The OPA continues its support of the monthly RACV luncheon. Incredibly the lunch has been attended continuously by old collegians since 1936! At the most recent luncheon there were 5 nonagenarians in attendance, the oldest finished at Parade in 1945! Champion Data’s chief football analyst Daniel Hoyne (2006) was our guest speaker and gave an interesting presentation on his organisation’s involvement in AFL and its Clubs, broadcasting and betting. Champion Data is now a global organisation, providing elite analysis across a wide range of sports. Daniel has been at Champion Data for 20 years now, remarkably starting with a work experience placement in Year 10, that became a casual job through school and university to fulltime after he completed his studies.

Our next luncheon in April, we will congratulate and acknowledge Br. Thomas (Olly) Pickett (1959) who this year was awarded Australia’s Senior Citizen of the Year for his wonderful work with ‘Wheelchairs for Kids’. Br Olly will be coming over from Perth to attend the lunch.

The Association was able to complete its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where its Executive was appointed. A new President was elected, former College Captain and Vice President of the Association Michael Donato (2017). A new Vice President was also elected in Scott La Ferlita (2003). A new Secretary was also elected in Peter Bonadio (2014). Ryan Jones (2010) was re-elected as Treasurer. Congratulations to these men and we thank them for their service to the Association. We thank Angelo Mazzone (1982) and John Nicholls for their service as President and Secretary respectively. Both will continue the General Committee. Committee members elected at the AGM included Mark Aiello (1990), Joseph Marchio, Matthew Warke (2023), Patrick Collins (1995) and Anthony Mercadante (1988)

The Association continues to create opportunities for old collegians to connect. We are planning currently to welcome back our Old Paradian veterans who have served their country in Vietnam, the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor to name but a few. We will also have our class of 1975 reunion, one of many throughout the year.

The Association will be again a strong supporter of the Old Paradians Football Club who have recently commenced their 2025 campaign with Practice Matches against Euroa and Laurimar. The season proper commences April 5 against Whittlesea at home.

We encourage Old Paradians, and members of the Parade College community to connect to our Association through our website at www.oldparadians.com.au/connect. Our Newsletters are archived on the website which contain many stories of individuals and events. Go to Newsletter Archives - Old Paradians. You may be interested in subscribing to our Business Directory, details can be found on our website. Go to Directory - Old Paradians