Old Paradian and Carlton centreman Les Carr dies

Les Carr, the nine-game Carlton footballer who made way for the captain Ern Henfry in the premiership season of 1947, has died at the age of 82.

Wearing the No.34 later worn by the Carlton premiership players Ian Robertson and Alex Marcou, Les was born and bred in Bacchus Marsh and schooled at CBC Parade (final year 1944), as was his brother Jack, the 1957 Stawell Gift winner.

“My brothers and I used to walk a mile to Bacchus Marsh railway station then board the train for Melbourne,” Jack said in a recent interview. “We’d leave Bacchus Marsh at quarter past seven in the morning and not get home until half past six at night . . . and then we had to do our homework.”

Michael Pratt strikes a pose in Parade’s hallowed Hall

Michael Pratt GC recently took time to pose alongside a newly-installed panel bearing his name and image, at what doubled as a 40th anniversary reunion of his final year class of 1972. Michael, the only living Inductee of the Old Paradians’ Association Hall of Fame, is one of seven Inductees featured in panels hanging from the wall in the Hickey Foyer, where around 30 old boys of the ’72 final year gathered to remember those days when the Bundoora campus was truly in its infancy.

The oldest of five brothers all schooled at Parade, Michael embarked on a career with Victoria Police. Graduating from cadet to constable in the early 1970s, he later earned a transfer to Heidelberg Police Station. On the morning of Friday, June 4, 1976, Michael intervened in a robbery involving three masked gunmen at the ANZ Bank in Clifton Hill. He was off-duty and unarmed at the time and in the manic moments that followed was shot in the back by one of the fleeing bandits. The life-threatening injuries sustained by Michael on that fateful morning in Queens Parade resulted in him prematurely retiring from the force.

In 1978, in recognition of his selfless actions, Michael was awarded the George Cross Medal for civilian gallantry. He remains Australia’s only living recipient of the Medal. Sharing wall space with Michael are six Old Paradian Hall of Famers – Lou Arthur, Sir Bernard Callinan, Sir John Collins, Bishop Arthur Fox, “Jock” McHale and Sir Norman O’Bryan.

"It's Time" . . . class of '72 gathers, 40 years on

It was the year that Gough Whitlam swept into power on the back of "It's Time"; that Australia formally withdrew from the Vietnam War; and that the Republicans broke into the Democractic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington.

And recently, Parade's final year class of '72 gathered at the Hickey Foyer to remember the days of 40 years past when the Bundoora campus was truly in its infancy.

Later on, the old boys gathered for this photo for posterity, with thoughts already turning to the 50-year milestone in 2022. Images of the 40th anniversary reunion of the class of '72 can be viewed in the image galleries section to the left of this homepage.

Beyond the gates of the Brothers’ Cemetery . . . take the virtual tour

To each and every student of Parade College Bundoora since 1968, it’s a well-known landmark - yet few have ever ventured inside the gates of the Christian Brothers’ Cemetery.

Today, the graves of 142 Christian Brothers can be found in the cemetery – amongst them six former Principals of Parade College – Brothers Turpin, Garvey, Carey, Naughtin, Nash and McCarthy. Brother John De Sales Tevlin was the first laid to rest in the cemetery in October 1959 and Brother Leonard Francis, in August 2011, the most recent. The graves of the Reverend Father Daniel Gerrard Briglia and Reverend Father Daniel Daly are also there.

To view the final resting places of the 142 Christian Brothers and two Reverend Fathers, go to the “Quick Links” section to the right of this home page, open the file marked “Brothers’ Cemetery”, scroll down and click on the links.

Paul’s redolent story strikes a chord with Maltese community

A moving story pieced together from wartime anecdotes he remembered his parents recount has earned Paul Sapiano a best essay honour on the 70th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the people of Malta.

Paul, a final year student of 1981 and now tutor teacher and mathematics teacher at the Bundoora campus, penned a moving narrative based on life’s reflections of his late mother, as a means of reflecting “why the George Cross is important to Malta and the Maltese”. His award was confirmed by the judges Professor Maurice Cauchi, Dr Lou Drofenik and Mr Joe Asciak, before an audience of 400 people at a reception at the Maltese Centre in Parkville.

The reception was organised by the Consul-General of Malta in Victoria, Charles Mifsud, and the Malta GC committee he chaired. Mr Mifsud took the opportunity to outline the extent of the Maltese sacrifice during the Second World War, which led to the awarding of the George Cross by King George VI on April 15, 1942. He reminded that Malta was hit by 3340 air raids over a period of 2,357 hours and six minutes, with more than 30,027 civilian homes either completely destroyed or severely damaged. He also reminded that about 1500 Maltese lost their lives in the conflict.

Gotye hits No.1 in US

Gotye's hit song 'Somebody That I Used to Know' has reached number one in America — making him the first Australian this century to top the charts in the United States.

For Gotye (aka Walter De Backer, the Parade College captain of 1998), it's more a case of 'Somebody That Everybody Knows Now', given that the platinum hit, which had been steadily climbing the American charts for the past 14 weeks, has finally reached number one. The infectious 'Somebody', which includes vocals from Kiwi artist Kimbra, has already hit No.1 in more than 20 other countries as it sweeps the globe. The track has also reached No.1 on iTunes in 33 countries so far and has generated more than 166 million views on YouTube to date. In the past 30 years only five Australian songs have actually managed to hit the No.1 spot - two went to Men at Work, one to INXS and the last two to Savage Garden.

Gotye, one of only five Australian artists ever to grab the top spot in the tough US market, recently delivered his rendition of the song on 'Saturday Night Live, while covers on 'Glee' and 'The Voice' afforded the Gotye brand even greater exposure if that's at all possible. Admitting he may never produce another hit song like 'Somebody', Gotye told 'Billboard' magazine that his new goal is "to prove to myself that I can do stuff that is actually more far-reaching, more intelligent and maybe more strange and idiosyncratic".

Neil Howard revisits Melbourne's seamier side at Business Breakfast

Neil Howard has delved into the murky depths of the Melbourne underworld, in delivering a speech entitled “The Demise of the Last Moran” to a captive audience at the Old Paradians’ Association Business Breakfast at Parkville's Treacy Conference Centre.

A final year student at Parade College in 1979, Neil, now a criminal lawyer, was candid in his examinations of the gangland killings and the dysfunctional personalities of those involved. He also warned of the serious ramifications of the vaccuum left by those who paid with their lives as pawns in the vicious drug trade.

The Old Paradians' Association wishes to acknowledge Neil for committing to the luncheon as guest speaker, and sincerely thanks all in attendance who were afforded a rare insight into a lurid microcosm of Melbourne life.

Dr Tinsey relates EREA’s good news story

Edmund Rice Australia Executive Director Dr Wayne Tinsey is without doubt an experienced educator, having worked in Catholic education in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia for more than 25 years. He also has worked with the Christian Brothers in Australia, South America and India and has broad experience of the Edmund Rice charism in education.

Recently, Dr Tinsey saw fit to reflect upon the past five years of EREA’s existence and offer an insight into the organisation’s future direction when he graciously accepted an invitation as guest speaker at the Old Paradians’ Association’s Luncheon at Melbourne’s RACV Club.

The following is an edited version of Dr Tinsey’s address;

Umberto Espresso Bar – one man’s ode to family, food and fate

The cars hurtle up High Street as Marco Finanzio casts a cursory glance through the venetians of one of the hippest little eateries on the ever-changing Thornbury strip. It’s a Friday afternoon, and the owner of Umberto Espresso Bar is taking advantage of a fleeting instant’s respite before again cranking up the trusty Grimac.

Suddenly, tears well in Marco’s eyes as he casts his mind back to 2010, to a surreal moment he shared with his father after whom the bar is lovingly named and with whom he is pictured here. Though the espresso bar has been open for business barely two years, its mystical origins can be sourced as far back as 1956, when Umberto Finanzio, then 13, took his tentative first steps down the gangway and into a new life in the new land.

Why? Well, let the Old Paradian and self-confessed nostalgist tell the tale.

Remembering Ken Oakman

The following article, relating to the life of the late Ken Oakman (1954), was recently penned by his daughter Vicki (nee Oakman) Strickland and is repdoduced with her kind permission.

Kenneth Ambrose Oakman was born in North Carlton, Melbourne on 14 February 1937, the second son of Robert James Oakman and Jessie Elizabeth Whiting.

Ken’s education began at St Brigid’s Primary School in North Fitzroy and at the age of 12 he won a Diocesan Scholarship to St Coleman’s Intermediate School in Fitzroy. Winning a second public Secondary Scholarship enabled Ken to complete his schooling at Christian Brothers College Parade in East Melbourne. Ken then received a Commonwealth Government Scholarship which enabled him to study at Melbourne University whilst undertaking a cadetship with the Post Master General’s Department.

A Message from the President

Dear fellow Old Paradian,

I trust that 2012 has begun kindly for you and your families.

Much has been achieved in recent times with the rebirth of the Old Paradians’ Association (OPA), although it’s true that the essence of what it means to be Old Paradian was exemplified by the likes of Rene Stella (1952) and Bill Schofield (1958), both of whom passed away last year.

Class of ’62 reconvenes after 50 years

Their numbers may be dwindling, but surviving members of Parade’s final-year class of 1962 proudly flew the purple, green and blue flag at their 50th year anniversary reunion at the Treacy Centre recently.

The ’62 year was represented by John Arthur OAM, Jim Bailey, John Bowman, Max Cashmore, Tony Tushen, Terry Dillon, Peter Frawley, Paul Godfrey, Pat Heagarty, John Jeffers, Terry Laragy, John McDonell, Noel McLelland, John Mount, Pat Mount, Terry O’Donnell, Barry Pritchard, Michael Quin, John Sonneveld, Rim Svambarys and Paul Vaughan.

Apologies were accepted from Terence Carmichael, Brendin Bergin, Brian Culhane, Neil Dalton, John Fabre, Bernie Flinn, Daniel Gibson, Richard Hanlon, Karl Harrigan, William Lucas, Brian McNamara, John McConvill, Robert Minio, Gordon Shannon, Michael Van Prooyen and Les Whiteley. Two more apologists were Allan Behm, now the Chief of Staff to the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet, and the 1962 Parade College captain Terry Little. Both men penned recollections that they asked be read out on the night, and Terry has kindly granted permission for his reminiscences to be published as follows;

When our Bill met the Archbishop

This wonderful photograph, captured at some point in the late 1920s, shows young Paradian Bill Korf accepting a handsome trophy from the then Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Mannix, following a fiercely-contested College athletics meeting.

The image was contained in an envelope addressed to the late Old Paradians’ Athletics Association President Bill Schofield and marked “Bill Korf – sprint record holder and one of the great athletes of the 1930s”.

The photo has since been in the keep of Bill Dunne, who has generously seen fit to hand it over to the Parade College archives.

All power to Peter in providing Parade pathway

Pictured making the final adjustments to a newly-installed screen in the Hickey Foyer at the Bundoora campus are Old Paradians Peter Jackson (1984) and Jay Phelan (2010). The pair was recently hired by the College to complete the installation of a screen to complement all manner of function, from Rivergum Theatre musicals through to final year reunions.

Peter, whose Greensborough-based business Peter Jackson Electrical has been servicing the northern suburbs for the past 14 years, said his association with Jay, a second year apprentice, had been established through Parade’s Director of Pathways Education and Old Paradians’ Association Committeeman John Nicholls.

“I remember speaking to ‘Nicho’ and telling him I was looking for a first-year apprentice,” said Peter, one of five Jackson brothers schooled at Parade. “Nicho volunteered Jay’s name and said ‘If you don’t snap him up somebody else will’.

Ongarello gets the Bunton roar at 40s/50s reunion

Former Fitzroy full-forward Tony Ongarello, the Old Paradian whom League football decrees is the last player to goal from a place kick, has thrilled old College contemporaries in regaling tales of his life’s experiences.

Tony, proudly sporting his Old Paradians tie, was in glorious touch as he addressed a reunion luncheon of more than 90 final year Parade students of the 1940s and 50s who had gathered at the Treacy Conference Centre in Parkville as invitees of Parade College and the Old Paradians’ Association.

More than happy to sing for his supper, Tony alluded to his early years of Italian family life in Kemp Street Croxton, recalling that carafes of wine were ever-present on the Ongarello kitchen table “and if they weren’t you knew it was breakfast”. Now in his 80th year, Tony opened with vivid memories of the immediate post-war years at the “Old Bluestone Pile” – the place where his father Gino, late brother Arthur and younger brothers Robert (also in the room) and Peter all attended.

Old Paradian’s selfless act earns bravery gong

Leading Senior Constable Damien Griffiths, a final-year Parade student in 1982, is one of four Mansfield officers recently awarded Victoria Police Divisional Commendations for bravery.

Leading Senior Constable Griffiths (pictured here by The Mansfield Courier’s Pam Zierk-Mahoney), together with Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnstone, Leading Senior Constable Paul Storey and Senior Constable Wayne Turner, were all recognised for their selfless actions in rescuing three youths from the flooded Howqua River on October 1, 2010.

The youths, who were floating down the river on lilos, got into trouble and were stranded on one side of the river, which had swollen after incessant rains. Promptly called to the scene, officers Storey and Turner set up ropes across the river and LSC Griffiths crossed the river six times to haul the children to safety, as Leading Senior Constable Johnstone provided leadership at the scene.

From afar, former Principal offers unique insights into ERI

Former Parade College Principal Brother Brian Bond, who now commits his energies to Edmund Rice International (ERI) in Switzerland, has made contact with the Old Paradians’ Association having been inspired by John Tobin’s recent address to students at First Term Assembly.

In an indication that the association’s reach is broadening globally, Brother Bond felt compelled to forward an email outlining the work of ERI on the strength of an article he sourced at the Old Paradians website. That article carried details of the speech delivered by Tobin – Parade’s 1986 College Captain and now an authority in human rights law.

“I noted John’s positive comments about the school and his involvement with Edmund Rice Camps and the Brothers in Tanzania,” Br. Bond wrote from Geneva. “I was particularly interested to read that he currently teaches and researches human rights, runs internship programs and co-ordinates human rights programs and that his special interest is the rights of children and young people.”

Hall of Fame finds a place at Parade College

The Old Paradians' Association Hall of Fame now has a home, sharing wall space with the college honour boards in the Hickey Foyer at Parade's Bundoora campus.

With the support of Parade College Principal Br. Denis Moore, precious space was made available to the association to showcase the Hall's seven inductees and their unique contributions to society. Currently seven old boys are so acknowledged - Sir John Collins, "Jock" McHale, Bishop Arthur Fox, Lou Arthur, Sir Bernard Callinan and Sir Norman O'Bryan (all inducted to the Hall in 2010), together with last year's inductee Michael Pratt.

Panels carrying the Hall of Famers' portraits and chronicling their deeds proudly hang in a spotlit area of the foyer, which continues to serve as the preferred venue for final year student anniversary reunions.

Tobin's challenge to Parade students on film

Dr. John Tobin, the Parade College captain of 1986, has returned to Bundoora campus to address 1900 students who had gathered for Term 1 Commencement Assembly in the Great Hall. Footage of John's stirring speech can be seen in full by clicking on Old Paradians Cinema to the right of this homepage.

John, who only recently returned from New York where he spent meaningful time as a visiting scholar at New York University Law School, put two chief questions to the students to ponder as they now embark upon their school year: “What are you passionate about in life?” and “What contribution are you willing to make?”.

He also drew on the experiences of Edmund Rice to impress upon the students the importance of commitment and dedication to community, in a year in which the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Christian Brothers’ founder is celebrated.

Support sought for Sean’s cause

Sean Willmore (pictured), a final year student of Parade College in 1990, is convening an important corporate fundraising event, the proceeds of which are to be directed to The Thin Green Line - the conservation organisation he helped establish a little under five years ago.

The event, pencilled in for March 29, boasts the organisation’s ambassador Bryce Courtenay as its guest speaker with Uganda Ranger John Makombo also attending.

“We’re seeking potential corporate/philanthropic organisations to support my work and that of The Thin Green Line Foundation,” Sean said.

Jaze’s jottings on show at Artists on Parade

A pastel work fashioned by Old Paradian and Parade College artist in residence Jaze Dubois has featured amongst those recently exhibited at Parade’s 37th Annual Art Show in the Great Hall.

Prominent was the unnamed piece pictured here and while Jaze hasn’t yet found a title (“I don’t want to call it anything cheesey”) he regarded the theme of trust as central to his muted depiction.

“I did this drawing a couple of years ago. All up it probably took me six hours and it was my first drawing outside of Parade,” he said.

Confessions of a “licenced voyeur” – Peter Wilson tells

Late last year, within the quaint wallpapered surrounds of the Northern Soul café in High Street Thornbury, this reporter was afforded the rare chance to chew the fat with The Australian newspaper’s London-based reporter Peter Wilson, whose byline carries the impressive tag “Europe Correspondent”.

Named the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year in 2003 no less (“for providing a unique personal insight into the Iraq war and a distinctively accurate and well-written analysis of the war’s course and consequences”) Peter’s journalistic nous and sheer passion for the craft has seen him file from Canberra to Kuwait, London to LA and anywhere else in between.

A final year student of Parade College in 1978, Peter may be half a world away from High Street’s No.86 tram route these days . . . but he still fronted up in the black shorts for this far-ranging interview as Thornbury undoubtedly remains his spiritual home.

Men of stature acknowledged on Old Paradians homepage

Featuring at the top of this homepage, flanking our Parade College Captain of 2011 and newest "Old Boy" Daniel Fahey are six Old Paradians of genuine stature.

They are Collingwood Premiership player and coach "Phonse" Kyne; Private Ron Bennett, a POW who at 21 was brutally executed by the Japanese on the island of Ambon during the Second World War; Australian Test cricketer of the 1930s Leo O'Brien; our latest addition to the Hall of Fame and George Cross recipient Michael Pratt; the long-serving Old Paradians' Association stalwart Frank Mount; and the artist known globally as "Gotye", our 1998 College Captain Walter De Backer.

Footage on show of football's night of nights

The likes of Brian Beers, Paddy Guinane, Peter McKenna and Sergio Silvagni (pictured here in a lighter moment with the resident MC and fellow Old Paradian Daniel Harford) are amongst those football luminaries sharing their recollections on film captured by College Archivist Rod Prusa, in the lead-up to the naming of The Pride of Parade football team in November 2011.

Also featured is the former Carlton footballer John Benetti, who despite being cut down with a stroke, was a happy participant in proceedings, as well as the 1984 Olympic Silvber Medallist Gary Honey.

To view the interviews, click on the Cinema Archive link to the right of this homepage.

Michael Pratt inducted into OPA Hall of Fame

Michael Kenneth Pratt GC (1972), this nation’s only living recipient of the George Cross Medal, is now Parade College’s first living inductee into the Old Paradians’ Association’s Hall of Fame.

Michael, who is also the first of seven inductees schooled at Parade Preparatory College Alphington and later the Bundoora Campus, was formally inducted at The Pride of Parade Gala Dinner, before more than 160 fellow Old Paradians, at The Ballroom Bell City in Preston.

He was presented with an inscribed glass plaque by Parade College Principal Br. Denis Moore, and is captured here (second from the left) savouring the moment with three of his four younger brothers Matthew, Daniel and Peter, all Old Paradians.

“Just doing my job” - Michael Pratt tells

“In my first year at Parade Bundoora they ran a careers day, and I remember that a couple of coppers came along to give their spiel on what the police force was. In the back of my mind I was a bit impressed with that.”

The speaker is Michael Pratt, Old Paradian, former policeman and dedicated family man. Michael is also Australia’s only-living recipient of the George Cross Medal, gazetted on July 4, 1978. Some 35 years later, on the evening of Friday, November 4, 2011, Michael was named Parade College’s first living inductee into the Old Paradians’ Association’s Hall of Fame.

Earlier this year, Michael took time out from duties at Wallan Police Station to reflect on his life both prior to and following the frenetic events of June 4, 1976. This is his story. (image courtesy Victoria Police)

Champions sought for Old Paradians networks

The Old Paradians' Association is seeking champions prepared to act as ports of call for fellow students of their final year of schooling, to build on numbers for future association events such as reunions, business breakfasts and gala dinners.

A successful template for this process is the 1972 class, whose cause has been championed by Shane Bond. More recently Norman Tyrrell (1953) and Phil Carter (1968, pictured) have committed to the task, and want to hear from former students for their respective years. Tyrrell can be contacted at nandmtyrrell@bigpond.com or on 9836 6452, and via PO Box 4277, Balwyn East, Vic., 3103. Carter can be contacted at philcarter51@gmail.com, phil.carter@defence.gov.au, or on 0412 927715. Phil's postal address is 2/8 Eileen Street, Viewbank, Vic. 3084

The Old Paradians' Association, in building its network, is calling on Old Boys to join Shane, Norman and Phil in committing as champions for their final year students at Parade, whether it be 1940, 2010 or any year in between. Prospective champions can contact Tony De Bolfo via email, tdebolfo@parade.vic.edu.au, or on 9468 3001.