The Old England Hotel's e.Bar was the venue for a gathering of over 60 Old Collegians who attended Parade Alphington, The Old Bluestone Pile in East Melbourne and Parade Bundoora. Some of those in attendance commenced at Alphington as early as 1964, others commenced at East Melbourne in 1967, some left the College prior to their Form 6 year in 1972 at the Bundoora Campus.

Mick McIntyre did a power of work reaching out to a range of Old Collegians. The excellent attendance was much the result of his efforts. He also received 22 apologies of those who would love to attend but were unable. We now have some accurate up to date contact details that will be invaluable in keeping this cohort connected.

John Nicholls welcomed the group to the reunion and spoke of the role of the OPA, its current strategic plans and the importance of providing opportunities to connect. Examples being its reunion program and Annual Hall of Fame Dinner that was coming up later in the month. Robert Hyde, College Captain 1972, was able to reflect upon his school days and how great it was to have such a gathering. He noted now that people are in touch, informal gatherings of golf days and lunches will be on the agenda moving forward.

We were able to remember those alumni that have passed away since leaving the College with a minute’s silence. Shane Bowen, Tony Brain, Michael Cocks (Hall of Fame recipient 2012), Mark Comerford, Frank Gayton, Franco Gonano, Daniel Gunn, Gerard Jones, Barry Kyle, Kevin L’Hullier, Adrian Livy, Ian Orr, Les Poole, Frank Ryan, Terry Scott, John Walker, Shane Walker, Tony Whiteley and Kevin Wilson.

There was genuine good will in the room as the men remembered the personalities and the times of their days at school. A number have had sons also walk through the gates at Parade. Some guests came from far and wide. Father Kevin Long came in from Perth having spent the last 45 years there. John Joss, in his first-year teaching at the College attended the reunion. Ian Bibby was a late apology due to illness. John Ramsdale (1965) was the taxi for his brother Martin who came down from Geelong. Hall of Fame recipient from 2011 Michael Pratt was a most welcome guest.

The class of 1972 had a wonderful night of celebration and catch-up that extended to the early hours of Saturday morning.