Old Paradians again gathered at the RACV Club for our monthly lunch. The lunch was well attended. Pat Mount (1963) again was our ‘Master of Ceremony’ and warmly welcomed special guests and our guest speaker, Events Victoria CEO Brendan McClements (1980). Pat was able to also welcome College Principal Mark Aiello (1990) and College Business Manager Paul Harris (1997) to the lunch.

Mark was introduced to the guests and invited to launch the ‘Old Bluestone Pile Club’, a fund-raising initiative of the Parade College Foundation. The Club is a meaningful way for those around Parade to stay connected and continue to have a positive impact on the lives of future Paradians.

Details can be found at https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/about-us/parade-college-foundation

Pat was able to communicate some Old Paradian news:

• What we believe to be our oldest Old Paradian, Bernie Swan (1943) turned 100 recently. Bernie resides at Nazereth House East Camberwell.
• John Mackey OAM (1950) was at the lunch and was recognised for recent Order of Australia Medal for services to the law and community. John has volunteered at a number of community organisations. He was President of the OPAAFC 1971-1972, a Life Member of the Club, Player and Committee man for 20 years.
• Terry Henderson (1965) and OTI Racing have had some recent success at Royal Ascot winning the first and last race on the card. Docklands took out the prestigious Queen Anne Stakes and Sober won the last on the day. Terry was able to combine the trip with sales in France and Ireland.

I was able to welcome our guest speaker for the day, CEO Events Victoria Brendan McClements (1980). Brendan was a passionate and enthusiastic participant in sport throughout his time at the College playing football, cricket and basketball. Brendan is the son of Old Paradian Frank McClements (1951), who too was heavily into sports when a student at the College.

After leaving the College, Brendan has built a career in a range of professional experiences in local, international, private and government sectors. Brendan spoke of good fortune, good mentors and timing that contributed to his many and varied professional roles in sport administration at Basketball Australia, the International Cricket Council and Victoria’s Major Events to his current role as CEO of Visit Victoria. He spoke of the values instilled in him at the College, his love and participation in sport, including OPAAFC on leaving school and the lifelong friendships forged at school that significantly contributed to his career. We are most appreciative of Brendan’s interesting and engaging speech to the group.

Our next Lunch will be held Wednesday August 13 from 12.00pm where Old Paradian and AFL Hall of Fame recipient Peter Bedford will be our speaker.

Written by John Nicholls, Alumni Relations.