Notable Ashgrovians

Notable Ashgrovians2023-01-19T08:00:22+10:00
Countless Old Boys who have attended Marist College Ashgrove have gone on to achieve notoriety in an array of fields, testimony to the well-rounded education one can achieve at our College.

Religion

Priests

Marist College Ashgrove has had 35 ordained priests and 20 ordained brothers. Notable amongst these are:

  • Bishop Brian Heenan (1955) – Rockhampton Diocese
  • Bishop James Foley (1966) – Cairns Diocese
  • Father Michael Carroll (1970) – Current head of Marist Fathers (QLD)
  • Brother Peter Carroll (1976) – Provincial of the Marist Brothers (Aust.)
  • Brother Ken McDonald (1976) – Deputy Provincial of the Marist Brothers (Aust.)
  • Father Thomas Zaranski (2003) – ordained June 2018
  • Father Tom Duncan (2011) – ordained July 2019

Politics

Politics – National and International

Many Old Boys have given distinguished service as State Members,Mayors of Regional Councils, and in official Parliamentary roles:

Politics – National and International
  • Kevin Rudd, (1969-1971): Prime Minister of Australia 2007-2012, 2013
  • Sir Julius Chan (1958): Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea 1980-1982, 1994-1997
  • Sir Anthony Kandambi (1963): Minster PNG Government 1982-87
  • Dan Tufui (1954): (Elevated to Lord Tufui of Talaheu) Chief Secretary to the Government of Tonga and Secretary to Cabinet
  • Frank Saemala (1966): MP 1989-1993 and Diplomat, Solomon Islands

Judiciary

Supreme Court
  • Brian Ambrose (1951)
  • Martin Moynihan (1958)
Federal Court
  • David Jackson QC (1958)
District Court
  • Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien (1967)
  • Con McLoughlin (1941)
  • Kevin Row (1946)
  • Terry Gardiner (1981)
  • Nathan Jarro (1994)
Magistrates
  • Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner (1981)
  • Trevor Pollock (1959)
  • Walter Ehrich (1961)
  • James Herlihy (1961)
  • Chris Callaghan (1974)
  • Damian Carroll (1965)

Military

Military
  • Major General David Mulhall (1981)
  • Colonel Frank Colley (1973): Military Order of Australia Division for
    developing strategic options for Australia’s War contribution in Iraq
  • Major Brian Lindsay (1959): Duntroon Graduate
  • Geoffrey Christopherson (1954): Duntroon Graduate
  • Group Captain Paul Deighton RAAF (1982) – Conspicuous
    Service Cross.

Education

Academia

Many Old Boys have been awarded Open Scholarships (awarded in State public examination results for top 25 seniors up to 1973), and then followed Australian Student Prizes to those placed in with OP1 results in the State. Many have proceeded to UQ and received the prestigious University of Queensland medals at Graduation.

Rhodes Scholars
  • Colin Apelt (1946)
  • James  Tilbury (2005)
UQ Alumnus of the Year
  • Gabriel Perry (2008): 2016
Emeritus Professors
  • Colin Apelt (1946): Professor of Civil Engineering, UQ 1979-1996 and also Head of Department of Civil Engineering 1982-1994
  • Terry Freer (54): Professor of Orthodontics, UQ 1992-2002
  • Phillip Woodford (1971): Professor of Immunology and Pathology, Uni of Newcastle
  • Mark Walker (1979): Professor of Microbiology, UQ
  • Barry Wood (1962): Professor of Chemistry, UQ
  • Brian Towler (1968): Professor of Petroleum Engineering, Uni of Wyoming, USA
  • John Parise (1971): Professor of Earth and Space Sciences, State University of New York, USA
Dean of Faculty
  • Jack Laracy (1953): Foundation Head Dept. Mechanical Engineering at QIT, Acting Dean QIT, Dean QUT
Research
  • Aaron Brandis (1999): Senior Research Silicon Valley, California- Prominent in “Mars 2020 Project” and recently inducted as an Associate Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2018)
  • Tim O’Hare (1980): Agricultural Scientist Ph.d). Head Researcher, UQ and Dept of Agriculture who continues to lead the research team in providing more medicinal food by inserting our favourite foods with health boosting nutrients in a natural way -Federal Government 2016 Industry and Innovation Award
  • Phil Woodford (1971): While Professor of Immunology at Newcastle University, Phil was heavily involved with the Red Cross Blood Bank especially with the screening of blood to detect the AIDS virus ensuring blood transfusions were safe.

Arts, Film & Music

The Arts
  • Andrew McGahan (1983): “Praise”, “Last Drinks”, “The White Earth”. 2005 Miles Franklin Award for the “The White Earth”. 2004 Courier Mail Book of the year “The White Earth”.
  • Michael Bauer (1972): “The Running Man” shortlisted for both 2005 Premier’s Literary Awards and 2005 Courier Mail Book of the year. Won Children’s Book of Council of the Year Award 2005. “Don’t Call Me Ishmael”.
  • Mark Farrelly (1969): “Canvas of Dreams”, 1990.
Film & Television
  • Ray Meagher (1963) Actor: “Breaker Morant” and as Alf on “Home and Away”
  • Terry Hannagan (1963): Writes, produces and performs some of Australia’s iconic TV commercials e.g. “I Can Feel a XXXX coming On”, “Qantas – Feeling Qantastic!”, “Wally Lewis: He’s The Emperor of Lang Park” and also sang  Gough Whitlam’s “It’s Time” Launch for 1972 Federal (ALP) Campaign
  • Anthony Phelan (1972): Acclaimed Thespian with many supporting roles in Film, TV and Stage, most recently in Angelina Jolies movie box office success “Unbroken”
  • Joe Brumm (1995): Film Director / Writer – Creator and writer of “Bluey” Animated TV series
  • Daley Pearson (2001): Writer/ Director – Producer of “Bluey” Animated TV series
  • Ben Foley (2000) – Producer and Emmy Award winner for “Yemen’s Forgotten War” – VICE News Tonight on HBO
Music
  • Adrian Tully (1999): Berlin Philharmonic
  • Gerard McFadden (2005): Paris Opera Orchestra
  • Paul Furness (2005): Multi Aria nominated artist with Ball Park Music
  • Alex Woodward (2005): Musical Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company’s  production of “Spring Awakening”, multi Matilda nominated artist, Book of Mormon Cast Member, 2019
  • Ryan Walsh (1997): Composer, APRA-AGSC Screen Music Award winner, collaborated with Alberto Iglesias and Ridley Scott, 2017 AEL Outstanding School Alumnus of the year for Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University
  • Dr Stephen Cronin (1977): Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University
  • Joel Adams (2014): Pop artist, Adams was named the 16th most influential artist in the world Spotify’s 25 Under 25 list, As of November, his song Please Don’t Go has been streamed over 320 million times and the music video had been watched over 50 million times.
  • Paul Marchisella (1995): Double Bass player and James Morrison National Jazz Scholarships winners (2000 and 1996 respectively) and members of the James Morrison quartet.
  • Gerard Mapstone (1998): Flamenco Guitarist, popular concert performer in Europe
  • Tyrone Noonan (1987)- Member of George – ARIA Award Winner (2002)
  • Bryce Gilhome (1995)- James Morrison National Jazz Scholarships winner
  • Nick Hollamby (2002) – Head of Musical Theatre: Institute of The Arts – Barcelona, Spain
  • Noel Fitzpatrick (1997) – Member of Halfway, Pedal Steel – Courier-Mail’s Top 10 albums 2003, 2006. AIR, Best Country Album and Queensland Music Award “Song of the Year” 2014
  • Liam Fitzpatrick (1993) –  Member of Halfway, Banjo/Mandolin – Courier-Mail’s Top 10 albums 2003, 2006. AIR, Best Country Album and Queensland Music Award “Song of the Year” 2014
  • Ross Chandler (2003) – Member of The John Steel Singers, Drums. 2008 Triple J Unearthed Winners and 2010 Triple J Hottest 100 placeholders No. 52

Health

Community Service
  • Frank Timmermans (1963): Chief Medical Officer during the war in Afghanistan for Medicines Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders)
  • William Coote (1966): Economist and Secretary- General WHO and Federal AMA involvement since 1993.
  • James Houston (1969): Medical Administrator Greenslopes Private Hospital
  • Robert Hodge (1967): Queensland AMA President 1995/1996. Long term Surgery at RBH
  • Ralph Kelsey (1968): ADAQ President 2007
Specialists
  • Chris Pyke (1975): General Surgery
  • Jason Lamberly (1990): General Surgery
  • Michael Gabbett (1991): Clinical Geneticist and Paediatrician
  • Tim Eviston (2002): General Surgery
  • Daniel Ford (1989): Pedodontics
  • Rob Sinclair (1969): Dermatology
  • Peter Sinclair (1975): Dermatology
  • Jim Muir (1977): Dermatology
  • Peter Stewart (1965): Opthalmology
  • Kevin Vandeleur (1969): Opthalmology
  • Damien O’Brien (1977): Opthalmology
  • Greg Treston (1978): Accident & Emergency
  • Peter Lavercombe (1970): Intensive Care
  • Mick Barry (1960): Physician
  • Rob Hodge (1967): Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery
  • Chris Muir (1968): Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Charles Wilson (1940-1944): Obstetrics
  • Paul Bretz (1978) Obstetrics
  • Tim O’Brien (1979): Obstetrics
  • Robert Thorpe (1948): Radiology
  • Mark Musgrave (1964): Radiology
  • Jim Johnson (1968): Radiology
  • Peter O’Hare (1971): Radiology
  • Shane Connolly (1972): Radiology
  • Michael Hurley (1962): Psychiatry
  • Richard Astill (1968): Psychiatry
  • John Brown (1979): Psychiatry
  • Matthew Purcell (1990): Anaesthetics
  • Peter Cooney (1969): Pathology
  • Phil Woodford (1971): Pathology
  • James Bennett (1987): Pathology
  • Paul Poulgrain (1964): Neurosurgery
  • Fergus Wilson (1940-1944): Orthopedics

Sport

Wallaby and Test Representatives

Marist College Ashgrove has produced a number of Old Boys who have represented the Wallabies, Queensland and Australian Schoolboy Rugby Representatives.

Three Olds Boys, Chilla Wilson (1940-1944), Des Connor (1953) and John Eales (1987) captained both the Wallabies and Queensland. Barry Honan (1964) and Des Ridley (1955) captained Queensland. Des Connor also represented the All Blacks in 12 tests and coached the Wallabies in 1968-1969. John 2006-2007.

Fergus Wilson (1944) in the 1950s, John Connolly (1969) in the 1990s and Richard Graham (2014-2016) would coach Queensland. Richard Graham was previously Captain-Coach of the Australian 7’s team after successfully winning a Bronze medal as a player in the 1998 Commonwealth Games Rugby 7’s for Australia in Kuala Lumpur.

  • Michael Flynn (1966)
  • Daniel Heenan (1999)
  • Anthony Herbert (1982)
  • Daniel Herbert (1990)
  • Barry Honan (1964)
  • Robert Honan (1961)
  • Patrick Howard (1990)
  • Nigel Kassulke (1978)
  • Paddy Knapp (1955)
  • David L’Estrange (1966)
  • Brendan McKibbin (2002)
  • Brendan Moon (1976)
  • Garrick Morgan (1980-1985)
  • Alex Pope (1961)
  • Sam Scott-Young (1984)
  • Shane Sullivan (1954)
  • Dr. Charles Wilson (1940-1944)
  • Robert Wood (1965)
Test Referees
  • Andrew Cole (1977)
  •  Rohan Hoffman (1989)
Rugby League
  • Bob Honan (1961): South Sydney, NSW, Kangaroo – 1967
  • Wayne Stewart (1966): Wests, QLD (1970/1972), Kangaroo – 1972
  • Billy Walters (2011):  Melbourne Storm (2019) and West Tigers (2020)
Australian Rules
  • Charlie Cameron (2011): Adelaide Crows (2014 – 2017), Brisbane Lions (2018 – Current)
  • Lachlan Keefe (2007) Collingwood 2008 – 2017, GWS (2018 – Current)
Soccer/Football
  • Corey Brown (2011): Brisbane Roar, Australia Under 23
  • Glen Kolpak (1994): Olyroo
Swimming
  • Michael Bohl (1979): Australian Olympic Coach, Finalist (5th) 200 IM 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
  • Aaron Burke (1994): 1994 Commonwealth Games, Canada. Freestyle.
  • Brendan Keogh (1988): Head Coach, 2004 Athens Paralympics
  • Paul Gockel (1983): 1992, 1996, Paralympics
  • Ricardo Moffati (2004): 2004 Paralympics, Silver and Bronze Medallist
  • John Jameson (1993) – successfully completed English Channel in 2013.
  • Patrick McGrath (1987) – successfully completed English Channel in 2018.
Water Polo
  • Pietro Figlioli (2001): 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics, World Champion (Italy) 2011 and Captain and World Champion (Italy) 2019
Tennis
  • Ray Kelly (1974): Australian Under 19 Champion 1976. Wimbledon Boys Juniors (defeated by John McEnroe)
Boxing
  • Paul Miller (1993): 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games – Gold Medallist
Equestrian
  • Russell Johnstone (1982): 1996 Atlanta Olympics
Athletics
  • Michael Barry (1968): Australian Shot Put Champion
  • Brett Leavey (1982): National Representative – 100m Sprint
Cross Country
  • Peter Berney (1980): Australian Representative
  • Anthony Smith (1980): Australian Representative
Triathlon
  • Ryan Fisher (2008): 2016 Rio Olympics
  • Alan Moran (2000): Four years consecutive World Champion, U20 – Canada 2001, U20– Mexico 2002, U23 – NZ 2003, U23 – Japan 2003
  • Dwayne Cannel (1986)
Volleyball
  • Andrew Grant (2001): 2012 London Olympics
Cricket
  • Matthew Hayden (1988): QLD & Australian Opening Batsman (Test, One Day and T20)
  • Peter McPhee (1980): Sheffield Shield, Tasmania
  • Alex Cusack (1997): Ireland (One Day and T20- World Cup Representative)
  • Pat Howard (1990): Chief Executive, Cricket Australia, 2013
Winter Olympics
  • Stephen Lee (1995): Speed Skating, 1998 Winter Olympics
Surf Life Saving
  • Warren Gifford (1964): Member of Winning QLD surf team at 1968, Aust Titles, North Cronulla.
  • Peter O’Hare (1971): Member of Winning QLD Beach Sprint Relay, Aust National Championships, 1974, Burleigh Heads.

Miscellaneous

Guinness Book of Records
  • Guiness Book of Records: Fr. Leo Coote (1962) – Former world record holder in mid- 70s, 1,586 in 30 mins!
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