The first OPA Luncheon for 2026 was held on Wednesday, 11 February at the Mail Exchange Hotel on Bourke Street, with close to 40 attendees. While the venue differed from our usual RACV Club setting, guests enjoyed first-class food and hospitality.

Please note that all remaining monthly luncheons for 2026 will return to the RACV Club.

Pat Mount (1962) served as Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcoming guests and extending a special greeting to OPA President Michael Donato (2017), newly appointed Alumni Officer Stephen Philp (1986), and Alumni Relations Administration Assistant Hayley Workman.

Pat also acknowledged the passing of former Christian Brother, Brian Douds (1950) who passed away on Saturday December 20, and Kim Power who passed away in January this year. Kim was the widow of luncheon regular Paul Power (1956) and was a former guest speaker at the luncheon speaking about her and Paul’s charity work as founding members of The Sunflower Foundation, a nonprofit charity to support girls’ education in the poorest African communities.

Prior to lunch being served, Pat invited John Mount (1962), to lead the gathering in Grace.

As 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the OPA—an important milestone in the Parade story—Peter Johnston (1973), who does an outstanding job coordinating the monthly luncheons, organised a commemorative cake to celebrate the occasion. OPA President Michael Donato joined John in cutting the cake, after which John led the group in singing Old Bluestone Pile.

Following lunch, Pat invited Michael to provide an update on the OPA and to formally introduce Stephen Philp to attendees. Stephen succeeds John Nicholls as Parade College Alumni Officer, following John’s retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 school year.

Stephen spoke about his time at Parade College and his ongoing involvement with the Old Paradians Football Club, where he currently serves as Vice President. He also outlined several upcoming OPA events for the year, including future luncheon guest speakers, milestone reunions, the Annual Bike Ride, the OPA Golf Day, and the Hall of Fame Dinner scheduled for October.

We look forward to our March Luncheon, where Stephen Beers (1985), Director of Operations at 3AW and Macquarie Sports Radio, will be the guest speaker.

For enquiries regarding upcoming monthly luncheons, please contact Peter Johnston at johnstonpm55@gmail.com.