Scotch College

OSCA Sydney Branch Dinner

Tim Shearer ('85), Executive Director OSCA, was given the honour of being the official guest at the annual Sydney Branch dinner held on 30 August,just two months into his recent appointment.

Some forty-five Old Boys gathered at Australia's oldest club, The Royal Exchange, near Circular Quay to welcome Tim into his new position and to hear of his future 'vision' for OSCA. No one was disappointed and this was confirmed by John MacConochie in his incisive response.

It should be of great interest to Old Boys that OSCA, which many consider to be the forefront throughout the world of Old Boy organisations, is to embrace technology by giving every Old Boy an individual internet address for life, where instant contact with the Association, the school and other Old Boys is assured via OSCAnet, now with two full- time staff.

"It's all about networking and building relationships," Tim declared, confirming that OSCA had undertaken research into the link between the school and Old Boys. "Clearly the School does connect with the perception that OSCA is an event organiser and provider. Research had found a distinct lack of clarity between OSCA and the Scotch College Foundation. "We need to keep engaging young people as there is only 8 to 10% strike rate getting young and Old Boys back into the fold. Old Boys are either Active, Passive Receptive or Passive Uninterested. OSCA workshops meetings will address these issues, as well as the need to gather in the 70s, 80s and 90s leavers."

OSCA President Rob Logie-Smith ('60) clearly enjoyed his son Robert's presence before announcing that OSCA had instigated fundamental changes to meet the 21st Century.

Starting with Tim Shearer's appointment at 34 years of age and the launching of OCSAnet later this year, Rob was determined that as many of the Old Boys as possible became life members of the Association. Every effort will be made to locate and obtain email contact with all Old Boys.

After thanking Branch Secretary Justin Butterworth ('91) and his predecessor David Macdonald ('78), Sydney President Scott Hoddinott was delighted to see many new faces, noting that the growing list of apologies raised concerns, especially as the date is readily remembered - being fixed for the last day in August. With so much exuberant talking throughout the convivial 'Royal Exchange', two bottles of scotch were still standing at the end of a most enjoyable night, as everyone had forgotten to raffle them off in aid of the Student Assistance Fund. At least they will be back next year!

David Macdonald