The Haileyburian

The Haileyburian

SUMMER 2025
OHA events

Hayley Berry

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Strengthening alumni bonds in the Top End

Over a delicious meal at Wharf One on the stunning Darwin waterfront, our alumni living in Darwin, as well as some special Haileybury Rendall School staff, gathered to share stories from the past and celebrate achievements. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with familiar faces and discover new ones, proving once again that no matter the distance, the bonds forged at Haileybury remain strong.  

Inspiring connections at the Sursum Corda Society Event

The OHA’s Sursum Corda Society Event lit up the Pullman Melbourne with an evening of inspiration, connection and thought-provoking conversation. Bringing together CEOs, business owners and members of the Haileybury Society, the event was a standout networking opportunity and a true celebration of leadership within the Haileybury community.  

Guests enjoyed insights from a powerhouse panel of guest speakers, including:  

– James Wright, Managing Partner at Linara
– Tamalin Morton (Haileybury parent), Former CEO of Adore Beauty Group 
– Ashley Reed (OH 1983), CFO at MODEL and former CFO at Cbus Property 

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of the evening. Events like this reflect the strength, ambition and generosity of the Haileybury network and we look forward to many more to come.  

Celebrating legacy at the OHA Generations Breakfasts

There was a special sense of pride and connection in the air as families spanning multiple Haileybury generations gathered for the OHA Generations Breakfasts at both the Keysborough and City campuses.  

Over a delicious breakfast, stories were shared, laughter echoed and legacy was honoured, and it was all captured in fabulous family magnet portraits to mark the occasion. It was a heartwarming celebration of tradition, togetherness and the enduring bond that connects Haileyburians across the years.  

30 years on: Class of 1995 Reunion brings the memories flooding back

It was a night to remember as the Class of 1995 returned for their 30-year Reunion, hosted at Haileybury’s City campus. With a fantastic turnout, old friends were reunited, new memories were created, and the room buzzed with laughter, nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling.  

From throwback tales of school days to reflections on life since graduation, the evening was a powerful reminder of the lifelong connections forged at Haileybury. A special thank you to the Haileybury staff who taught this remarkable cohort and joined in the celebration. Your presence made the night even more meaningful.  

Here’s to the friendships that time never fades, and to the Haileyburian spirit that continues to bring you back together.  

A flavourful finale to OHA Week at the Mornington Peninsula Luncheon

OHA members of all ages came together in style at The Epicurean Red Hill for an unforgettable private dining experience. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula, guests indulged in a gourmet three-course meal, paired perfectly with meaningful conversation and shared memories. The atmosphere was vibrant and the setting spectacular. It was a celebration of community, connection and the enduring Haileybury spirit.   

A walk through Haileybury’s history: OHA and Archives Event

More than 30 Haileyburians returned to the Jim Brown Centre at Keysborough for a truly special OHA and Archives event; a morning that celebrated the rich history and enduring spirit of Haileybury.  

Guests were taken on a captivating journey through time, featuring highlights from the School’s extensive archives collection, engaging presentations, a guided campus tour, and, of course, plenty of delicious food and warm conversation.  

The event was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and discovery, and a chance to reconnect, reminisce and reflect on the legacy we all share.  

OHA Golf Day: the biggest turnout to date and a sell out

A massive thank you to over 130 players who participated in this year’s OHA Golf Day at the splendid Southern Golf Club. 

Congratulations to Haileybury Society member, Peter Seccull, who won the Hattam-Metherall Trophy (his second time, having previously won in 2013), and to our runner-up Richard Herman (OH 1985).  

We also extend our applause to our winning group: Peter Seccull, Darren Seccull (OH 1983), Mark Seccull (OH 1986) and Alex Shepherd.  

A special shoutout to:  

– Ian Herman (OH 1983) – Forty Years on winner
– Rachel Kirkwood-Scott – Ladies winner
– Kevin O’Connor – Staff winner
– Durras Seccull (OH 2016) – Best Young Player. 

We are incredibly grateful to Mercedes-Benz Berwick, Two Bays Brewing and KPA Lawyers for their generous sponsorship and to all the players for making it a memorable day. 

An evening of connection at Mures Upper Deck, OHA Tasmania Chapter Gathering

On a crisp Hobart evening, the Tasmania Chapter came together for a truly memorable night at the iconic Mures Upper Deck. Though the gathering was intimate in size, it was rich in spirit, conversation and camaraderie. 

Class of 1990 celebrates 35-year Reunion in style

The Class of 1990 came together in spectacular fashion to celebrate their 35-year Reunion at the stunning True South restaurant in Black Rock. Overlooking the bay and bathed in spring sunshine, the venue set the perfect tone for an afternoon of reconnection, reflection and celebration. Laughter flowed as easily as the drinks, with old classmates sharing stories that spanned decades.  

Canberra Chapter Dinner brings alumni of all ages together

It was a night to remember as nearly 30 Haileybury alumni gathered for the Canberra Chapter Dinner at the elegant Realm Hotel. From the moment guests arrived, there was a buzz in the air, a sense of shared history, new connections and genuine enjoyment.  

A sparkling evening by the Harbour: Sydney Chapter Dinner at Searock Grill

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Chapter thoroughly enjoyed a lively dinner at Searock Grill, where the food and company was as impressive as the view and the unmistakable Haileybury spirit filled the air.  

Exploring Melbourne’s luxury landscape: A Haileyburian insight evening

Haileybury alumni were invited to an exclusive evening at the Toorak office of Kay & Burton, where some of Melbourne’s leading experts in luxury finance and property shared their insights on the latest trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the city’s high-end market.  

The event was hosted by GreenBack Capital’s Head of Residential, Nigel Gohl (OH 1993), and featured a distinguished panel of speakers: Darian Kuzma (OH 2003), Private Client Executive at NAB Private Bank; James Driver, Partner at Kay & Burton; and Scott Tanner, former CEO at Bank of Melbourne, Chairman at Kay & Burton and Managing Director of GreenBack Capital.  

Guests gained invaluable perspectives from those at the forefront of luxury finance and property, while also enjoying the chance to connect with leading professionals shaping Melbourne’s future.  

Golden Memories, new perspectives: Class of 1975 reunites

The Class of 1975 returned to the Keysborough campus in full voice and full spirit to celebrate their 50th reunion. Laughter and stories echoed through the halls as old friends reconnected, some for the first time in decades. The morning included a guided school tour, and for many, it was a journey down memory lane. ‘Where are the lockers now?’ and ‘Where was the rifle range?’ were among the questions asked, accompanied by astonishment at the incredible changes that have transformed the campus since their school days.  

The Brian “Weary” Clark Club Luncheon: A celebration of tradition and friendship

Nearly 200 Old Haileyburians came together for the much anticipated annual Brian “Weary” Clark Luncheon, a day for those who graduated 50 or more years ago and honours the remarkable contribution of Mr Brian “Weary” Clark, who served on the Haileybury staff for 43 years. The event was made even more special as we welcomed the Class of 1975 into this cherished tradition, officially inducting them into the group with Peter Gadsden’s (OH 1965) beautiful delivery of the Brian Clark oration.  

The annual “Countdown” was another highlight, celebrating Don Cumming (OH 1949) as the last man standing at 91 years young. 

It was a heartwarming occasion that also honoured our oldest Haileyburians, whose presence reminded us of the enduring spirit and lifelong bonds forged at Haileybury. From catching up with old friends to sharing stories of days gone by, the luncheon perfectly captured the warmth, pride, and enduring connections that define our alumni community.   

The Spirit of the OHA in Perth

Russell Davidson (OH 1986), Director of Development and Alumni Relations, kept the Chapter roadshow rolling with another unforgettable gathering in Perth. The city’s close-knit alumni came together for a delightful lunch in the private wine room at Tucci, where laughter flowed as freely as the stunning waterfront views.  

Timeless bonds: the Class of 2000 Reunion

There was plenty to celebrate as the Class of 2000 gathered at the vibrant Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall for their 25-year reunion. It was delightful to witness the laughter as old friends reconnected, reminisced about their school days and shared stories of the journeys that have shaped their lives since leaving Haileybury.  

Brisbane Alumni gather to close out the year of Chapter events

It may have been a smaller gathering this year, but those who attended thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful evening at the spectacular Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.  

Each of our Chapter events is filled with warmth, laughter and shared memories, reminding us of the strong bonds that unite the Haileybury community across Australia. We are deeply grateful to our wonderful alumni for their enthusiasm and commitment to staying connected with us and with one another. 

2026 Events

Please visit  https://oha.org.au/events/  for the 2026 OHA Events Calendar.

Once a Haileyburian, always a Haileyburian.

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The close relationship between the Haileybury schools in Melbourne, Darwin and China is opening up a world of opportunities for students through cultural exchanges and visits.  

This year, Haileybury Tianjin welcomed student groups from both Haileybury Rendall School and Haileybury Melbourne. Among the visitors were separate cohorts of Year 9 girls and boys from Melbourne and a group from Haileybury Rendall School. Additionally, the School hosted students from the Year 8 Language group and Senior School Language tours. Haileybury China students also visited Haileybury Melbourne. 

“These exchanges are valuable for our students to build understandings of one another, which in turn, develops their sense of self, understanding of their own culture, the culture of others and the world around them.” says Renee Coventry, International Principal at Haileybury Tianjin. 

During the exchange, students immersed themselves in school life, practising their second language, either English or Chinese, in real-world conversations. Students who visited China enjoyed language and calligraphy lessons, sports competitions and school assemblies.  

“I learnt so much about Chinese culture,” commented Lara, Year 8, about the Languages and Culture trip. Andy, Year 11, in referring to the Haileybury Tianjin Study tour to Melbourne said, “The moment we entered the campus, faculty and students extended a warm welcome, enveloping us in their heartfelt hospitality.” 

Shehan, a Year 9 Melbourne student, valued the connections the China trip has helped him to build. “One of the most special moments for me was meeting my pen pal in person after writing to each other for so long. It was amazing to see both the similarities and differences between our schools, and it gave us a new appreciation for learning and connection across cultures.” 

The exchanges continue to strengthen connections, broaden horizons, and demonstrate that although the Haileybury students are in different locations, they are united by a commitment to collaboration and shared educational values. 

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From improving the rights of female refugees to space debris, Haileybury Pangea and Haileybury Rendall School students recently stepped into the world of international diplomacy during a Virtual Model United Nations (MUN) Summit.  

Supported by the Monash University International Affairs Society, the MUN allowed Haileybury Pangea students from Years 5–10 and Year 8 students from Haileybury Rendall School to debate real-world issues. 

The students were given a country to represent and presented arguments and amendments, negotiated alliances and voted just like real-life UN representatives. One topic was shared in advance to encourage research and preparation, while the second was revealed on the day, challenging students to think on their feet.  

The event enabled students to gain confidence and skills such as research, debate, teamwork and leadership.  

“It felt like there was a good half hour of no talking and then everyone was talking; when we got to the final resolutions there was an abundance of hands,” said Felix, Year 7. 

This is the first time that Haileybury Rendall School and Haileybury Pangea students have collaborated for an online MUN event. It follows on from another first when earlier this year Haileybury Pangea students collaborated online with Melbourne-based City and Berwick students to explore the geopolitical consequences of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. 

The events have encouraged the sharing of ideas and new connections. “The students were highly engaged and worked closely with one another to forge alliances and gather support for what their country was trying to achieve. As an intra-campus event the students were very collaborative and felt comfortable because they still had their campus peers around them,” said Chris McCullough, Haileybury Pangea teacher. 

 “I really appreciated the chat function in Zoom, as I could privately reach out to different countries,” explains Charlotte, Year 10. 

Chris hopes MUN will open new possibilities for the students, including potential career and study paths. “This is a stepping-stone event, opening up students to consideration of global issues and their solutions, the development of a global perspective and global citizenship.” 

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This being my first report as President of the Old Haileyburians Association, may I open by acknowledging the tremendous contribution of my predecessor, Millie Hogben. Millie led the OHA with energy, vision and a deep commitment to strengthening our community. Under her stewardship, the Association thrived, building stronger connections across generations of Haileyburians and expanding our engagement initiatives. I also extend my thanks to departing Councillors Zara Scammell and Melissa Allen for their valuable service to the Association. Their passion and dedication have left a lasting mark on the OHA, and we are most grateful.   

Our AGM also marked the election of several new and enthusiastic councillors drawn from Haileybury’s different campuses and diverse demographics, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the Council. It is inspiring to see such commitment from our younger alumni wanting to give back and continue the legacy of our great school community, and particularly keen to ensure we are connecting with and serving our recent graduates.   

The past quarter has been filled with several flagship events embodying the spirit of connection and camaraderie. The Sursum Corda Society evening brought together business leaders for insightful discussion on the economic challenges and opportunities facing Australia. The sold-out OHA Golf Day brought together alumni of all eras for a day of friendly competition and laughter, and the Mornington Peninsula Lunch was a standout occasion, reminding us how strong our networks remain.  

Fellow Councillor Abbey Leys and I were delighted to welcome our 2025 graduates of Haileybury and Haileybury Girls Colleges at their graduation assemblies, celebrating the achievements of our newest alumni and ensuring they feel supported as they take their next steps.  

I am especially excited about the launch of OHA Ignite in October. This is a new program designed to support OHA entrepreneurs through mentoring and seed funding. This initiative represents our ongoing commitment to empowering Haileyburians beyond their school years, helping them innovate, grow and give back.  

Thank you to all who continue to share your stories and champion the OHA’s mission.  

As always, we encourage you to reach out, get involved and remember to ‘stay connected.’  

Clayton Ford (OH 1991)
President of the Old Haileyburians Association  

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Nathan Burke knows a thing or two about playing a great game, both on the AFL field and from the sidelines as a coach.  

But it is not just his wins that define him; some of Nathan’s most valuable lessons have come from facing challenges and the support of his those around him.  

He recalls a difficult season coaching at the Western Bulldogs AFLW, when everything seemed to go wrong. “Putting aside win/loss records and focusing on my purpose for coaching was the only way to get through. If I could turn up each day and make someone else’s life better in some way, then the win/loss became far less important. Of course, we still tried as hard as we could to win. It just meant that any failure we had along the way was kept in perspective,” he says. 

The support from teammates and coaches had a profound impact on Nathan’s journey, and he believes that a single mentor, teacher or coach can make a life-changing difference to a young person. 

He credits his second coach, Ken Sheldon, with a pivotal turning point in his career. Ken took the time to pull Nathan aside to express a genuine belief in his potential and encourage him to step up to the next level. “The confidence he showed in me and the opportunity he gave me changed the trajectory of my whole career,” Nathan reflects. 

Now, as Haileybury’s new Head of Coaching, Nathan is ready to help the school’s 350 sports coaches support students and help them kick even more goals, both on and off the field.  

Driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on those around him, Nathan explains, “If you’re not making somebody else’s life better, then you are wasting your own. Coaching, to me, is a way to live this motto. Sport just happens to be the thing that I have spent my life doing, and as such, it’s what enables me to coach confidently and know that I am making a difference.” 

At Haileybury, students have the opportunity to choose from more than 40 different sports, making it the largest school sports program in Australia. This incredible variety means every student can discover a sport they enjoy, and develop new skills and interests, while feeling part of a supportive team. Nathan is committed to ensuring that each student’s sporting experience is rewarding, with a strong focus on building positive team cultures. 

It is the positive team culture that he believes determines success. “The best teams design the culture they need I n order to be successful, they don’t let it evolve by default. Talent alone is never enough. At times I’ve seen very talented teams, but if culture and standards didn’t match that talent they underachieved.” 

For students, this means being part of an environment where they are encouraged to be resilient and everyone feels valued, supported and motivated to do their best. 

Nathan is also passionate about helping coaches continue to grow and learn. “I had seven coaches at St Kilda, and I can honestly say I learnt something from every one of them. Sometimes you learn what to do and sometimes you learn what not to do. At the end of the day every experience, good or bad, is a chance to grow as a person,” he explains. 

Nathan also notes that coaches must adapt over time and undertaking ongoing professional learning can help ensure their coaching remains effective and relevant. 

He says playing high performance sport and good wellbeing are closely linked. “I see coaching for high performance and wellbeing as going hand in hand. You can’t coach someone to be a high performer simply by teaching them skills. The high-performance stage naturally comes with additional pressures and stresses, they can’t be avoided,” he explains. 

 “The only way to truly reach your potential is by combining physical training with mental training. If a student just wants to play for fun, that’s fine, but using sport to support mental as well as physical health will always be part of our coaching program.” 

Nathan encourages students interested in sport to find something they genuinely love, even if it means trying out different things. “When you love the sport you’re playing, it’s much easier to handle the ups and downs,” he says. 

For those considering coaching, his advice is clear: “You don’t have to be the best player to be a great coach. Focus on the skill of coaching, that’s what truly counts.”