Published on: 27 March 2025



At this year’s Building Good Men Breakfast, Year 12 students were inspired by personal stories and life lessons shared by a panel of distinguished old boys. Each speaker offered a unique perspective, reflecting on their individual journeys filled with challenges, unexpected opportunities, and invaluable insights.

Principal Alan Jones opened the event by highlighting the power of the Old Boys’ Association network. He encouraged students to view this network as a “human library” that could serve as a valuable resource for guidance in both their careers and personal lives.

JP Olivier (96) shared his experiences on embracing change, overcoming challenges, and the importance of family. He urged students to “take a leap of faith” when facing uncertainty, encouraging them to push past their fears and embrace new opportunities.

Harry Fisher (06) spoke about how his passion evolved into a successful career. He advised students to “say yes to a lot of things” and embrace every opportunity, no matter how small. Reflecting on his own journey, Fisher emphasised the lasting value of education, stating, “I have a commerce degree. It may not seem directly relevant to my work, but I use it every day. It gives me a skillset others don’t have and has been key to my success.”

Richard O’Halloran (09) offered wisdom on resilience, reminding students setbacks are a natural part of growth. “Anyone who hasn’t failed hasn’t really set out to do much yet,” he said. His advice focused on being kind to oneself, supporting others, and learning from every experience, no matter the outcome.

MC Rohin Kehal (18) discussed how his year working in the mines helped lay the foundation for his career. With a background in accounting and finance, Kehal highlighted the importance of developing a diverse skill set and staying open to new opportunities that may arise from unexpected experiences.

The panel also took time to answer student questions about managing heavy workloads, staying motivated, and making career choices. The key takeaway: remain open to opportunities, pursue your passions, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

A heartfelt thanks to all the speakers for sharing their wisdom. Your generosity has inspired and guided the next generation of leaders.