For 160 years, Wesley College has shaped generations of learners, leaders and changemakers. Since 1866, our founding motto 'Dare to be wise' has guided us, and remains as relevant today as ever. Countless stories. One incredible journey. Honouring the past. Inspiring the future.
Australian Prime Minister.
Sir Robert Menzies is Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister and our best-known alumnus. A gifted student, he excelled in literature and oratory, winning a poetry prize for heritage and heroism before going on to study law at the University of Melbourne.
He helped found the Liberal Party and served as Prime Minister for over 18 years from 1939-1941 and 1949-1966, reshaping post-war politics in Australia. A strong advocate for education, he expanded universities, scholarships and school funding, and introduced major social reforms including voting rights expansion and health and welfare schemes.
Offspring. The Moodys.
The Family Next Door.
The productions were the highlight of my time at Wesley.
Teachers – Mr Evans, Ms Cooper, Mr Hann and Mr Scanlon – cared deeply, and only later do you realise how much that dedication shapes you. Playing Oliver (in a wig) and Lucy in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' stand out; I truly believed I was walking into Narnia.
Wesley gave me a space where creative thinking and taking the Arts seriously were not only accepted, but genuinely encouraged.
Founder of MICA. Advocate.
Dr Graeme Sloman AO was a pioneering Australian cardiologist.
He established Victoria’s first coronary care unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, championing the introduction of Australia’s first Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) service in 1971 and advancing the use of pacemakers and coronary angiography.
In 1981, he became Epworth Hospital’s first Medical Director and founded its Cardiology Unit.
Widely regarded as the ‘father of MICA’, his work has transformed cardiac and pre-hospital care in Australia.
Olympian.
First female OWCA President.
First female Fellow of OWCA Board.
Wesley's values have always resonated deeply with me. We were encouraged to embrace every opportunity on offer – and I did, wholeheartedly.
As a parent, student, athlete and now mentor, that mindset opened doors I could never have imagined, including scholarships, the AIS and Olympic representation.
'Dare to be Wise' still guides me – a reminder that stepping beyond my comfort zone is where I become my best self.
Looking for Alibrandi.
Edge of Tomorrow. Speed Racer.
The part of Wesley that had the greatest impact on me, personally and professionally, was the staff. I remember my teacher - Kerry Glass, saying, 'You have the most incredible energy, you just haven’t figured out how to use it yet.' It changed my life. She wasn’t criticising me; she was challenging me.
At Wesley, I found my passion for art and creativity and have spent my life creating characters and telling stories on screen, chasing the wonder and magic I discovered in those hallways.
Captain – Greater Western Sydney.
Three-time All-Australian.
2023 All-Australian Captain.
Wesley helped build my confidence, leadership skills and willingness to embrace new opportunities. I learned the value of hard work and having fun, and that success comes in many forms - not just academically, but through sport, leadership and personal growth.
What sets Wesley apart are the connections, teachers and people. Those relationships don’t end at graduation; there’s a genuine interest in who you become and how you navigate life beyond ‘school’. I met so many incredible people and I still lean on many of those connections today.
and Rosie Thomas OAM (OW2003)
Co-founders – PROJECT ROCKIT.
Lucy: I left school with a strong sense that if something needs attention, you don’t have to wait for permission to act. Wesley encouraged me to think beyond myself and notice what’s happening around me, and the importance of building environments grounded in shared connection and empathy.
Rosie: Wesley nurtured my curiosity about people, ideas and the world. I was encouraged to challenge the status quo, and believe that understanding people, their stories, experiences and differences is where meaningful change begins. Those values still guide me today.
As a historian, it is incredible to reflect on all that we have achieved in the last 160 years. But my role is to look ahead and prepare our students for the world they will inherit – a world that is changing rapidly, along with society and education itself.
It strikes me that our founders understood something fundamental: wisdom isn't just knowledge – it's having the courage to use that knowledge well. That was true in 1866, and it's true today. The context has changed dramatically, but that core challenge – to ‘Dare to be Wise’ – remains the same.’
Business Leader.
Public Policy Leader.
Fellow of Wesley College.
I will always remember the Year 12 Social Studies lessons led by Morris Williams. He challenged us to consider national and international events with a searching mind and instilled in me a thirst for knowledge and analysis of public policy.
Wesley gave me two vital cultural ethics: the priceless value of intellectual and personal integrity, and the importance of leaving a legacy devoted to improving the lot of everyone in the community. Analysis, challenge and courtesy have guided me throughout my professional career.
Expert – Diseases of the retina.
Wesley’s educational philosophy prepared me for the academic rigours of a medical degree, while its focus on leadership gave me the confidence to embrace opportunities throughout my career. Encouraged by teachers who believed in me, I went on to become an ophthalmologist – a profession I love for its ability to restore sight and change lives.
Wesley’s encouragement to engage in the world, pursue challenges, remain curious and above all, be a thoughtful member of the community, has best prepared me for life.
International Magician
of the Year 2013.
My story began at Wesley.
I was a shy, introverted kid. Magic drew me out of my shell, building confidence and a sense of self. Wesley believes in the whole person and gave me the space to explore. Magic wasn’t on the curriculum however I was given a stage, literally.
Wesley believes in striving for excellence, but on your own terms. They see a blueprint for personal fulfillment in each student, a unique set of qualities and talents worth nurturing. For me that was magic and Wesley encouraged it.
Athletics Ambassador. Advocate.
Athletics Coach Tim O'Shaughnessy had the greatest influence on my time at Wesley. His belief in me before I fully believed in myself shaped the way I now approach my own coaching and leadership.
Wesley gave me confidence, but more importantly, it gave me character. The values of resilience, community and showing up for the people around me continue to guide everything I do.
Wesley has always just felt like home to me, which is why I keep coming back to the Wesley Athletics program.
Offspring. Romper Stomper.
Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War.
The friendships and connections are lifelong, and sustenance for me. I’m third-generation Wesley, blessed with great parents who worked hard to send me and my brother Campbell (OW1986) there. The first in our family not on scholarships.
Wesley has a strange way of providing a path. I couldn’t express wanting to be an actor, yet Wesley realised it and started laying the gravel. The core values are simple. Self-belief and empathy. Back yourself. Treat people as you wish to be treated. 'Dare To Be Wise' - You don't need to go any deeper than that.
Sport Australia & World Triathlon Hall of Fame.
What I love about the values and culture of Wesley College is the genuine acceptance of the individual. It is a place where you are encouraged to be yourself – and truly supported in that.
Today’s students are preparing for careers and opportunities that didn’t even exist when I was at school. What matters most is not a single pathway, but the mindset and character to shape whatever future emerges – and that is what I see Wesley instilling every day.
Expert in solar radio emissions, sunspots and galaxy structure.
Joseph Pawsey (OW1925)* arrived at Wesley at just 14 years of age on a government scholarship, going straight into sixth form. After earning degrees from the University of Melbourne and a PhD from Cambridge, he became one of Australia's most brilliant scientists.
Working with CSIRO, he pioneered radio astronomy, making landmark discoveries about solar radiation, sunspots and the structure of the Milky Way.
His legacy endures through the Australian Academy of Science Pawsey Medal and a crater on the Moon bearing his name.
CEO – Studio Schools of Australia.
Principal – Wesley College (2003-2018).
Wesley shaped me both as a person and a leader. I was fortunate to see the school drive change in education and become more contemporary, more international in focus and more deeply engaged with the wider community. David Prest played a huge role in my career, and I was proud to reinstate boarding through Learning in Residence.
Years on, Wesley's enduring values stay with me. I often return to John Wesley's words: 'Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can.'
Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
Future doctor.
The diverse fabric of Wesley prepared me for the real world, helping me connect and communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Former orchestra conductor, Mark Ford, often said, 'There’s nothing wrong with being good'. It echoes the Wesley motto: 'Sapere Aude - Dare to be Wise'. Be willing to fail in order to one day succeed. Have the courage to try. This is something I live by. Wesley nurtures each student like a warm hug. If the school could speak it would say, 'Come as you are, and we will celebrate that'.
Founder – Bluestone Lane.
Co-founder – Old Mates NYC.
Nick Stone is a former AFL player and Australian entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Bluestone Lane, the New York–based café brand that brings Melbourne coffee culture to the USA.
After a decade working in corporate finance in both Australia and the US, he launched the business in 2013 and scaled it nationally.
Stone is a co-founder of Old Mates Pub in New York, an Australian-inspired venue celebrating the social spirit of the local pub. His career spans sport, finance and hospitality, with a focus on exporting Australian culture globally.
Award-winning artist.
My time at Wesley College and Yiramalay Studio School shaped both the person I am and the path I have chosen professionally. Encouraged by teachers who believed in my potential, particularly art teacher Ms Michele Maher, I found the confidence to embrace my creativity and develop my artistic voice. Those experiences inspired my journey as a First Nations artist and continue to influence my studies, community work and creative practice today. Most importantly, they taught me the value of community, cultural exchange, resilience and pursuing my passions with confidence.
Biomedical Researcher – AI,
Neuroimaging & Spaceflight Medicine.
My experience at Wesley gave me the foundations needed to lead major healthcare programs and pursue a career in medical research and innovation. I was relentlessly curious, and Wesley encouraged me to think beyond boundaries. It fostered mental, physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual growth, building the compassion and resilience essential to being a doctor. The school’s creative environment and strong values shaped how I work in high-pressure settings. The culture of open-mindedness and respect for diversity has permeated my life and continues to do so.
Gold Logie winner.
Waleed is a broadcaster, writer, lawyer and academic whose career has spanned media, public policy and higher education. After completing the IB at Wesley College, he went on to build a reputation as one of Australia’s most thoughtful and influential public commentators.
A Gold Logie and Walkley Award winner, Waleed is known for bringing insight, empathy and intellectual rigour to complex social and political issues. Through his work across television, radio, writing and academia, he continues to foster informed discussion and deeper understanding within the community.
Veterinary Physiotherapist.
British Army Reserve Officer.
During a Year 8 assembly at Wesley Glen Waverley, Tony Conabere delivered an unforgettable reflection on Sapere Aude, urging us to step beyond our safety circle and pursue the path less travelled. His words stayed with me, guiding moments from personal challenge to operational deployment.
Later, teachers Lloyd Cook, Maria Porter and Alan Storen showed quiet strength and care during a difficult time. From them, and through being an all-rounder in teams, I learned resilience, humility and that true success lies in contribution, courage and growth.
Harold Holt arrived at Wesley as a boarder and quickly distinguished himself as a scholar, debater and leader, graduating as Acting School Captain and winner of one of the most coveted awards at the time – the Alexander Wawn ‘all-rounders’ prize.
After studying law at the University of Melbourne, he entered federal politics in 1935 and became Australia's 17th Prime Minister in 1966. His government made landmark reforms, dismantling the White Australia Policy and championing the 1967 referendum granting citizenship rights to First Nations Australians.
Founder – global lipstick brands.
1995 Young Australian of the Year.
Poppy is an entrepreneur, author and beauty pioneer who launched her first cosmetics company at just 18 years of age.
Driven by a passion for bold, pigment-rich lipsticks missing from the market, she created a brand that became an Australian cultural icon and earned her 'Young Australian of the Year' honours in 1995.
After global expansion and years advising major beauty houses in New York, she founded Lipstick Queen in 2006, published 'Lessons of a Lipstick Queen' in 2008, and after a brief hiatus, returned to her roots, relaunching under her own name: Poppy King.
Specialist – Alfred Hospital
and Monash University.
My fondest memories of my time at Wesley are connected to the remarkable teachers I was fortunate enough to learn from – Miss Anderson, Mrs Bell, Mr Newbold, Rosa Storeli, Harry Hildebrand, Mrs Moon, Miss and Mr Taylor and many others.
They had a profound and lasting impact on my life. Their enthusiasm, kindness, encouragement and gentle guidance helped shape who I am and for that, I remain deeply grateful. I will always look back on my Wesley years with great appreciation for the teachers who made them so special.
Co-founder of online business, SEEK.
Attending Wesley was a deeply collegial experience. The diverse students and passionate teachers created a broad, engaging and nurturing environment for learning and growth. I’m sure it shaped me in ways I don’t always recognise, especially by fostering a strong ‘can do' attitude and real self confidence.
Wesley was progressive and encouraged individuality, with many pathways for students to explore. My year level was a wonderful, varied group and we share a lasting bond. I cherish my Wesley days and see them as truly formative.
Indigenous model.
Youth support mentor.
My time at Wesley and Yiramalay shaped who I am today. Teaching Wesley students about Indigenous culture, sharing stories and building meaningful connections had a lasting impact on me.
Attending Wesley in Melbourne opened opportunities, including a basketball tour to the USA that pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me there was so much more out there. I'm grateful for the education, support and experiences I received, which prepared me for life beyond school and gave me the confidence to embrace new opportunities.
Author. Businessman.
Advocate for neurological disease awareness.
Michael Klim is an Olympic gold medallist and one of Australia’s most accomplished swimmers.
He represented Australia with distinction across multiple international competitions, earning recognition for both his athletic achievements and leadership within the sport.
Today, he is the founder of the Klim Foundation which supports people living with neurological conditions and works as a keynote speaker, sharing his experiences on resilience, wellbeing and performance to inspire audiences across Australia.
Former CEO – Carlton, Collingwood and Brisbane AFL Clubs.
Greg is one of Australia’s most respected sports administrators, with more than 25 years leading AFL clubs including Collingwood, Carlton and the Brisbane Lions.
A Chartered accountant, he has built a career defined by strategic leadership and a deep understanding of elite sport.
In 2025, he joined the AFL as Executive General Manager of Football Performance, overseeing key areas including game development, umpiring and rule changes. He was awarded AFL Life Membership for his outstanding contribution to Australian football.
Carolyn Sanders is a renewable energy executive specialising in offshore wind and electricity transmission. She helped shape Australia's offshore wind industry by working closely with governments, stakeholders and communities. An experienced engineer and inclusive leader, Carolyn is leading the development of Victoria's 25-year strategic plan to transform the state's electricity grid away from coal. She is passionate about inspiring girls to pursue engineering careers, challenging gender stereotypes, and promoting strong corporate governance and environmental stewardship.
Family Court Judge.
Three-time Olympian.
Three-time world champion.
Five-time King's Cup regatta winner.
My experience at Wesley prepared me to succeed both in the sporting arena and in my professional career. I practised as a barrister, was appointed King's Counsel, and later served as a Family Court judge at the federal level.
My drive to succeed is directly attributable to my years at Wesley. Three Olympic Games, three World Championships and Commonwealth Games came from the determination and discipline I developed during my time at Wesley. The skills, mindset, and personal qualities fostered there proved invaluable throughout my career.
Director. Producer.
I was in the first group of girls at the Wesley St Kilda Road Campus and we were generously welcomed by the whole school. An extension of this inclusivity was Wesley’s celebration of diversity, long before diversity was a buzz word.
Being inclusive is one of the most important qualities for me and I have aimed to live in a way that is open and welcoming to people in my life both personally and professionally. Wesley encouraged me to push myself in all areas, be brave, say yes and follow joy.
Former press officer
– EU delegation to Australia.
The opportunities for learning at Wesley were genuinely life changing and set me on a truly international career path. The breadth of experiences continues to influence me today.
The open, active, multi-faith environment I was exposed to, plus the excellent teaching, encouraged me to push myself further on all fronts.
The sheer abundance of possibility at Wesley stays with you for a very long time and continues to shape how I move through the world.
Politician. Lord Mayor, Melbourne.
Founder – Beaurepaire Tyre Service.
Sir Frank Beaurepaire was one of Australia’s greatest swimmers, a successful businessman and civic leader. While a student at Wesley College, he represented Australia at the 1908 Olympic Games in London and later competed at Antwerp (1920) and Paris (1924), winning a silver medal and setting numerous world records.
After retiring from swimming, he founded Beaurepaire Tyre Service and served on Melbourne City Council, including as Lord Mayor from 1940-1942. Knighted in 1949, his legacy spans sport, business and public service.
Radio host. Producer.
RocKwiz. ABC Radio.
Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
I enjoyed my time as a student at Wesley, forming lasting friendships and being challenged by outstanding teachers such as Tony Conabere, John Hood and Bill Schuster.
Those years shaped me deeply, but it was teaching at the Glen Waverley Campus from 1978 to 1980 that had the greatest impact.
Teaching Grade 3 students for those years had a major influence on my life and I will be forever grateful to the school community.
Founder – The Good Business Project.
The friendships have stayed with me. I’m still in touch with many people, and growing alongside them – both personally and professionally, has been incredibly meaningful.
Wesley fostered a strong sense of freedom of expression and a genuine celebration of individuality. That encouragement helped me recognise what I uniquely bring and gave me the confidence to believe I can make a difference. It’s something the teachers nurtured throughout my time there and it has stayed with me ever since.
– Australian Ballet.
Future psychologist.
Two things stand out from my time at Wesley: connection and choice.
I arrived already feeling a sense of belonging through the OWs in my family, a connection that’s only grown through opportunities to reconnect via the OWCA.
The freedom to explore so many academic and extracurricular paths meant that when I launched into my first career as a dancer, I did so with a real sense of who I was.
Most of all, I’m grateful for the friends who continue to inspire and enrich my life.
(Staff)
I started at Wesley in 1985 and believe I am one of the few teachers who taught single-sex classes. The first intake of girls were amazing – real risk-takers.
I’m deeply attached to the school and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. It has extended and challenged me, and in many ways, has been my life. I’ve loved teaching alongside those who have made Wesley their lives as well. We have so much to be proud of. In big and small ways, Wesley teaches us to be contributors, thinkers, doers, to challenge things, and ensures women know they are equal.
Commonwealth Games Champion.
Real Estate Agent.
Wesley has an extraordinary ability to recognise potential in young people before they see it in themselves. It fosters an environment where students feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve more than they imagined.
My years at Wesley remain among the happiest of my life. The self-belief I gained helped me become an Olympian, World Champion and Commonwealth Games Champion, and still guides me as a mother and real estate professional. Much of my success stems from the confidence, opportunities and sense of belonging that Wesley gave me.
Leader in heart resuscitation by massage.
Sir John Ramsay was a pioneering Australian surgeon whose work transformed medicine in Tasmania and beyond.
As surgeon superintendent of Launceston General Hospital, he performed Australasia’s first successful heart resuscitation by open-chest massage and was an early adopter of x-ray technology.
He founded St Margaret’s Hospital, served as a Major during World War I and became the first Tasmanian doctor to be knighted.
Professor Emeritus Field Rickards 'left Wesley with a passion for learning and life.' He dedicated over 49 years to the University of Melbourne, pioneering audiology, education and transforming teacher training. A foundation lecturer in 1973, he later became Dean of Education (2004-2017), leading the creation of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and a clinical Master of Teaching. His research advanced early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss, influencing global practice. Widely honoured, he is a Fellow of major professional bodies and continues as Honorary Professorial Fellow.
Nova 100. Channel 9.
Without question, my time in the performing arts space at Wesley had the greatest impact on me. Drama and Theatre Studies gave me confidence, taught me how to communicate and helped shape skills I still use every day.
Wesley did not just educate me; it genuinely helped raise me and shape the person I became. The confidence, resilience and willingness to embrace opportunities have stayed with me throughout every stage of my life and career. I will always feel deeply grateful to have been part of a community that gave me so much.
– Milano 2026.
Sustainability Leader.
Property Developer.
Wesley encouraged excellence, dedication, an open mind and balance. The culture encouraged us to think outside the box and to pursue our dreams in areas we were passionate about. I have held onto these values and they have enabled me to achieve what I have to date.
I felt like Wesley always had my back and were supportive of me pursuing my dreams. This culture of encouraging students to find their passion, and dedicate themselves to it, is what encouraged us to choose Wesley for our family.
Founder – Denton Corker Marshall.
John Denton is an internationally acclaimed Australian architect and co-founder of Denton Corker Marshall, a global practice renowned for design innovation and excellence. He has led major public and institutional projects across Australia and internationally.
He has shaped one of Australia’s leading firms, served as Victorian Government Architect, and received the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, reflecting his significant contribution to architecture.
The Denton family legacy at Wesley proudly spans five generations.
Distinguished Scholar.
Samuel Alexander was one of Australia’s most distinguished philosophers and an influential thinker of the early twentieth century. Born in Sydney, he attended Wesley College before studying at the University of Melbourne and later Oxford.
Alexander became Professor of Philosophy at the University of Manchester, where he developed his ground-breaking theory of emergence, set out in 'Space, Time and Deity' (1920). Renowned for his intellectual originality, he helped shape modern philosophy and left a lasting international legacy.
Australian 1500m and 5000m runner.
I arrived in Australia from Ethiopia at eight years old, unable to speak English.
Attending Wesley was a dream my family and I simply could not afford until Tim O'Shaughnessy's belief in me led to a life-changing scholarship. It removed the barriers that had limited my potential and gave me the freedom to follow my dreams.
More than an education, Wesley gave me a family, a global network and the confidence to prove my circumstances did not define my future or my potential.
Past chair – The STOP Campaign.
The greatest impact of my Wesley experience was the time spent at Yiramalay. Learning about Bunuba Country and culture opened my eyes and inspired me to pursue a career in law.
I draw on my understanding of deep listening and connection to Country – which are fundamental aspects of First Nations culture – in the way I connect with others in my own community and professional life.
The experience changed my life at 16 and continues to inform the decisions I make today.
Pianist. Artistic Director.
Paul Grabowsky is one of Australia’s most distinguished composers, pianists and music directors. He was leader of the Wesley College Big Band in 1975, where his interest in jazz first developed.
He has since built a career spanning performance, composition and artistic leadership across jazz, film and orchestral music. He is Artistic Director of the Australian Art Orchestra and continues to work as a composer and performer in Australia and internationally. A multi-ARIA Award winner, he remains a leading figure in contemporary music.
Fellow of Wesley College.
Fellow of OWCA.
Wesley continues to shape my life across generations. I am the son of an OW, father of OWs and grandfather to future OWs. Two men left lasting marks: Bruce Gregory, my Form 3B teacher, whose integrity taught me responsibility and the power of directing your own life; and Jack Kroger, who brought accounting alive and guided my career path. My advice to today’s students: embrace every opportunity – sport, arts, Clunes, Chum Creek, Lochend, Mallana. These experiences enrich friendships and prepare you for life’s challenges far beyond academic success.
(nee McArthur) (OW1996)
I often reflect on how fortunate I was to attend Wesley. Being part of a community that encouraged participation, curiosity and commitment shaped my confidence and perspective. Rowing coach, Pam Westerndorf, pushed us beyond what we thought was possible and taught us that success grows from trust, collective effort and perseverance. This feels especially meaningful now as a teacher at the College. I’m grateful to contribute to a community that continues to nurture the whole learner and encourages students to step forward, take part and make the most of their time.
Author.
As one of the first girls to attend Wesley College in 1982, I was part of a generation of trailblazers.
Wesley gave me a sense of possibility, encouraging me to embrace every opportunity, from music and languages to sport, art and drama. That belief that I could do anything has shaped my career as a writer, food journalist, author and broadcaster.
Curiosity remains at the heart of everything I do, inspiring me to tell stories about people, culture and food that connect communities and celebrate shared experiences.
Jesse Martin OAM is a record-breaking sailor, filmmaker and author whose solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe at age 18 captured the imagination of Australia. His extraordinary 328-day voyage aboard Lionheart made him the youngest person to complete the feat. Since then, he has continued to share his passion for adventure through filmmaking, writing and public speaking. He also works in the maritime industry and is helping restore Lionheart for community sail training, inspiring future generations of sailors and adventurers.
(Former staff)
Author. Performer.
I arrived at Wesley in 1973 as a young English teacher, fresh from university and national service, expecting a job but discovering a community. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced by colleagues and students alike, and quickly came to understand what I now think of as ‘the Wesley Way’ – connection, humour, curiosity and care. What began as a career opportunity became a lifetime vocation. More than fifty years later, I remain grateful for the friendships, laughter and sense of belonging that made Wesley not just a workplace, but a family.
Former Chair – Wesley College Foundation.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been a Wesley student. Our individuality was nurtured within an inclusive and welcoming environment, and we were encouraged to be ourselves while respecting others and their differences. Strong expectations of courtesy, politeness and respect guided us. The school was multicultural, diverse, colourful, interesting and stimulating. It prepared us well for life beyond school. I remain deeply grateful for the countless opportunities and experiences, and value my ongoing place within the vibrant purple alumni community.
Olympic commentator.
Australian cricket team captain.
Ian Johnson CBE was one of Australia’s most respected cricketers and leaders. After captaining Wesley College’s First XI to the 1936 premiership, he played 45 Test matches for Australia between 1946 and 1956, later captaining the national side with distinction.
Following his playing career, he became a respected cricket writer, Olympic commentator and Secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Club, helping shape its modern era.
His integrity, leadership and lifelong service to sport earned him a CBE and enduring admiration.
My experience at Wesley allowed me to give everything a go. From music to sport to leadership roles to academic pursuits, I was able to express myself and shape my identity. I made lifelong friendships, some of which date back to my very first day.
Touring takes me around the world and it’s not uncommon to connect with a fellow OW somewhere in the world who has embarked on their own exciting career based on the foundation of support and exploration they were able to pursue at Wesley.
ABC’s Young Performers Award.
Hoang Pham is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist whose passion for music flourished at Wesley, playing in numerous ensembles, including Big Band.
A graduate of the Australian National Academy of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, he won the 2013 Symphony Australia Young Performers Award and was named Best Australian Pianist at the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition. Today, Hoang performs throughout Australia and overseas, and is renowned for his expressive musicianship and technical brilliance.
Team Captain, University of Pennsylvania Womens Rowing
Three people made a particularly lasting impression on me at Wesley.
Principal Nick Evans (OW1985) genuinely cared for every student and built real connections across the community.
Teacher Sumiko Paige inspired my love for Japanese through her constant encouragement and passion to stay curious and strive for more.
Rowing Coach, Hannah Every Hall, continues to mentor and support me, pushing me to be hardworking, resilient and kind in all aspects of life.
Chair – Sydney Dance Company.
Wesley encouraged breadth and for me, that was musicals, swimming, water polo, gymnastics and academics. The school didn’t just allow it, it celebrated it. My life reflects that now – an intellectually challenging career, a passion for the arts, and staying active.
The coeducational environment was vital: learning with boys, being challenged by them and challenging them in return built a confidence that remains. Wesley has a rare gift for seeing the individual. The culture of inclusion and support is something I’ve carried with me, and consciously tried to replicate.
AFL Commissioner. Farmer.
Federal Member – Gippsland.
Born and raised on a farming property near Orbost, Peter attended Wesley College as a boarder before returning to East Gippsland as the fourth generation of his family to work the land.
He served as the Federal Member for Gippsland for 21 years and held senior ministerial portfolios under five Prime Ministers, including Harold Holt (OW1926)*.
After politics, he chaired Southern Cross Broadcasting and served on the AFL Commission.
Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Vice President – Collegians Football Club.
Yiramalay is an experience that has stayed with me and genuinely shaped where I am in my career today. At Wesley, I learned to back myself - to step forward, take responsibility and lead even when the path wasn’t fully clear. That sense of initiative has been invaluable in community and program leadership. Wesley also taught me the importance of connection, which has opened doors long after school. My advice: stay curious, trust yourself and say yes to opportunities, especially the uncomfortable ones where real growth happens.
Musical Theatre Performer.
Josh Piterman is an acclaimed actor and singer whose passion for musical theatre was nurtured by the encouragement of Wesley’s arts community. He has starred in leading productions including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and West Side Story.
Performing across Australia, London’s West End and Europe, Josh has earned recognition for his powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. He continues to inspire audiences with his artistry, versatility and passion for storytelling through music and theatre.
– state and federal courts.
Tanya is a commercial litigation lawyer with more than 22 years’ experience advising businesses, corporations and individuals on complex legal disputes. A Partner at SBA Law, she practises across commercial litigation, contract, corporations, intellectual property and insolvency law, appearing in Victorian and federal courts.
Tanya is recognised for her strategic, commercially focused approach, working closely with clients to understand their business, legal and commercial objectives. She continues to advise multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and SMEs across a broad range of industries.
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
– Monash University.
Active academic author.
Medical Donation Specialist.
Go far in your lives – geographically if you can, intellectually whenever you get the chance.
Seek out people unlike you, sit in rooms where you’re not the smartest.
And then come back. Come back to community, to service, to the places and people who shaped you.
Wesley has shaped me profoundly - first as a student, and now as a teacher. It’s a place where diversity is celebrated and every student is empowered to find their voice.
When I arrived as an international student - navigating a new country and culture on my own, I was encouraged to seize every opportunity and meet each challenge with confidence.
When I delivered my first speech as International and New Student Prefect, I realised I had truly found my place and that I belonged.
Producer.
Josh Heriot is a race caller, sports broadcaster and producer whose passion for sports commentary began at a young age.
Josh has built a career across horse racing, football and tennis, calling races for Racing.com while being mentored by Australia's leading race caller, Matt Hill. Josh has also worked with AO Radio at the Australian Open, called VFL football and produced sports broadcasts with JAMTV.
He continues to pursue his passion for storytelling through live sport while embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.
cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental impairments.
I loved that Wesley valued both arts and sports, and that participation was expected from everyone rather than only the most talented.
Exposure to a wide range of activities is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong engagement in physical activity, something I now research. That breadth of opportunity was special, but we need to remind ourselves of the privilege it represented.
It’s important that we recognise the advantages we’ve had and use them to help build a diverse, inclusive community.
Co-Founder – Chancellor and Patrick.
The person who influenced me the most at Wesley was fellow student, Robert (Bob) Loder (OW1944). We met on our first day, beginning a lifelong friendship. He admired my strengths in mathematics and physics; I admired his command of English.
We later joined the Navy together, where mathematics shaped my work as a radar operator and later my career as an architect, which included designing the Collegians Ski Lodge at Mount Buller. 'Sapere Aude' remains sound advice: work hard, behave well, and make the most of every opportunity.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Sharelle McMahon is one of Australia's most celebrated netballers and sporting leaders. A former Australian Diamonds captain, she represented her country for more than a decade, winning two Commonwealth Games gold medals and multiple international titles. Following an outstanding playing career, Sharelle has continued to shape Australian sport through coaching and high-performance leadership. As General Manager, High Performance and Pathways at Netball Victoria, she is helping develop the next generation of players, coaches and officials while continuing to champion women and girls in sport.
Trumpet player – Hunters & Collectors.
Supporting AC/DC with the Wesley Big Band at Ormond Hall in 1975 was unforgettable. Bon Scott and Angus were electrifying, and that night cemented my desire to be a musician.
Joining Hunters & Collectors led me to a life on the rock’n’roll highway, but the foundations were laid at school, and I was prepared for every twist and turn. The ‘Wesley Way’ - curiosity, acceptance and encouragement of critical thinking and expression proved essential, and those values shaped how I navigated a creative life far beyond anything I had imagined.
Davis Cup Champion. Coach.
Mark Philippoussis is one of Australia's most celebrated tennis players, renowned for his powerful serve and fearless style of play. A Wimbledon and US Open finalist, he represented Australia in two Davis Cup-winning teams and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 8.
Today, Mark works as a coach, mentor and performance advocate, sharing the lessons from elite sport to help others reach their potential. His resilience, determination and generosity continue to inspire athletes on and off the court.
Author. TV Presenter. Advocate.
Dr Sandro Demaio, a medical doctor and globally recognised public health expert, currently serving as the World Health Organization’s Director of Climate, Environment and Health for the Asia-Pacific region.
He co-founded NCDFREE and established the Sandro Demaio Foundation, which advances public health and created and runs Little Food Festival, Australia’s first free food festival for children. Formerly CEO of VicHealth, he has held academic roles, including Assistant Professor in Copenhagen, and led the EAT Foundation. He is also an author, media commentator and co-host of Ask the Doctor.
