An important objective of the Association has been to provide an opportunity for old collegians to regularly connect and celebrate their association with Parade College. While the OPA facilitates a Reunion Program conducting 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50-year reunions, an opportunity for Old Paradians from all peer years to gather annually was a priority.  By holding the event on the Friday before the famous WS Cox Plate each year,  it was agreed that an annual dinner could become a regular fixture on the OPA social calendar.

In addition to the 150 Year Gala Dinner and peer year reunions, for some, the annual dinner was another opportunity to reconnect.

Over 100 guests returned to the College for our inaugural dinner, which included the induction of our latest Hall of Fame recipients. A wonderful celebration took place where Professor David Kissane AC and Collingwood champion Peter McKenna were inducted into the Old Paradians' Association Hall of Fame.

Professor Kissane was Parade College Captain through the Bundoora campus’s historic year of 1968. After studying Medicine at the University of Melbourne, David has forged an outstanding academic career in psychiatry, psycho-oncology researcher and author. He is internationally recognised for his research in his field. He was honoured with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division within the Australian honours with the citation, “For eminent service to psychiatry, particularly psycho- oncology and palliative medicine, as an educator, researcher, author and clinician, and through executive roles with a range of national and international professional medical bodies”.

Peter McKenna attended Parade in Grade 3 at Flowerdale (Parade College Alphington) and concluded his time at Parade in 1963. Peter was able to forge a magnificent career in the Victorian Football League. After making his senior debut in 1965, Peter became a champion full forward. He played 180 games for Collingwood kicking 838 goals, kicking over 100 goals in each of 1970 (143 goals), 1971 (134 goals) and 1972 (130 goals). Peter won 2 Coleman Medals, all Australian honours and won Collingwood’s best and fairest award, the Copeland Trophy in 1970. Peter also played 11 games for Carlton (36 goals). Peter was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 1999. Peter is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, but also the most popular footballer ever in the VFL. Peter is a proud Old Paradian.

Hall of Fame recipients Peter Bedford, Michael Drapac and Terry Moran were at the event to help celebrate our newest Inductees.

We look forward to our next Old Paradians' Association Annual Dinner scheduled for Friday 20 October 2023.

We would like to thank the following sponsors who generously supported the event