x May 2014 y

Dan McErlean 12 Werona Street Sunnybank Qld 4109

Dear Old Boys

The new Executive of our (St Mary’s) Brothers Old Boys’ Association was elected at the AGM on Monday 31/3/2014. Joe Guerrini was re-elected President. He is a past student of St James’ Christian Brothers, Fortitude Valley, a kindred College and before accepting his current position at the University of South in 2009, was the St Mary’s College Business Manager. His son, David , who completed Year 12 in 2012, has enrolled in a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree course at the Australian Catholic University this year.

Other Officers elected were Peter Walters (Year 12, 2006) Vice President, Don Stephens (Year 12, 2007) Secretary, Matthew Booth (Year 12, 2006) Treasurer, Committeemen are Paul Canning (1968 – 1975), Greg Manthey (Year 12, 1984) and James Dixon (Year 12, 2004). Jeremy Cotter who has served for several years on the Committee was unable to stand for re-election due to the pressure of work on legal litigations with Jensen & Co Lawyers in Toowoomba. James Dixon who was elected to fill the vacancy is employed with the Commonwealth Bank in Toowoomba and in 2012 and 2013 was President of the All Whites Rugby League Football Club. James is the son of Kevin and Candy and a nephew of the late Ray Dixon.

At our meeting on the 14/3/14 the gathering heard an interesting and informative address from Robin Murphy whose company, Canstruct Pty Ltd, has undertaken significant bridge construction works in PNG and the building of housing and other accommodation facilities in remote areas such as Phosphate Hill near Mt Isa, OK Tedi Mine in Tabubi PNG and for the Federal Government at Nauru and Christmas Island.

Our next meeting will be held at ‘The Public Service Club’, Level 1 Function Room, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane on Friday16th May 2014, from 12 noon through until about 2.00 pm; but feel free to drop in anytime from 11.00 am on, as your commitments dictate and join Old Boy mates in convivial fellowship. Other ‘Claimer Dates’ for our meetings this year are 25/7/14, 19/9/14 and 21/11/14.

For Old Boys coming by train to the Central Railway Station, there is a free City Loop bus from Stop 8 opposite Central Station in Ann Street which allows you to alight at Stop 103 in the Government Precinct, just outside ‘The Public Service Club’ at 84 William Street. The bus services on this route are every 10-15 minutes.

The popular mid year Old Boys’ luncheon will be held again this year at the North Toowoomba Bowls Club on Friday 20 th June 2014. To assist with catering arrangements it would be appreciated if you could ring John Wilson (4638 1098) or Eric Howe (4632 2191) to make a reservation for this event.

After the success of the two luncheons at Buderim last year a further two are proposed this year. The first on Friday 4 th July 2014 at the same venue, the ‘Headland Golf Club on Golf Links Road, Buderim. These events generally follow the format of our Brisbane gatherings. For reservations please contact Bernie Murphy (5478 0742), Terry Murphy (5456 4340) or Redmond Byrne (5477 6705).

This year’s Confraternity Shield Rugby League tournament will be held at Aquinas College on the Gold Coast between 30 th June and 4 th July. This annual great sporting event is enjoyed by the participants and hundreds of spectators who follow the matches over four days. Great credit must go to the convenors, referees and the State organising committee for their efforts.

Please remember Maureen Long and John Ferguson recently deceased. Maureen was the wife of Jim and sister-in-law of John, Kevin (RIP), Pat, Tom, Marie Barker (RIP), Agnes Beauchamp (RIP), Molly (Karl), Frances (Long) and Patricia (Fisher). John was the husband of Kath (Shearer ) and brother-in-law of Tom (Shearer). He had been a cattle buyer and second row forward in 51 matches for All Whites between 1949 and 1952.

Bryan McSweeney Dan McErlean Dan Reilly 1 President Secretary Co-Ordinator (07) 3278 9682 (07) 3345 4404 (07) 3395 1813

T.B.O.B.A. (Brisbane Sub-Branch) Meeting – 14/3/14

Present Apologies

Bryan McSweeney Fr Paul Chandler Doug Lee (President) Mick Moloney Laurie Atzeni (Hon) Fred Lincoln Fr Tyrone Deere Pat Mullins Frank Adamson Jim Long John Bagget Robin Murphy Peter Betros Trevor Muller Darrel Baker John McClure Greg Butler Jim Mullins Nev Card Dan McErlean Bernie Collins Bernie Murphy Nat Chandler Peter McMahon John Coyer Terry Murphy Noel Cronin Martin O’Sullivan Jack Davis (Hon) Rod McDonald John Drew Jack Parker Frank Deighton Justin McErlean Les Duncan Graham Swenson Allan Duncan John Nonan Graham Ehler Kerry Taylor Brian Fagan Reg Oliver Terry Gesch Reg Taylor Des Franklin John O’Neil Rolly Griffin Trevor Taylor Brian Gagen Keith Pickels John Hutchinson John Hagan Glen Wiedman Merv Johnstone Merv Henson Kerry Zeller Peter Kennedy Tom Hutchinson

‘Coming Events’

st 16/5/14 - Brisbane TBOBA Sub Branch Meeting – 1 Floor, Function Room, ‘The Public 11.00am – 2.00pm Service Club’, 84 William Street (cnr Stephens Lane), Brisbane Annual TBOBA Luncheon at North Toowoomba Bowls Club – For reservations 20/6/14 – Noon please contact Eric Howe on 07 4632 2191 or John Wilson (4638 1098) TBOBA Sunshine Coast Meeting at Headland Golf Club on Golf Links Rd, 4/7/14 - Noon Buderim. Contacts: Bernie Murphy (5478 0742), Terry Murphy (5456 4340), Redmond Byrne (5477 6705) TBOBA Lawn Bowls Day at North Toowoomba Lawn Bowls Club for Kevin Lee 12/10/14 - 9.00am Memorial Trophy. To nominate contact: Laurie Blacka (3861 0828), Terry Gesch (3359 9288) or Eric Howe (4632 2191). A 1958 Scholarship Reunion is being planned for the 2 nd half of 2014 by Philip TBA Long, Barry Lancaster, John Stephen and Colin Zeller who would like to hear from former classmates. Contact [email protected] or mobile 0427 962 207

Annual Membership Fee ($10.00) for Calendar Year 2014 is now due / or Life Memberships are available (Fee $100.00) * * * Cheques as donations towards the Indoor Sports Complex should be made payable to ‘Br. Baptiste O’Sullivan Building Fund’. They are fully Tax Deductible and will be receipted.

2

Maurice Esmond Coman There are many memories: (16/11/24 – 11/1/14) • Maurie’s habit of taking half a load to the • A Life Member of our Association, Maurie, as he dump and returning with a full load was popularly known, was born on 16 th • Birthdays, Friday payday take aways and November 1924 in beach holidays Toowoomba, the elder of two • His presence at baptisms, confirmations, first children. His sister Esme was holy communions and at as many sports and some 2 years younger. He had special days as possible a somewhat chequered • The way he spoke with pride about the educational experience; but achievements of his family. was enrolled at St Mary’s College in the 1930’s and In retirement Maurie joined the Travelling remained a loyal Christian Bowlers/ Drinkers and on a trip to Roma where Brothers’ Old Boy all his life. he caught up with one of his YCW associates, he found Clare . They married on 22/2/1986 and it He gained employment with the Southern Cross was introductions all round to Clare’s sons Machinery Co on leaving school and remained David , Rob and their wives, Leandra and Kim. with the Company until he decided that he and The couple travelled extensively overseas and computers were not a match and it was time to settled into a Unit at Ashmore. Clare passed to retire. During his working life Maurie obtained a heaven on 24/9/2004 and Maurie returned to number of Trade Tickets and worked his way up Toowoomba and settled in with Helen until his the ladder to become Maintenance Foreman, a recent move to Lourdes Home. prominent and respected position in the factory. We all have differing memories of Maurie During his early adult life Maurie joined the Coman, but a few stand out: Young Catholic Workers Association where he • How he kept his young family together and met many of his long term friends – Ted and Reg laid the foundations for their lives Neale, Cyril Clydesdale, Basil Nolan, Ron • How he was respected by his generation and Peut, Ray King and Jack Davis. He took an the younger generations as well active role in the organisation assisting their • His Aladdin Cave (the work shed) where he Chaplain, Rev Fr Ron Walton. One memorable undertook many projects, beer making, activity during these years was the presentation boatbuilding and his hand work on various with the National Catholic Girls Movement of the cars. operetta ‘Castles in Spain’ for a number of nights in the Toowoomba City Hall. Following a Requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate his Life, Maurie Coman Maurie met his first wife, Marie , in Toowoomba; was buried at the Garden of Remembrance on but she moved to Woody Point when her father 16/1/2014. He will be sadly missed by John and took over the hotel there; so courting had its Von, Helen, Chris and Pat, Ian and Sue, Mary difficulties in this post war period; with no means and Brett, 14 grandchildren as well as David, of transport like today; but he was a determined Leandra and Sophie and Rob and Kim, in whom individual and the couple married at Scarborough th his memory will live on. on 5 February 1949. Marie & Maurie built their home and the mandatory tradesman’s shed in Kevin Patrick McErlean (26/1/37 – 5/2/14) Grey St, Toowoomba and were blessed with the arrival of John, Helen, Chris and Ian. Then on 20 • October 1965, their miracle daughter Mary Kevin Patrick McErlean, the Dianne was delivered just months before Marie’s second youngest of nine death. Maurie kept the children together and children was born to John raised them as best he could with the support of Patrick and Jessie Maud (McDonald) McErlean on the children’s grandma and a heavy input from th Helen and Chris. The family remember the stew 26 January 1937. He grew pot on the end of the stove, and the way they all up on the family farm at sat down to eat, the check of homework, the bills Ravensbourne which had being put into the china chook and pulled out like been settled on by his a lucky dip, the chores of cleaning, mowing and grandparents Hugh and Annie McErlean when cutting wood, the expeditions into unknown they migrated from Ireland in the 1880s. Kev’s places to gather firewood with neighbours and early education was gained at the Ravensbourne family. State School; but after World War II his parents,

3

seeking better educational and work opportunities • Our Brisbane Sub Branch President, Bryan for their children, re-established their home on McSweeney and wife Julie are beaming Gordon Avenue, Toowoomba. This enabled following the birth of their 5 th grandchild at 4.19 Kevin to enrol at St Mary’s College in 1947, am on the 18/3/2014. The babe, Spencer Ray leaving in 1950 after completing his sub junior Palmer , is the third child of Jay and Darlene . year. He enjoyed cricket particularly and was a member of the Under 15 ‘B’ cricket team in • Rosemary and Ted Bowling (1941 – 1947) 1950. celebrated their 55 th Wedding Anniversary on the 4th April 2014 with a 16 day cruise around the He then took up a position at Pigott & Co Pty west, north and east coasts of Australia. They Ltd, The City Emporium and remained there until enjoyed it so much that they have booked another the store closed. Kevin and Lesley (Murray) who cruise for next April which will sail up the had married on 19 th November 1960, then opened Eastern seaboard. the successful ‘Tots and Teens’ children’s ware business. They were blessed with four children, • Congratulations to Dan and Christine, Helen, Terry and Brendan (RIP). Vera (Evans) McErlean of Sunnybank on their Golden Kevin suffered a period of ill health after the Wedding Anniversary. The death of Lesley and moved to Lourdes Home th couple were married in where he died on 5 February. Fr Ray Crowley St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns on conducted his funeral at the Heritage Chapel and Easter Monday 30 March 1964. the graveside committal at the Garden of Their family gathered to Remembrance Cemetery. celebrate this occasion at the Rochedale Rovers Soccer Club He is survived by children, Christine, Helen and on Sunday 30/3/2014. Terry and his sisters Irene (Gibbon), Stella

(Hoppe) and Marie (Arnold) and brother Jack . • Also celebrating Golden Wedding Anniversaries • Sister Carmel Dwan’s Golden Jubilee for her this year have been Doug and Bernice Reis and religious life was celebrated on 27 th January 2014 Pat and Desley Byrne . Doug and Bernice were with a Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of married in the Holy Name Church, Toowoomba Lourdes Catholic Church, Sunnybank. Family, and to celebrate this event, gathered family and friends and other members of the Mercy Sisters friends in the Holy Name Parish Hall to reminisce Congregation were present at this event which on this happy occasion, 50 years ago. Old Boys Sister Carmel said ‘filled her heart with joy’. will recall how Doug, his brother Lindsay , sister Colleen (Mrs Ron Lewis) and their father had a Sister who grew up in Toowoomba in the musical popular band, ‘The Yale Blues’, for some years. Dwan family, the third daughter of the late Stan and Catherine (Flynn) Dwan, and a sister of Pat and Desley Byrne were married by Monsignor English in St Agatha’s Church, Mrs Pat Deighton, Mrs Anne Lunney and Mrs st Catherine Clifford. Clayfield, on 1 February 1964 and then settled into early married life at Pratten near Warwick. Carmel was born in 1939 and worked as a bank Moves then took them via Coorparoo, Roma and officer in the Commercial Bank of Sydney before Dalby to Newtown, Toowoomba. For Pat is has she entered the Sisters of Mercy on 5 th July 1961, been almost a full circle having been raised in making her final vows in 1969 and taking the Newtown by his parents Dick and Moreen Joyce religious name, Sister Stanislaus Mary . (Fitzpatrick) Byrne.

th th As a religious Sister Dawn spent many years • On 8 and 9 March the family of Jack and teaching catechesis to children in parishes Dawn Davis gathered for a well organised throughout the Brisbane Archdiocese. This work weekend at the Lake Somerset Holiday Park in catechises eventually led to teaching parents about 8km from Kilcoy. Their 6 sons – Dan, the faith through the Archdiocese Rite of Tim, Gerard, John, Neville and Robert and Christian Initiation of Adults. Sister is also the their daughter Jenny , grandchildren and great formation coordinator for Mercy Partners, a new grandchildren, 55 in all, were well catered for by entity set up by the Sister of Mercy in John’s friend, a McDonald’s licensee from Queensland. Kingaroy. The good weather enhanced opportunities to ski and to enjoy other boating activities and the family group are looking forward to a similar event in 2015.

4

• Life Member John O’Neill ( 1946 – 1953) and his John’s father, Henry Wagner, was President of wife, Gail , have just flown off on a holiday for 2 our TBOBA from 1970 to 1974 when Old Boys months in Norway, Sweden and Ireland. He will were acquiring properties to begin the initial provide a full report on the trip at the next development of the Brother Frank Rodgers Sports meeting after they return. Old Boys will Field. Old Boys remember Henry riding his horse remember John being a member of two All to school and it being tethered in the area behind Whites’ ‘A’ grade Rugby League premiership the former tennis courts on the corner of West teams during his 41 match career with that Club and Hill Streets. between 1956 and 1960. While John Wagner was at St Mary’s, it is • The hot early months of each calendar year lead recalled that he operated a back hoe under the Queenslanders to think it could be great to watchful eye of Brother Rodgers to pull out the experience cooler weather, possibly in Tasmania, hedges in front of the College. and this is what two Old Boys did this year. Bernie Collins travelled around the island • Old Boy, Tony Gollan (Year 12 – countryside for a month in February/ March and 1996) and now regarded as one of is now back in Maryborough getting some bowls Queensland’s leading racehorse practice for the TBOBA Inter City Bowls days. trainers, has had a busy year, so Ron Roney flew down to Launceston for a 14 far, as he commuted between day round Tasmania bus tour in March and Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne enjoyed river cruises on the Tamar and Gordon to saddle up his charges in some of rivers, visits to the Port Arthur Gaol and the nation’s biggest race events. Beaconsfield Mining Centre and 3 days in Hobart. A highlight was the win on Friday 21 st March 2014 by his 6 year old horse ‘Spirit of • The Wagner brothers John, Joe, Denis and Boom’ in the Group I William Reid Stakes at Neill, sons of Henry and Mary , know the value Moonee Valley. This victory took its prize money of air services to Toowoomba’s booming to $1.8 million. Spirit of Boom’s half brother economy and have set about constructing a ‘Temple of Boom’ which has been in Tony’s 2.87km runway, the first privately-funded public stable since 2008 is also a Group I winner with airport in Australia. It is also the first major earnings of $1.3 million to date. Last year Tony airport to be built on a Greenfield site since Gollan re-established his training base at Eagle Melbourne’s Tullamarine opened in 1970. Farm, Brisbane from Toowoomba.

The $100 million • Rion Hitchener took up duties as airport project, the Chief Racing Steward in on a 516 hectare Toowoomba on 9/12/13 after site at Wellcamp, moving down from Townsville 17km west of where he held a similar role. He Toowoomba, is had just time to settle in before primarily planned the opening of the redeveloped as a passenger Clifford Park track and recently airport and will service the fly-in, fly-out oversighted events at the first workforce for the Surat Basin. Weetwood Carnival to be held on these new facilities. It also has the potential to become a significant major air freight hub. The first flights at this jet- For this former St Mary’s College student (Year capable airport are expected in September. 12 – 2003), his recent appointment has followed a lengthy curve having begun his career at Racing The Wagner family own a construction, Queensland’s Toowoomba office doing part time infrastructure and engineering business and work as a 15 year old. After serving as the Chairman, John Wagner, says the airport precinct Deputy Chief Racing Steward in the Toowoomba required tonnes of rock which is being sourced on Region for 4 years he then earned promotion to site, keeping heavy machinery off the road. be the Chief Racing Steward in Townsville, a Work on the runway takes place 24 hours a day post that also covers TAB racing in Mackay and while construction of the 8,000 sqm terminal is country racing from Laura to Mount Isa. We wish the next stage. Rion, his wife Belle and two young daughters Jasmine and Abbie well now they have returned to the Downs.

5

Vale – Patrick ‘Cocky’ Sydney after the Kangaroo Tour for big money; McMahon but remained in Toowoomba. He was a good (21/6/27 – 25/11/13) publican and received a bravery award when he and an off-duty detective disarmed a gunman in • It’s 1946 and many Old The Terminus public bar. Pat McMahon is Boys will remember the survived by his wife, Maureen, sons Patrick and arrival of Pat McMahon Geoffrey and four grandchildren. from Mount Isa to Toowoomba as an 18 year • The township of Greenmount on the outskirts of old to join the South End Toowoomba has Historical significance for Old Football Club. His father Patrick Snr worked as a Boys who were College students during Brother clerk in the mines, Pat had attended the local J O’Sullivan’s eras As Science Master (1936/38 convent school and had shown great promise as a and 1940/50). Jeremiah O’Sullivan was raised at teenager playing football against and with Greenmount and attended St Mary’s in the 1900s. soldiers based out there. In 1908 he was one of nine students to successfully pass the Sydney University Junior He played on the wing for Toowoomba against examination. Another of the nine, Daniel the Englishmen at the Toowoomba Showgrounds Courtney who also passed this exam came from on 13/7/46, just a few weeks after his 19 th Greenmount. birthday on 21 st June. He had already represented Queensland against the new South Wales in Well the township has another important ‘son’, Sydney on 11/5/46 and 18/5/46 and was selected Bishop elect for Rockhampton, Michael to play in the 3 rd Test for Australia v England on McCarthy , who will be the city’s 10 th Bishop. the 20/7/46, a week, after the Toowoomba match; He grew up on the dairy farm of his father, Fabe , but had to withdraw owing to a shoulder injury a Rugby Union International and attended the despite being desperate to play. He made his Test local state school before boarding at Downlands debut at the Gabba against the Kiwis in 1948. from 1964 to 1967. Some Old Boys recall him undertaking a 3 year Industrial Chemistry degree Pat went on to tour with 1948 Kangaroo side to course at the Institute of England and France playing in all the 5 tests, Technology. He then worked as an Industrial three in England and two in France and then was Chemist for BHP in Newcastle before he entered selected in both Tests on the New Zealand Tour St Paul’s National Seminary for late vocations in in 1949. In all Pat McMahon represented Kensington, Sydney 1975. Queensland 14 times, against NSW from 1946 to 1951 (on 12 occasions) and against New Zealand Ordained in 1978 he worked in the Gympie and in 1948 and England in 1950. Surfers Paradise Parishes and in subsequent years, the priest who grew up in Greenmount, has While playing in the Toowoomba Rugby League served in a number of pastoral roles including competitions he had seasons with a number of Rector of three versions of the Banyo Seminary, clubs, South End (which became Souths in 1951), Dean Forane of South Coast, Director of the Valleys and All Whites. He was a member of the permanent formation of the clergy and as Priest Souths 1951 Premiership side and for All Whites of the Hendra Parish and Episcopal Vicar in all their 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956 for clergy. Bishop Michael McCarthy will be Premiership victories, scoring 38 tries and 1 goal installed in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, in 43 matches. In 2008 Pat was named in the on 29 th May 2014. Toowoomba Team of the Century. • The usual Anzac Commemoration Ceremony was On St Patrick’s Day 1950, Pat married Maureen held on the College Bro Frank Rodgers Sports Wilkinson and the couple moved to Babinda Fields at 8.45am on 24 th April. After the where Pat was captain – coach of the Babinda Welcome Lighting of the Eternal Flame, Fr Club. He returned to Toowoomba in 1952 and Kerry Costigan (former Navy Chaplain) read the retired from International Football to concentrate opening prayer, then following the reading by Mr on his carriers business. Later, from 1966 to Paul Canning and the Gospel reading by Fr Hal 1988 he was a hotelier in Kingaroy, The Five Ranger (former Army Chaplain), Fr Ray Ways (Toowoomba), the Terminus (South Crowley (College Chaplain) preached the Brisbane) and The Victoria at Charleville. Homily. The Guest Speaker was Old Boy Warrant Officer Andrew Donnelly , now Pat ‘Cocky’ McMahon was not only a good stationed at Enoggera. His 23 years Army Service footballer but a loyal and respected friend to has included deployment in Iraq. The Ode was many. He had the opportunity to join South

6

recited by another Old Boy, Vince McDonald , • There are also a number who are unwell or who had 2 tours of Vietnam with the 6 th recovering from surgery: Kevin and Tim Battalion. Coonan, Justin Kingsford, Trevor Muller, Kevin Killoran, Pat Seymour, John Keightley, It was a time to remember many of the Old Boys Bill McErlean, Marie Keen and Annette who served our Country such as Owen Patrick Gilbert. and Cormac Kenny, Alexander Wilkes, Lawn Bowls Day William James Ryan and William Patrick Walsh in World War I. The considerable number • The first of our Old Boys Inter City series Lawn who saw action during the 1939 – 1945 War like Bowls Days for 2014, for the ‘Kevin Lee the 5 Sullivan brothers – Jack, Steve, Eugene, Memorial Shield’ was held at the Stafford Bowls Frank, Victor (Army) and 5 Fallon brothers Club on Sunday 6 th April 2014. Special thanks Eddie, Bill, Jack, Kevin and Bernie (RAAF) go to the organisers of the event – Eric Howe, and the numerous lads who were part of the 25 th Laurie Blacka, Gordon Robertson, Terry Battalion at Milne Bay. Gesch and Jack Davis, as well as the Stafford Lawn Bowls Club and the sponsors of the day, Vernon Copas, Robert Dobbyn, James Holy Cross Funerals. We are also grateful to St John, Maurice Duggan, Peter Hickey, Glen Paul Canning for coordinating transport for the Beattie, William Moloney and Harold Wagner Toowoomba lads. all killed in action while serving in the RAAF during World War II. Jim Stokes and Bernie Toowoomba Team: Gleeson who served in action during the Korean G Anderson M Anderson T Anderson L Blinco War. Keith O’Neill, Bill Greaves, Vince T Connolly P Dilleen R Jones G Kelly McDonnell, John Brady, John Bothwell, Paul K Cameron P Leonard J McErlean L Mitchell Dorfield, Graham Gordon, Noel Kelly, Damien J Mullen J Nolan M Otto A Ogilvie (John) Kelly, Kevin Long, Michael O’Connor, A Thomas D Schultz J Wilson Danny Schaumberg (RIP), Peter and Geoff Sheedy, Peter Upton and Robert Ziemski Brisbane Team: (Army ), Eric Gilligan and Graham O’Brien L Blacka N Blacka B Collins J Davis F Doherty J Fitzgerald G Flynn T Gesch (RAAF) who served in Vietnam and John Dom Jones P Long J Pennisi C Peek Cantwell who led our troops in Iraq and G Robertson L Mulhall Afghanistan. On the bell, Toowoomba led Brisbane by 18 shots – We also recall the deeds of one Private Peter 95 to 77. The successful winners on the day were: Hall MM. He joined the Army in 1942 and M Otto, L Blinco and J Muller (Toowoomba) served in New Guinea and Bougainville. On one G Robertson, G Flynn and J Fitzgerald (Brisbane). occasion the telephone line between his company and headquarters was severed, so he volunteered to break through to reach another company, from • 23 bike riders including Old Boy Paul Collins where he could contact Headquarters. He (College Captain 1982) plan to cycle 1237km succeeded and returned laying a new line, only to from Amberley to Longreach starting on May 2 nd find his company encircled by the enemy. He to raise funds for the veterans’ charity Mates 4 telephoned Headquarters and made a complete Mates and the Royal Flying Doctor Service reconnaissance of the enemy position, providing men’s mental health campaigns. Paul is an information for an attack the next day. He saved Executive Manager for Western Victoria and the lives of his company and was awarded a Tasmania with the National Bank. Military Medal for bravery. • Jeremy Cotter (Year 12 – 2007) top scored for • Also remember a staunch College Supporter, Leo the Railway’s Cricket Club with 73 runs in their Vincent Cruize (92 years), who passed away final competition match on 15/3/14 giving that recently. He served in the Navy in the Atlantic Club victory against Northern Brothers’ Diggers; and Mediterranean theatres during World War II but Railway’s were unable to secure a place in and after a career in the State Auditor General’s the semi finals. Department, rose to become Joint Manager of the State Wheat Board. He is survived by Kathleen, • Grandson of Jim Long and grandnephew of John, Leo (1957 – 1966), Margaret , Patricia, Marie, Pat and Tom, James Peirson , has been given a Christine, Gregory and Gabrielle , 17 grand- full contract with the Qld Bulls and Heat T20 children and 2 great grand children. His wife, Cricket Teams for the 2014/2015 Season. James Norma , predeceased him. is studying for a Business Management degree.

7

Toowoomba (St Mary’s) The result has been attributed to the diverse revenue Brothers Old Boys’ Association sources available to the SMOBA together with the ‘Extracts from Year 2013 President’s Report’ continued strong performance of the Clive Berghofer Arena Business Unit. The SMOBA received the first two The St Mary’s Old Boys’ Association (SMOBA) has years of 2005 and 2006 interest free from Mr Berghofer completed another successful year in 2013. The in exchange for naming rights. If it were not for this predominant activity of the SMOBA is the continued arrangement the loan balance would not be as it is now as operation of the Clive Berghofer Arena (CBA) for the the first two years were critical in the development of the benefit of the students of St Mary’s College and the SMOBA Business Units. wider community. Challenges for 2014 and Beyond The SMOBA has operated the CBA since the commencement of 2005. THE CBA was funded by the THE SMOBA from the 12 th April 2014 will no longer State Government $1,000,000 (Sport and Recreation operate the TP O’Brien Function Centre. The decision to Qld), Toowoomba Regional Council $412,500 and the close down the TP O’Brien Function Centre was made on SMOBA (via community donations $80,000 and a the 2 nd December 2013 following an agreement and commercial loan from Mr Clive Berghofer $1,010,000 discussions with the College Principal, Mr Michael and constructed on land owned by the St Mary’s Old Newman . The decision to close down the Function Boys’ Association. Centre was based on the request from the Principal that the College no longer wishes for functions to be Summary of Financial Results conducted in the TP O’Brien Hall and the College wished to relocate the kitchen to a new location underneath the Total revenue in 2013 was $354,442, a reduction of current library. 5.25% on the revenue from 2012 which was $374,402. The highest year recorded by the SMOBA was in 2011 The SMOBA has been able to agree with the College to a when the total revenue was $405,263. In 2011 the financial support package, which will replace the Function Centre Business Unit (FC-BU) achieved the surpluses generated from the FC-BU for 2014 and 2015. impressive result of $131,864 in revenue. In 2013 the This package will allow the SMOBA to replace the SMOBA achieved an operating surplus of $15,073 as revenue that would have been generated from the FC-BU compared to 2012 which had a deficit of $9,434. and thus continue to finalise the debt of the SMOBA by the end of 2015 as originally planned prior to the request The reduction in revenue from 2012 to 2013 was by the Principal to close down the TP O’Brien Function primarily a result in the reduction in FC-BU revenue, Centre. which was $25,000 lower in 2013 compared to 2012 and also a result of the loss of revenue from hall rentals in The immediate challenges for the SMOBA are to: 2013. It was however important to note that the forward bookings for 2014 are exceeding the bookings for the • repay the loan to Mr Berghofer by the end of 2015; same period in the prior year. • maintain the CBA to a level which results in the CBA rated as the best indoor sporting venue in the region; The Clive Berghofer Arena Business Unit (CBA-BU) • source other opportunities to replace the revenue of maintained its revenue contribution to the SMOBA in the FC-BU; 2013 with again another consistent performance. The • commence a sinking fund at the end of 2015 in order CBA-BU was able to provide court time to all the major to provide reserve for large capital outlays and users at competitive rate balancing the dual requirements improvements forthcoming at the CBA as it enters its of providing a National Standard Facility to the 10th year of operation. Community and the students of St Mary’s College yet generating sufficient revenue to continue to meet the Assets of the SMOBA obligations required to run the facility. The SMOBA has as its primary asset, the Clive St Mary’s Old Boys’ Debt Position Berghofer Arena which is estimated to be valued at approx. $3,500,000. With a debt of $194,426 at the In 2013 the SMOBA through its combined business units conclusion of 2013, this is a debt to equity ratio of 5.5% was able to reduce the debt on the Clive Berghofer Arena for the CBA. (CBA) from $306,492 at the commencement of 2013 to $194,426 at the conclusion of 2013. This is a total The SMOBA also owns the majority of the Br Rodgers reduction of $112,066 in principle from repayments Ovals, a rental property located at 80 Hill St, totalling $130,000 to Mr Clive Berghofer. As mentioned Toowoomba and the Tennis Courts adjacent to the CBA. in section 4 of this report, the St Mary’s Old Boys’ These assets have been accumulated by the SMOBA over Association has been able in 9 years of operating the many years by the generous work of dedicated members CBA, to reduce the debt on this building from $1,010,000 st of the SMOBA since 1949 to have accumulated these to $194,426 as at the 31 December 2013. During this assets for the benefit of the students at St Mary’s College. period total loan repayments have totalled $1,126,500. The value of the tennis courts is unknown.

The current committee of the SMOBA continues to have as it primary short term objective the repayment of this (Balance of President Guerrini’s Report will be included loan in the shortest period possible given current in the July Newsletter). available revenue sources.

8