Bernie's Bulletin

Event Calendar

Reunion Calendar

Save the Date for your class reunion! Registration will open closer to the date so we can track numbers. Each year level will receive emails with more information closer to the date as well.

The results are in and the Association's new logo is...the St Bernard dog!

Thank you to all who voted in the poll in the last edition of Bernie's Bulletin. We'll be starting to use this logo for the Association very soon!

The winner of the St Bernard's Gift Bag has been chosen and will be contacted directly.

Hugely accomplished in both the fields of commerce and biotechnology, Dr Brian McNamee AO has forged a distinguished career defined by intellectual rigour, hard work, and a commitment to bold, strategic leadership.

Like many Old Collegians, Brian’s educational journey commenced at The Strand Campus in Moonee Ponds before continuing at the Essendon Campus. During his time at the College Brian academically demonstrated a particular aptitude for mathematics and the sciences, which informed his decision to pursue medicine at the University of Melbourne.

Upon graduating with a Medical Degree, Brian elected not to follow the traditional clinical pathway. Instead, he directed his focus towards the pharmaceutical industry, beginning his professional career in Germany. Recognising a natural affinity for the commercial dimensions of the sector, he soon dedicated his efforts to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. This culminated in his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL) at the age of just 33.

Brian’s leadership proved transformative. He oversaw CSL’s transition to privatisation in the 1990s, positioning the company to operate as a self-sustaining enterprise independent of government support or reliance on overseas suppliers. Today, CSL stands as an internationally recognised biotechnology company, valued at over $100 billion, and widely regarded as one of Australia’s most significant corporate success stories.

Brian was inducted into the St Bernard’s College Hall of Fame in 2011 and was acknowledged by the Australian Financial Review as one of "seven business legends who shaped Australia". In 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to business and commerce.

Readers can look forward to a more in-depth interview with Brian in the forthcoming issue of The Strand magazine, where he reflects on his remarkable journey and imparts insights gained from decades of leadership at the highest level.

If you know any old collegians who have been successful lately, let us know at development@sbc.vic.edu.au - we'd love to celebrate them!

Another alumni we want to highlight this week is Tom Comerford (Class of 2015) who along with some mates is participating in a great cause later this year.

Tom is locked in to participate in Cancer Council's The Longest Day on the 24th of November, which involves completing 54 holes of golf in a day and is a great cause that raises awareness for cancer research. A few of Tom's team members have been directly impacted by cancer, so it is a cause close to his heart. 

 You can donate at the link here: Longest Day - Thomas Comerford.

Tom is very close to his goal - it would mean so much if we can help him get over the line!

Our last business lunch of the year brought together old collegians and community members for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and inspiration. We welcomed back members of the Class of 1986, who shared their experiences and insights in a lively and thought-provoking panel discussion.

Guided by Patrick Saundry, Commercial Director at Affinda, the panel featured three accomplished alumni: Agostino Giramondo, Managing Director of News Corp Victoria/Tasmania; Tony Kofkin, Director of Kofkin Bond & Co; and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Kyle Tyrrell, Founder and Mental Performance Coach at Tier1 Human Performance.

From left: Patrick Saundry, Kyle Tyrrell, Tony Kofkin, Agostino Giramondo

Each speaker reflected candidly on their journey since leaving St Bernard’s, touching on themes such as Life Right After School, Career Pivots, Daily Habits and Performance, Challenges and Resilience, Leadership and Community Values, and What I Wish I Knew Then. The conversation highlighted the power of adaptability, perseverance, and leadership grounded in service to others.

It was truly an honour and deeply inspiring to listen to Agostino, Tony and Kyle’s stories and advice, which resonated strongly with all in attendance. The event once again showcased the enduring bonds of the St Bernard’s community and the shared values that continue to guide its alumni long after graduation.

The SBOCA Grand Final Lunch will now feature Dyson Heppell, Brownlow Medalist Peter Bedford and top footy analyst David King.

The lunch will be held on Friday 26 September (the public holiday before the Grand Final) starting 12:00 pm at the Moonee Ponds Club.

Grab some friends and enjoy great banter from football legends and enjoy a 2 course meal with fantastic auction and raffle items up for grabs. Tickets are $100 per person and can be booked here: https://www.trybooking.com/DERBG 

We're pleased to announce our first industry-based event for our alumni in medical and allied health fields. We warmly invite you to the College on Thursday 16 October, for a social and networking event for like-minded individuals to catch up over drinks and canapes. 

Register for this free event here: https://www.trybooking.com/DDCMB. Alternatively, to book or for any enquiries you can contact us at development@sbc.vic.edu.au. 

The St Bernard's Old Collegians Association are excited to announce that spots are once again available for the SBOCA Grant program!

The Global Gateway Grant is available for Old Collegians planning international study, and the Leadership in Community Grant to help fund those who are making a positive difference. 

We encourage you to apply for these grants as they can make a real difference! Julian Vuong was one of the latest alumni to make good use of the Global Gateway Grant to help fund his epic journey abroad. you can see some of his adventures here: LIFE by VUONG (Full documentary)

For application details or more information please contact the Association at sboca@sbc.vic.edu.au. 

A reminder to sign up to our new old collegian platform Alumnly, which can be done at this link https://sbc.alumnly.com/alumnilogin. 

The Old Collegians Association has invested significantly in the building of this wonderful database, but it will only be effective if as many alumni as possible sign up. We'd strongly encourage you to join, as the bigger the network is, the greater the reward is for everyone involved. 

Alumnly is the place to be for exciting news, the latest events, and special offers for our alumni community. 

Among the many things you can do with Alumnly include accessing photos from events like our Foundation Gala Dinner and SBOCA Golf Day, search by industry to connect with fellow old collegians, and register your interest to offer career advice to the next generation of our students.

Thank you to all who have signed up so far, let's use this network and lift each other up!

This flashback Friday shows a unique experience, as an exchange student from Belgium mixed it with the school rugby team. You can be sure the students tried to get him into AFL, but perhaps Aussie Rules was too hard to wrap his head around!

Honouring our esteemed old collegians is deeply important to the College. If you wish to submit Vale notices for inclusion in The Strand magazine, please send them via email to development@sbc.vic.edu.au. Your contributions allow us to respectfully remember and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have been part of our community and have sadly passed away since our last publication in late 2024 and throughout 2025.

We greatly appreciate your support in helping us honour their memories.