A wonderful celebratory evening was held at the Novotel, Preston on Friday October 10, where the Old Paradians Association was able to induct our latest Hall of Fame and Tenete Award recipients.

Br Peter Dowling cfc (1965) and Sean Wilmore (1990) were both inducted into our Hall of Fame. Details of their significant and inspiring contributions after leaving the College can be found here.

Andy Kuppe (1983) received one of the Association’s highest honours, the Tenete Award, on the evening as well. Details of Andy’s professional and personal contribution to Parade College and the Old Paradians Association can be found here.

All past award winners in all categories can be found here.

I was proud to witness the attendance of Old Paradians from each decade since the 1950’s. Our oldest Old Paradian in the room, Ray Hangan, completed his schooling at the East Melbourne Campus in 1951! There was eight College Captains in the room. 2025 College Captain Matt Thomas, Vice-Captain Joseph Stephens-Keane and Preston Prefect Ziggy Keating were in attendance and enjoyed the night and were of valuable assistance to the Association.

A number of past Hall of Fame recipients were in the room including Terry Moran AD AC (1966), David Jones AM (1958), David Kissane AC (1968), Peter McKenna (1963) and Peter Bedford (1964). Members of the Mount family were in attendance, last year post humously inducting Frank Mount Sr (1918). We received apologies from Michael Drapac (1973), Peter Hellier (1993) and Hon. Andrew Robb AO (1968)

We proudly welcomed Fr John Vespa (2002), our most recent ordained Priest, a ceremony that took place in Rome by our new Pope, Leo X1V. John was able to lead guests in Grace.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our generous sponsors of the event. Premier sponsor Qube Logistics and Gold sponsors Total Tools, Melbourne Chain Wire Fencing and OTI Racing and Bloodstock and Exposure Digital Print and Displays who printed our Booklet.

We look forward to again organising our Annual Hall of Fame Dinner, October 2026.