Scotch College

OSCA Annual Dinner makes triumphant return to Leonda

Senator Rod Kemp ('63), OSCA President Andrew Wallace-Smith ('72) and The Federal Treasurer The Hon. Peter Costello MP	The Federal Treasurer The Hon. Peter Costello MP addresses the OSCA Dinner

The OSCA Annual Dinner made a triumphant return to one of its former haunts – Leonda by the Yarra – on Friday 26 May, when more than 550 old boys and guests enjoyed a memorable night of inspiration, fellowship, fun and great food.

OSCA President Andrew Wallace-Smith (’72) welcomed guests including former master Frank Stuckey, who had celebrated his 100th birthday in April, and Sir Archibald Glenn (’29), who had recently turned 95.

The traditional haggis ceremony preceded an excellent and well-spoken toast to the school by ’06 School Captain, Andrew Bubb. The Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, remarked on the vibrant health of OSCA, and reflected on the ‘terror’ he said he had felt on first addressing the Annual Dinner in 1983 as the new Principal.

Speaking on the values Scotch holds dear, Dr Donaldson highlighted the successful relationship Scotch has with indigenous communities in the Top End. He said this cherished link showed that Scotch was prepared to implement, rather than just talk about, ways of contributing to the well-being of communities outside the Hawthorn campus.

Guest of Honour Federal Treasurer Peter Costello spoke with humour, emotion and considerable fervour about values – the theme of the night. Peter, an Old Carey Grammarian, was capably and amusingly introduced by Senator Rod Kemp (’63).

Peter gave a powerful address in which he said Scotch was ‘at the cutting edge of instilling a love of knowledge’ in generations of Australians.

Peter said the values Scotch encourages are critical to the success of Australia’s institutions, such as parliament, the army, the police and the judiciary. He said the world looked to Australia for leadership in our region, to encourage the development of similarly successful institutions in nearby countries.

Great work by OSCA Executive Director Tim Shearer, Development Office Events Coordinator Monika Matlik, and the Development Office staff helped to make the 2006 Annual Dinner a night to rank among the very best.

David Ashton