire Maitre’de, etc. Spent everything, got back from USA in 2003 December – broke!
2004 – Hotel Manager “Arlberg Hotel”, Mount Buller. Still there.
Partner : Many, particularly after a few beers
Children : God children Lachlan and Ellah (mini)

Jacqui Caldow (Franks)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact jacquical@yahoo.com

In Brief;

Married to Ross for 16 years.

Children: Two beautiful girls – Michaela (9) and Alexandra (8 in January)

After leaving school, I joined the National Bank and become a Commercial Lending officer until having my first daughter in 1997.

During my time in the bank, I studied part time and completed a Degree in Business Management. I am still studying part-time at the Gordon in Business Administration and Accounting.

Over the years Ross and I took several overseas trips and loved it so much that in 1999 we moved to Washington DC until Dec 2001. We were there for September 11 and the Anthrax attacks and decided then it may be time to come back to Ocean Grove.

After returning, I re-joined the Banking Industry and found it wasn't for me.
So I am now working for 'Chocoholics Anonymous'. No! I'm not a councillor for all those chocoholics out there.

I still have great memories of all of us going through school and hope you are all well and enjoying life.

Jon Cleland

Lives in Mt Martha, Mornington Peninsula
Contact wbread@bigpond.net.au

Hung around Queenscliff for a few years, then moved to Melbourne in ’94. Purchased business in Mount Martha in 2003. Happily living in sin with partner Jo and two lovely boys Noah, 4 1/2 and Ethan 4 weeks old.

Claire King (Barclay)
Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact claire.king@bigpond.com.au

Studied Radiography (Medical Radiations) at RMIT from ‘87-89. Was an Intern Radiographer in ‘90 and first year qualified in 1991. Worked full time at Western General Hospital in Footscray for a year, then scored my current job in Medical Imaging at The Geelong Hospital in late ‘91. Met Mark in mid ’92 and got engaged on my 23rd birthday and have been married for 13 years in January. Amina was born in ’97, then Brielle ’99, and Liam ’01. I currently work 2 days per week and we live in the Kingston Estate, O/G. Our kids go to Ocean Grove Primary School.

Kelly Rasmussen (Pearce)
Lives in Abbotsford, Melbourne

Contact dkrasmussen@bigpond.com

Thank you so much for the invitation to the reunion, but l will not be able to attend, as l have tickets to the rescheduled U2 concert. I was looking forward to catching up with everyone and to hear what's happening in their lives so please send a cheerio to everyone and l hope that you all have a wonderful night.

Life is very busy at the moment as l have just had a baby. Maeve Winsome Rasmussen was born on the 19th Sept. Motherhood is certainly a challenge!!!

(but after the reunion, Kelly wrote . . . )

Thanks for e-mailing the photos. It looks like you all had a fab night. I am sorry l missed out on seeing everyone. I spoke to Sandy on Sunday morning to find out how the night went. Got all the goss!!! I am very embarassed to admit that l never made it to the U2 concert as during my pregnancy l put the tickets in such a "safe place" that when l went to grab them on Sat night they were not in the place where l thought they were!!! Still can't find them!!!! So, there l was, 7.00pm, could not go to the concert and too late to organise myself to go to the reunion. It's my own stupid fault!!! Could of, and should of, drunk far too much champagne and had a fantastic night with all of you!!!

Please keep sending the photos through that were taken on the night as it is fantastic to see everyone. You all look amazing.....
Cheers, Kelly xxxx

Robert McNeill

Lives in Hawthorn, Melbourne

Contact rjsjm68@yahoo.com

Unfortunately I can't make it on the 18th, I'm looking after a friend's farm while she is away over that week and weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful time and it turns out to be an interesting night!
My story after school consists of all sorts of jobs after moving to Melbourne, Sydney, Bendigo, Perth, mostly in the customer service and sales areas. I've started a few Uni courses but never finished them! Nothing much to tell really! Went to Perth because I got into WAPPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) to study musical theatre, but when I got there I was very ill and hospitalised for some months (I had caught chicken pox from a kid on the train), so missed out on doing the course. I worked acting in TV and Film for a couple of years (mostly extras work), but got tired of the odd hours and crap conditions! I've done a lot of amateur musical theatre too. Currently I'm working part-time for Telstra.
I'm single, no kids that I know about, and I live in Hawthorn.
So sorry I won't be there, say gidday to everyone.
Cheers,
Robert xx

Rod Coates

Lives in Ballarat
Contact rodcoate@people.net.au

These days I am living in Ballarat with my wife Fiona and two kiddies Josie (who is 6) and Amy (who is 4). We moved here last year. I was in Melbourne for 15 years prior to this and had always wanted to move to regional Victoria prior to Josie starting school. Fiona lived here before we got married 10 years back so we knew this would be a great place to raise a family.
I have been working in IT since leaving uni and have my too much time working/breaking/fixing communications software. I have been writing software for 1800/1300/13/1900 type numbers for the past few years so next time you are feeling shitty when on hold after ringing the bank/booking office/insurance company you can take comfort that you are somehow indirectly keeping me employed. These days most of the coding is done by people in India, so I just do the analysis, design and checking.
I work for IBM and spend most of my time working from home. This is great as I can take the kids to school, go for a walk across the road at the botanic gardens or empty (sob !) Lake Wendouree at lunchtime. If I have to go into the Ballarat office then I ride my pushbike when I can (or should that be "can be motivated"). I also still really enjoy running and Ballarat is a great place for that.
I'd like to thank Kevin Tangey, Tony Wright and George Del Papa if they are attending......your teaching made a difference to me.
Regards
Rod Coates

Felicity Tol (England)
Lives in Clifton Springs
Contact the.tols@bigpond.com

Spent time working in Melbourne prior to getting married to Brett Tol. Had three children, Alexandra, 12, Stephanie, 10 and Caitlin, 8. Currently working at completing a Bachelor of Commerce. Still living in Drysdale – returned after living away from it for a little over ten years. Am working part time while finishing my degree.

Jurgen Van Kollenburg

Lives in Wantirna South, Melbourne.
Contact Jurgen.Van.Kollenburg@team.telstra.com

1986 HSC night - Got horribly drunk on the slab of West Coast coolers Dave Williams coughed up for all the "assistance" I gave him with his assignments during the year. Lost about 3 days, never found them, so if anyone did, would appreciate their return.

1987-89 - Completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds, majoring in Computer Science, Information Systems and Statistics. Got through all subjects first go, but most of my time away from Uni was spent on the golf course or at the bar in the clubhouse.

1989 - Was voted in as the Honorary Secretary of Clifton Springs Golf Club (at the tender age of 20 years). Did the job for 3 years before work commitments became too great.

1990-94 - Started work as a Programmer-in-Training with NAB, worked up to Programmer and Programmer/Analyst before deciding there were greener pastures.

1991 - Met my (future) wife, Helen, in a Chinese restaurant in Warrnambool. Was on an annual Easter golf trip with mates when we rocked up to a full Chinese restaurant on Good Friday after a day of golf and drinking. Being the usual good hosts, they cleared a spot and managed to get us onto a table. It took us about half an hour to clear the whole place, except for one table of girls. Of course we had to investigate and that's where she met me at my worst (or best depending on your perspective, but from hers, it could only get better from there).

1994 Started work at Telstra as a IT contractor working on their new Charging and Billing application, thinking I'd be there for 6 months (lasted 10 years).

1995 Spent 2 months tripping through Europe with my best mate. Late change of plans meant the first night of our Contiki tour went to Amsterdam. Took half the tour for me to recover from that night. Apparently saw a few sights, but can certainly recommend a few good night spots between London and Corfu. Thought I better do that again (properly) one day.

1997 Spent 3 months tripping through Europe to revisit sights allegedly visited before (see 1995 above). Took the safe option and went with my girlfriend this time, although by the time we came back she was my fiancee as we got touched by the romantic atmosphere of Paris.

1998 Got married in Camberwell on Caulfield Cup Day, honeymoon on Hayman Island.

2001 Telstra Billing application outsourced to EDS, an American mob who honoured my outstanding contract, but then decided I wasn't too bad to have around so made me a permanent employee. First holiday to Malaysia, the skills learnt on the markets bargaining over the last Ringgit (about 50 cents at the time) of the price of something put me in good stead for the dealings to come as a Project Manager.

2002 Second holiday to Malaysia to pick up those cheap shirts I couldn't cram into the suitcase the first time.

2003 First trip to NZ, didn't see many sheep, don't know what all the fuss is about. Probably got used to hiding from the locals by now, so the number plate on the hire car didn't help. 2003 Our daughter, Claudia, born. Very cheeky girl who likes nothing more than dancing to the Wiggles, Hi-5, etc. and pushing her little baby brother whenever he touches "her" toys. He'll get his revenge one day soon (see 2005).

2004 Became a permanent Telstra employee after they (finally) made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

2005 Our son, Jamie, born. Been eating everything he can get his hands on since the day he was conceived in an effort, no doubt, to exact revenge on his (for the time being) larger sister.

2006 Passed the PMP exam, globally recognised accreditation for Project Managers (just about ready to go contracting again). Bought larger car (mini-bus) to cater for the impending arrival (see 2007) and will need to start thinking about what to do with the house, renovate and/or extend or sell-up.

2007 Expecting the birth of number 3 in June. That will be it, so I guess the operation will be next, get nervous every time I see that Billy Connolly ING ad on TV.

Simon Lewis
Lives in Fitzroy, Melbourne
Contact simon@amanaska.com

- travelled in Europe for 9 months after school
- returned to study music at Melbourne Uni
- developed an international travel addiction
- spent the 90s making ambient music and playing in bands
- married in 2000 and Calista born in 2005
- currently touring internationally as Amanaska and Tribe2 producing
music full time
- more info at http://www.amanaska.com/

Leanne Powell (Donnelly)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact leelee6969@hotmail.com

Left school and worked at the local dental surgery. Was intending to become a policewoman but never got there. I met and married a country boy for 12 years and in that time had two children, Tyler, 14 and Tahnee, 12. Divorced now for nearly 5 years, I am working part-time at the dentist, and also as an aerobic, gym instructor and also into some personal training. Still am a huge sports nut. Have done triathlons, bike racing, half marathons and also into karate. Love and enjoy life, mmm . . maybe a tad wild sometimes (must scare the guys off!) and I’m just about to experience life with two teenagers – yippee!

Liam Stephens
Lives in Preston, Melbourne.
Contact liam@telstra.net

I can't believe it's been 20 years already. Even the 10 year reunion feelslike it was about four years ago. Work-wise I am still making my way around Telstra, currently in the internetspace. It's a very uninteresting topic, especially after 18 years in the industry! My wife Elizabeth (from Wangaratta / Melbourne) and I have two beautiful boys, Samuel 5 and William 2. Liz and I met at Barwon Heads about 16 years ago and have never had a bad word...since the other night! The last few years have been a bit rough as Samuel was diagnosed with Leukaemia in March 2003 when he was 18 months old. He is an absolute champion and everything is going well now. Will keeps us very busy running around in circles and unwrapping ourselves from around his finger. I'm keeping generally fit on the pushy, riding to and from work every day, plus down to Mordiallic / Frankston on the weekends. I also participate inthe Murray to Moyne 24 hour cycling event, raising funds for the Children'sCancer Centre in March. Ange, please thank your father for starting me off with my first Daccordi racer! In my spare time I try to get as much food out of the vege patch as I can and we try to get down to the beach as much as possible over the summer. Liz's mum has a caravan at the B.H. caravan park. I can't wait to see the website. I hope all goes well on Saturday. Enjoy yourselves. I've attached one of the latest pic's of the boys. I'm still not photogenic and avoid moving from behind the camera. Take care,Liam.

Kim Robertson

Lives in Ashmore, Gold Coast
Contact kimnmai@hotmail.com

Finished high school, went to Art College Completed a BA (Illust), RSA Certificate (TEFLA). Spent years travelling and teaching English in Asia.
Returned home with a souvenir in the form of a husband, Mai Binrong.
Currently living on the Gold Coast, raising kids, (Jasini,8, and Zach, 4), making art and teaching English at Bond Uni.

Georgina Kostikidis (Dryver)

Lives in Geelong
Contact georgiegirrrl@hotmail.com

WOW!!!! Has it been 20 years?? I guess so. I only had one and a half years at QHS, but I’m sure I would recognise some faces even if I don’t remember any names!
Since finishing high school I have travelled all over the world. I met my husband Nicolaas, a Computer Engineer from Amsterdam, and we decided to settle in Geelong to raise our family. The first few years were spent flying from Australia to Europe, and I was happy when Nicolaas decided that living here was not such a bad thing. I wanted our children to grow up in Australia.
We have two amazing children, Jonas 7 and Heidi 5. Life is crazy (as I'm sure you already know) when you have children. I finally understand the real meaning of 'taxi mum'!

I teach Performing Arts, English and Art part time, but am fulltime just for this semester teaching Dance. I spend most of my spare time in my studio and have had several solo exhibitions of my paintings. I now work mainly by commission. Next year will be a very hectic time. Heidi starts school and I will return to uni to begin a scholarship M.Ed. I can honestly say that life in my 30s is FANTASTIC!

Denise Preston (Bates)

Lives in Paddington, Sydney
Contact deebates@zip.com.au

Worked majority of time since school in PR, Marketing & Event Management. Launched marie claire magazine and was with Murdoch mags for around 6 yrs before starting my own business handling fashion, beauty & lifestyle clients. Had my first daughter, Ruby in June 2000 (now 5 1/2 yrs), back working within 6 wks (crazy but own business!). Then sold business when had second girly Jade in Dec 2004. Have continued to do some project work until now but just enjoying being a mum for a while!Together with John from 1994 (who I met in Melbourne) then married in gorgeous Bali ceremony in 2000. He’s English so we thought it would be nice if everyone met in the middle! John has always worked in Advertising & Media and now has his own Media Strategy & Communication company which is doing very well.We have just sold our house in Paddington & moving to Watsons Bay for the summer whilst we find the next house of our dreams....Phew...not sure what else to fill you in on?Life crazy busy but I love Sydney – can’t imagine moving back to Melbourne now. Also lucky enough to do a lot of OS travel which keeps things interesting!

Tony Merritt

Lives in Nicholls, Canberra
Contact tony_helina@yahoo.com.au or tony.merritt@ed.act.edu.au

Since the completion of my HSC at QHS back in 1986 I have had a very rewarding and challenging life and career. I attended Deakin University in Geelong from 1987-91 and successfully completed two degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Education.

I had a wonderful time at uni, made many new friends, lived at home with my mum, step-dad and sister (apart from a couple of months sharing a house with some friends in OG), and fell in love with the girl of my dreams, Helina Scott, who I had played tennis against since I was 12-years-old (Helina played for Newcomb & I played for Ocean Grove). We became an item at the end of 1988 (after several other fun & interesting girlfriends along the way!), were engaged in 1992 and married in Geelong in April 1993 my groomsmen were ex-QHS lads: Michael Monk, Brad Potter & John Tilley.

The completion of my degrees allowed me to pursue my dream of being a primary school teacher, but it hasn’t all gone according to ‘plan’. I spent around 3 years as an emergency teacher around Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula in a time when teaching positions were extremely hard to get into. A lack of opportunities forced me to look elsewhere, so I decided to apply for a teaching position in the ACT. I was one of 32 (out of around 1500) successful candidates, so I moved to Canberra at the start of 1993, and began my teaching career at Macgregor Primary School in West Belconnen on the north side of Canberra. Helina stayed in Geelong for a couple of months before our wedding, and then we started our married life in a townhouse in the Belconnen suburb of Hawker. A year later we bought our first home, a basic but brand new 3-bedroom home in the new suburb of Ngunnawal in the north Canberra region known as Gungahlin. We stayed in Ngunnawal until November 2002, when we moved into a lovely new home in Nicholls (in Gungahlin) and we are very happy here – lots of great friends and a wonderful lifestyle – Canberra is a great place to bring up kids! It’s in a very nice area near the Gold Creek Golf Club, Cockington Green, the National Dinosaur Museum and Federation Square, so if you’re ever coming to Canberra (avoid June/July unless you like the cold – we tend to hibernate then!), please feel free to give us a call and visit us – we’re only 2 minutes off the Barton Highway as you enter the ACT travelling from Melbourne.

We basically had a five-year plan to work in the ACT and then move back to the Geelong region in 1997-98. However, opportunity knocked, and I won a promotion to an executive teacher’s position, at Macgregor, in 1998. In the same year we had our first child, a beautiful daughter named Rebecca. In 2000, our second child was born, a son named Andrew. Both children are rapidly growing up and giving us enormous amounts of pleasure (as well as our fair share of pain!). Rebecca is just about to complete Year 3 and Andrew has nearly finished his first year of school called Kindergarten (Prep for all you Victorians!). They are both into sports (Rebecca – basketball, swimming, tennis & hip-hop dance and Andrew – AFL (thankfully not Rugby!), soccer & swimming) and keep us very busy every weekend with sleepovers, parties etc. We feel very privileged to have two such beautiful, happy and healthy children. Helina has held several jobs, and has been working 3 days a week for the ACT Government in Births, Deaths & Marriages (or Hatched, Matched & Dispatched as it is affectionately known!).

Professionally I have had a rewarding career. I am still an executive teacher, although currently I am acting as deputy principal at Florey Primary School (in Belconnen). I have been at Florey since 2001 and will be moving on next year. I have had almost 2 years acting as a deputy and it’s probably only a matter of time before I win a DP’s position. My main career highlights (apart from the daily satisfaction I get from teaching!) are travelling to Darwin in 2000 as the Manager of the ACT Primary AFL team, being my school’s sporting district president for 5 years in the 1990s, winning a national award for ‘Outstanding Commitment to Health & PE’, and working in the Department for a term last year recruiting new teachers to the system, which involved travelling to Brisbane and Newcastle to interview applicants – a real buzz.

There’s plenty more to tell, but hopefully that gives you a brief snapshot of my life post-HSC. I have kept in contact with many of my HSC friends, and it was wonderful to see so many ‘old’ friends at the 20-year reunion. I hope to maintain contact with as many of you as possible as we continue our life journeys. We hope to return to Victoria to live one day soon, as I can’t see myself teaching here for the next 20 years. It is a very rewarding profession, but the increasing demands on us are slowly beginning to take its toll and I am toying with the idea of a career change at some stage. Helina and I both have family and friends in the Geelong region and travel back around 3-5 times each year, so the appeal to move back is still there.

Best wishes to you all, and if you are one of my good friends from high school and didn’t make it to the 20-year reunion please contact me, I’d love to hear from you! It was great to see the rest of you last week!

Paul Hughes

Lives in Sydney
Contact paul.hughes@macquarie.com

Pharmacist for 8 years.
Investment banker now for 10 years.
Currently with Macquarie Bank.
Living in Sydney.
Married to Clare and have a daughter, Zara.

Tanya Brady (Schreurs)

Lives in Clifton Springs
Contact tbrady@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Worked for Reserve Bank and AMP in Melbourne. Transferred to GIO in Geelong as an Insurance Underwriter. Married Craig Brady 13 years and have 3 children – Gerard, 10 and twins Hannah and Patrick, 2. Now working at City of Greater Geelong as a Customer Service Officer.

Brad Potter
Lives in Waurn Ponds, Geelong
Contact bnpotter@unimelb.edu.au

B.Com @ Deakin, then professional accounting . . 3 years. Got sick of that and came home to Mum and Dad’s and managed the Barwon Heads Pub. OK, enough of that, back to a serious career (oh, well sort of) . . spent 10 years as an academic at Deakin Uni, now at Uni of Melb 3 years. In between all of that, coming up 9 years married to my lovely wife Nerida. We have two daughters, Georgia 5, and Sophie 2.

Ashley Patten

Lives in Drysdale
Contact ash@ashdevelopments.com.au

Since school I have realised how nerdy teachers are . . . .

Gavin Goodhand

Lives in Haberfield, NSW
Contact goodhand@bigpond.net.au

I am really sorry that I can’t make the reunion but unfortunately I will be in New York on business.

In terms of what I have been up to I moved to Sydney 10 years ago.
I am currently a Director of Fixed Income at Deutsche Asset Management where I have worked for the past 10 years. I finished my Masters of Finance in 2000.

My wife Kate and I have been married for 10 years and we have 2 boys; Zachary is 5 and Jake is 2.

Lachlan Manley

Lives in Point Lonsdale
Contact 0425 854204

A man of many words, Lachlan’s bio just says “hi”.

Steven Bishop

Lives in Marrackville, NSW
Contact mkmsjb@bigpond.net.au

Trained as an architect! Now living in Sydney for the past 7 years happily defacto with 2-year old son Finley and one on the way.
Met partner Melissa in Sydney . . . I am now well entrenched in Sydney’s inner west. Currently living in Marrickville, home of Jeff Fenech and now many tasty Vietnamese restaurants.

James Hurley

Lives in Clifton Hill, Melbourne.
Contact hurleyj@netspeed.com.au

Post-HSC, Melbourne Uni (CAE) for 4 years of drinking and occasional study B.Ed (Maths and Music)
Spent 6 years teaching maths at Hay in outback NSW and playing rugby union.
Spent the last 10 years at Narooma HS on NSW South Coast
(Tony Wright is still pissed off!)

Angela Taylor (Hendry)

Lives in Ocean Grove
Contact angela@creativexp.com.au

Went to Ballarat Uni and got my BA (Visual arts). Found no jobs on leaving as the “recession we had to have” occurred and advertising/design jobs dried up. Ended up suffering through a year of employment at Arthur Reed School photos, but in the process, met the man of my dreams. We pashed on the dancefloor at the Geelong Hotel and my knees buckled – I knew this was “The One!” Then I met Greg! (Ha! Just jokes babe!) Married eventually in 1995, got pregnant on our honeymoon with twins Jake and Chelsea, nearly 11, (born on Raelene and Trudy’s birthday – how good of a friend am I???) then started our own school photo business the following year. Third child Nathan is now 7 and I would love to say I have lots of time on my hands now that they are at school, but I work on the computer all the time (what a surprise!) enhancing and designing new ideas for kiddy photos for Creative Exposures. In my spare time, I like to organise school reunions . . . . !!!

Raelene McDonald (Korostin)

Lives in Point Lonsdale
Contact raelsmac@bigpond.net.au

What became of me! Went to Ballarat University and completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Metallurgy major). Then proceeded to work in the mines in WA (Leinster Nickel Operations) for 3-4 years, first as an R&D Metallurgist and then later as a Plant Metallurgist. Whilst living there I did my Post Graduate in Business Studies at Curtain University, where I then returned to Geelong as an Operations Manager with a local clothing retailer (and to follow my heart – waste of time!). After working there for about 8 years I moved to Wallington Mitre 10 as the IT/Admin Manager.

Married Simon McDonald in December 2002, had our first child Oscar in June 2003 (oops!) and our second child Felix in February 2005 (that's all for me!). Are now still working at Mitre 10 one day a fortnight as well as working from home for my brother-in-laws business.

It's a great lifestyle in Lonnie for us and the kids it's like a permanent holiday – why would you leave???!!

Trudy Booker (Korostin)

Lives in Newtown, Geelong.
Contact paul.booker@bigpond.com

Post-HSC, I went to Ballarat Uni and completed B.Ed in Primary Education. Worked one year in Mildura (ends of the earth!), then 10 years in Werribee. Decided my voice wouldn’t quite last the distance, and my patience was running thin, so continued my post-Grad Diploma in Psychology at Monash University. Married Paul Booker in 1999, and have two gorgeous children, Alex, 5 and Max, 3. Currently working as a registered psychologist in schools in Werribee. Finished our new house in March this year - looking forward to completeing our garden when the water restrictions are lifted as it is a barren dustbowl. . . !

Syd Walsh

Lives “wherever!”
Contact mareewalsh@optusnet.com.au

Hello all, I am sorry that I will not be able to attend this reunion, but at this stage of time I am bobbing around in the ocean near Fiji waiting to see if we will be needed. Trust me I would rather be catching up with a few friends over a beer.

Just a short idea of what I have been up to for the last couple of years,

Well I have now been in the Navy for 19 years. Some of you may still remember the party when I first joined. I am still happily married, although how my wife, Maree, puts up with me I am still trying to figure out. We have three sons, Matthew 12, Lachlan 9 and Jordan 5. They all played football (Rugby league) this year. Its good to watch the skill levels from the oldest down to the youngest.

I have been busy over the last 6 years or so and things at this stage are not slowing down. 2000-2001 I spent 6 months in the Gulf doing boarding operations looking for smugglers. This was also the commencement of activities in Afghanistan and Iraq. It was good to get home (and by the way gold is cheap in Dubai if you ever get the chance).

2002-2003 I spent another six months in Baghdad. This time I was working with people from all three services trying to keep things in order and attempting to help the locals. (Maree was a bit concerned with this one)

2004 I was back at sea by now on KANIMBLA. This was when the Tsunami hit at Banda Aceh. So, there went my Christmas Holidays for that year. Boy, talk about quality time with the family. Anyway we sailed out of Sydney Harbour on New years eve. It was quite interesting watching a warship get past all the yachts on the harbour for the Fireworks. Aceh was spent digging out drains and moving a heap of mud. Just when we thought it had all finished and we where heading home, Nias. An earthquake on the islandof Nias once again saw us into the action. It was at this stage that we had the Seaking accident. One of the guys that died was a good friend of mine who I had worked with off and on for nearly ten years. So that was pretty emotional. But anyway we finally got home from that trip in May 2004.

2005 Quiet year and I actually got to spend Christmas with the family and managed to catch up with a few people down Ocean Grove when I was home.

2006 Well this year has picked up again. We where coming in Sydney after doing an exercise then we got turned around. Imagine telling your family that you will be home in a week and end up being home 3 months later. This time it was off to Timor. As I said at the beginning I am currently upoff Fiji I was meant to be home a while ago but at this stage I have no idea when that will be. I am due to leave this ship at the end of the year and I will the be promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

Anyway that's about me for now. I do like to catch up for drinks when I am home and if anyone is in Sydney and wants to catch up just send an email to mareewalsh@optusnet.com.au (this is because mine changes so regularly) and hopefully we will be able to arrange something.

Have a good night and have a drink for me.
Syd
__________________________________________________
POSN
HMAS KANIMBLA

Brad Crane

Lives in Middle Park, Melbourne
Contact bradtcrane@gmail.com

It's disappointing not being able to attend the 20 year high school reunion but I am currently on my honeymoon and am emailing from Asni in the Atlas Mountains, just outside of Marrakech, Morocco.

It would have been very interesting to see everyone and hear what has transpired over the years. Hope you have a great night! My past twenty years is summarised very briefly below.

After finishing school I commenced an engineering cadetship with Alcoa, which involved completing a mechanical engineering degree and on the job work experience. After 7 years I left to join the technology division of Comalco Aluminium (Rio Tinto) where I worked for the next 11 years.

Over this time I lived in Melbourne, Invercargill (New Zealand), Gladstone (Queensland) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Along the way I completed an MBA at Melbourne Business School.

Looking for career change in early 2005, I moved to an investment banking job which focuses on the origination, structuring and management of utilities and infrastructure assets.

I continued in cycling competitively for 5 years post high school and was fortunate enough to be a Victorian team member during this time and also race for a team based in Cologne, Germany for half a season in 1991. Ambitions of being a professional cyclist were shelved when riding in the Tour of Austria for an Australian team I discovered I couldn't be competitive with the EPO/growth hormone fuelled super humans in the peloton.

Currently I live in Middle Park with my wife Andrea, cycle for leisure, travel whenever we can and spend time with family and friends. For those interested my contact details are below.

Best Wishes,

Brad Crane
bradtcrane@gmail.com
0419 391 459 mobile

Andrew Skurrie

Lives in Lennox Head, NSW
Contact Skurriea@pacific.net.au

Having only a month ago holidayed in VIC and taken our daughter on the Queenscliff/Sorrento ferry, I was looking forward to showing her my - our - old school, only to have a tinge of sadness when driving by and seeing a tract of land ready for - one assumes - carving up by developers. Though I must admit...it has been awhile between visits !

Upon returning home and receiving the invite to the reunion, and seeing everyone's names in Ange's inadvertent "reply all"...all the memories came flooding back. The good times and the not-so-good times (hey...just being honest !), the friendships - many life-long ones that stand to this day - and the conflicts (par for the course), and all the individuals - including the teachers - that certainly made my High School years ones I remember with fondness and a smile. You couldn't get a better group of people to go through schooling life with.

Unfortunately, much as I'd love to, I just can't make it on the evening. I hope you've all achieved the goals you'd planned in life, or are on the way there - and during the journey have overcome any hurdles or challenges that seem to present themselves at unexpected times. It's one of the latter that's resulted in our move north, and resulted in my being unable to attend.

As for the last 10 years...well...on the career front, I am still with ANZ (I have a pretty boring CV - HSC then Uni then ANZ). I feel old having just received my second allotment of long service leave...and not even 40 yet !!! Having given myself a 10 year goal in IT to achieve the level of Systems Architect within the organisation, I did achieve it in that time. Looking to new challenges and a few hours less commuting I spent a year convincing myself to change careers and a further year training in Branch Management (I enjoy challenges in life, and felt that nothing would beat the autonomy, and pride of responsibility, of running a branch, and certainly the challenges of dealing with people who come through the front door was too much to resist) - I was keen to move to a rural country town, being tired of working in the Melbourne CBD and enduring the commuting to and from Waurn Ponds (our department had re-located to Richmond, necessitating more trains and commuting time !). A newborn baby girl also changed my priorities in life. ANZ is greatly supportive of obtaining a work-life balance, and with such a supportive organisation behind me, I was appointed Branch Manager of ANZ Portland, in SW VIC, just over 4 years ago. There I spent a wonderful 2 years, building the branch customer base, and eventually moving into a dedicated commercial lending role, such was the growth at the branch. Unfortunately the cold played havoc with my wife's ankle (thanks to a 16 y/o horse riding accident) and necessitated a move north for the climate. About 2 years ago I was appointed Commercial Lending Manager at Byron Bay, on the NSW far north coast, and we packed up and headed north. It was a successful move in terms of the health of my wife, though the nature of the populace at Byron Bay sometimes leaves one wondering and shaking one's head in bewilderment ! Byron Bay is a great place to work, but I found a nice place to leave of an evening ! Expressing a desire to move up to Area/District management in the future, I was then appointed Branch & Small Business Manager at nearby Ballina branch as a career stepping stone. I've been in that role for the last year, and to this day.

We currently live in Lennox Head, which is a small seaside township renowned for some of the best surf in Australia. Lennox Head is about 15kms south of Byron Bay and about 10kms north of Ballina, so the change in job role had no impact to our location. We've remained living there.

On the family front, my wife, Karon, and I, have a 6y/o daughter, Rebecca (soon to be 7 in a few days...though 7 going on 17 of course !). Karon is an at-home mum, a decision we made when Rebecca was born, and is heavily involved in the school which Rebecca attends, and also with the usual after-school activities that kids do. Eventually Karon is looking to return to the hospitality industry, which is her background, and which is the primary industry in this part of the countryside.

Anyway, enough of us. I wish you all a great evening ! I'd love to be able to catch up at the next reunion in another 10 years time...when the fun stuff like engagements, weddings and babies will be out of the way, and we'll all be in our forties with teenage kids...though I think I'll gloss over that thought rather quickly !

Take care. Feel free to drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you and catch up on the past.

Regards,
Andrew Skurrie

Andrew Amey

Lives in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo
Contact A.Amey@shell.com

I'm very sorry to miss the reunion. I was hoping I would find a way to come home for the event as it would be great to see everyone but unfortunately I have a work trip the week before which has made the logistics impossible (perhaps if I wasn't still getting over Raelene rejecting me 20 years ago I would have tried harder!).

A brief history of my life post QHS is:

Family: Married Christine 13 years ago, have 2 lovely daughters Hannah aged 9 and Emma aged 6.

Live: Currently in a town called Miri which is in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
We are here for another 2-3 years before either returning to Perth (where we have a house) or possibly move on elsewhere to some delightful oil industry location ................

Work: as a Petroleum Geologist for Shell International (same career but number of different companies since leaving university in 1991).

Anyway, wish everyone all the best from me, tell any of my old mates (if you can find anyone admitting to it!) that I'm sorry for being a crap communicator and most importantly have a great night.

Cheers,
Andy Amey