The College was delighted to welcome more than 200 guests for the induction of eight distinguished Old Collegians into the Gallery of Honour.
The Gallery of Honour, established in 2018 during Wesley鈥檚 95th anniversary, celebrates alumni whose achievements, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting impact on their communities and industries. From Olympic swimmers, to architects, to jazz musicians, the 36 people already in the Gallery represent a wide array of talents. This year鈥檚 inductees were no exception.
The evening kicked off with a warm welcome as inductees were celebrated across six categories: Arts & Culture, Community Service, Human Endeavour, Industry & Professions, Science & Technology, and Sport.
, an award-winning anchor for CNN International, shared his gratitude via video from the CNN news desk in Atlanta. Reflecting on his journey, he said, 鈥淲esley鈥檚 motto 鈥楤y daring and by doing鈥� is more than mere words. Wesley gave me the confidence to dare and took me to London to start my career where I was able to achieve the doing part of the school motto over the next 46 years all over the world.
鈥淚 am beyond grateful to the school for launching me in life and onto a path I鈥檝e been honoured to walk for nearly 50 years.鈥�
Next, we honoured Dr David Hough OAM (53-57), Arts icon and a key figure in establishing . Although David鈥檚 sister, Pauline, accepted the award on his behalf, she fondly shared, 鈥淓ducation at 麻花星空视频 provided David with a foundation for life. The cultural, sporting and academic opportunities, the friendships and the school ethos of doing all the good you can, served David well.鈥�
Mr Barry MacKinnon AM (60-61) flanked by fellow inductees Mr Mitchell Marsh (02-08) and Dr Nicholas Coatsworth (85-95).
, politician and disability advocate, reminisced about his brief yet impactful time at Wesley. He noted, 鈥淚 only came to Wesley for two years, but the school had a tremendous impact on me in many ways.
鈥淭he most important thing it did for me was what they call a sliding doors moment, or by daring and by doing. I joined the rowing team. And why was this important? I loved rowing, but I met my wife and that changed my life enormously. I would never have achieved anything in my life without her support.鈥�
Dr Nicholas Coatsworth (85-95) addresses the audience.
The night continued with inspiring words from , a renowned physician and former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia. He expressed his deep connection to Wesley, saying, 鈥淲esley nurtures the talents of everyone, and it鈥檚 remarkable to see that it鈥檚 even better now than when I was here.鈥�
Representing excellence in Industry & Professions, Major General Ross Buchan AO (46-53) was praised for his decorated military career. Though the award was accepted by Brigadier Gerry Warner, his achievements left no doubt that Ross embodied the school motto in every aspect of his life.
We also honoured Dr Clive Francis (51-55), a trailblazing agricultural scientist, whose daughter, Carlie, spoke of his legacy: 鈥淒ad was described as a brilliant, unconventional scientist, with an outstanding rapport with farmers. the face of Australian agriculture.
鈥淥n behalf of our family, I would like to thank Wesley for the honour and the recognition of his legacy and achievements.鈥�
Dr Alex George AM (49-55) stands in the Gallery of Honour.
, a world-renowned botanist and author, highlighted his lifelong connection to the College. 鈥淚 have received several awards, but to get one from my old school is particularly gratifying, in a way that is hard to define.鈥�
Mr Mitchell Marsh (02-08) accepts his award.
Finally, , Australian cricketer and one of the nation鈥檚 most dominant players, reflected on the influence of Wesley in his life. 鈥淲hen I was reflecting today on what this meant to me, it is just a huge honour. Cricket has provided me with wins like the Ashes and the World Cup, but when it comes from the school that has given you so much in your life, it鈥檚 a real honour.鈥�
He added: 鈥淚 think about the motto, 鈥楤y daring and by doing鈥�. What that has taught me over my journey is to never be afraid of failing. I carry the motto with me these days, as a proud Wesley boy, that鈥檚 the way I live.鈥�
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