The Old Paradians' Association monthly luncheon provided the occasion where we could acknowledge the contribution and service of the men who have served as President of our Association. The Association has six living past Presidents, including our current President Angelo Mazzone (1982). The day also presented an opportunity to formally recognise all the men who had served as President since 1914.

Pat Mount (1962) performed the role of Master of Ceremonies and again did a superb job. There were 56 guests in the room who enjoyed the lovely lunch and company.

Ray Hangan (1950) was invited to introduce the presentations. He spoke of the great service to the teachers, Christian Brothers, and the College of so many who gave so much. He spoke of the motivation of these wonderful servants to ‘give back’ with an enormous gratitude to the school that gave them so much.Ray mentioned that the original purpose of the Old Paradians' Association was to help former students stay connected and support the Christian Brothers in their ministry. He also mentioned that he had the privilege of knowing all past Presidents, except for 8, during his long association with the College and the Old Paradians' Association.

Our past President guests felt honoured and privileged to join the ranks of those servants that came before them. It was great to welcome John Stella (1980), son of the late Rene Stella (1952), who was President of the Association on 3 separate occasions: 1970-1972, 1978-1980, 1988-1991.  Ana Derrico, wife of the late Lewis Derrico (1974), was also in attendance, Lewis being the Association President from 2010-2019. Carol Schofield, wife of the late Bill Schofield (1958), was also welcomed to the day. Bill led the Association from 1995-2004. Bill received posthumously the coveted Tenete Award last year.

Barrie Williams (1953) was in attendance with his wife Val. They were accompanied by Val’s sister Joan Reid, wife of the late Old Paradian Bill Reid (1955). Barrie served as President from 1968-1969 and was able to respond to his presentation with a fascinating insight into Parade College and the Old Paradians' Association through a significant period in the 1950's and 1960's when the move to the Bundoora site eventuated.

Bruce Mansfield (1973) was able to make the trip down from Sydney for the event. Bruce had 2 stints as President, 1983-1984 and 1992-1994. Bruce found himself on the Committee of the Association on leaving school and spoke of the significant old collegians he followed. Interestingly he was tasked with organising the popular ‘Champagne on the Lawns’, as a 19-year-old that led to 700 guests in attendance! Bruce served as President from 1983-1984 at the same time as Peter Johnston (1973) acted as Hon. Secretary of the Association. He then went on to take the reigns as President from 1985-1986. Peter’s father Kevin (1951) was also a past President of the Association from 1973-1975 and also received a posthumous Tenete award last year. Peter’s brother Paul Johnston (1975) was College Captain in his final year. Peter was very proud and humbled to receive the recognition for his service.

Paul Shannon (1985) was recognised for his service to the College and Old Paradians' Association in 2023 with a Tenete Award. On the encouragement (direction) of Br Denis Moore, Paul was asked to explore resurrecting the Old Paradians' Association that had lapsed from 2005-2009. Paul was able to convince Lewis Derrico to be President from 2010 and the College was able to appoint Tony De Bolfo (1980) as the Association's CEO. Two excellent appointments. A new Committee was assembled, and Office bearers were elected and the Association was up and going again. Paul served on the Committee as Vice President and after Lewis stood down for health reasons, Paul took up the role of President during 2019 and concluded his tenure in 2023. Paul too spoke of privilege and pride in accepting the Association’s recognition of his outstanding service.

We were also able to recognise and thank Angelo Mazzone (1982) for his wonderful service to the Association. Joining the Committee and taking up the role of Treasurer, Angelo’s knowledge and experience were of great benefit to the Association. Angelo accepted the nomination of President of the Association and was duly elected in 2023 and continues in his leadership this year. Angelo spoke of the enjoyment and camaraderie in being a part of the Association and working with and mentoring a largely new Committee. He also spoke about the privilege given to him in his role as President and the great pride he felt in following those who came before him.

Unfortunately, our oldest Old Paradian former President Lance Phillips (1945) who served from 1976-1977 was unable to attend due to illness. He looks forward to attending in July where we can recognise his service.