The first of the OPA RACV lunches for 2025 got underway recently. This year being the 89^th year of this institution that is such an important part of the Parade story.

Pat Mount (1962) again played the role of Master of Ceremonies and did a great job as usual. Pat invited Father Brian Cosgriff (1954) to lead guests with Grace. Pat acknowledged those Old Paradians who had passed away recently. These included Noel Jeffery (1945), Barry Dennis (1957), John Hourigan (1956), Paul Power (1956) and Mark Skiba (2003)

Pat also acknowledged Br Thomas (Olly) Pickett (1959) being named the nations Senior citizen of the year on Australia Day and our hope of getting him to one of our lunches.

Pat acknowledged the great work of Keith Sharkey (Honorary Old Paradian) over the years and his decision to step back from his coordinating role and of Peter Johnston (1973) stepping into the role for 2025. Best wishes to Peter in this important role.

John Nicholls was able to outline some of OPA goals for the 2025 year. Some of these included our planned reunion program, our support of the OPFC, our Bike Ride and Golf Day, our support, with the College of the RACV lunches and our Annual Hall of Fame Dinner in October. He was able to announce Andy Kuppe (1983) will be our Tenete Award winner for 2025, presented at the Annual Dinner.

We were fortunate to have Brian Walsh (1983), Executive General Manager – Corporate Affairs, Government and Communications as a speaker. Brian was able to give some insights into the whole media and communications landscape, the 24/7 news cycle, and its significant impact on the game. Brian’s presentation was of tremendous interest, topical and insightful. We were able to present Brian with a small gift in appreciation for his generous contribution to OPA Lunch.

We look forward to our March Lunch where Daniel Hoyne (2006), Competitions Analysis Team Lead at Champion Data will be our guest speaker.

For any enquiries regarding the upcoming monthly luncheons, contact Peter Johnston – johnstonpm55@gmail.com.