SPX Old Boys have hit the World Stage in style in 2014, none more notable than Michael Hooper ’09, Captain of the Wallabies. This is a first for SPX and as such, this is a moment of which we can all be proud. If that wasn’t enough, SPX gained its second Wallaby in 2014 when Luke Jones ’09 and classmate of Michael, ran on the field in the test match played in Melbourne vs France. On the European tour Luke gained his first starting jersey at No.6. in the test match Vs Ireland. So on that day SPX had two Wallabies playing in the starting line up, hopefully this will be repeated many more tomes before the end of their professional careers. We also thank Michael for his time as he was one of the special guests at the SPX rugby dinner in May along with Michael Cheika and Bob Dwyer.

Wallaby Squad for the French series – Luke Jones ’09, front row, second from the left. Michael Hooper ’09 front row second from the right.

Michael Hooper ’09 in action V France

Luke Jones ’09 in action on his test debut v France in Melbourne

Links:

– Michael Hooper ’09 – Wallaby Captain
– Luke Jones ’09 – Wallaby

Rising star Josh Duniker ’05, was recently signed by the Sydney Kings. Josh who holds a duel passport is currently a member of the Dutch national team. Josh who stands at a massive 211cm (6’11” in the old money) is a player to watch out for. Josh kindly gave up some of his time to visit SPX during the year. We wish him well.

Link:

–  Josh Doniker ’05 – Basketballer

 Dr Tony Beasley ’82 – Director NRAOAnthony J. Beasley (Class of 1982) is Director of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). After receiving his Bachelor’s in Physics in 1986 and his Doctorate in Astrophysics in 1991 from the University of Sydney, Beasley joined NRAO as a Postdoctoral Fellow in 1991. NRAO is the preeminent radio astronomy organization in the world, and the role NRAO plays in the U.S. and global scientific and technical communities remains a vital and important one.

David Skellern (Class of 1968) is an Australian electronic engineer and computer scientist credited, along with colleagues, for the first chip-set implementation of the IEEE 802.11a wireless networking standard.

He is credited with a number of important technology innovations. developed with colleagues which include John O’Sullivan, Terence Percival and Neil Weste, and in particular the first chip-set implementation of the IEEE 802.11a wireless networking standard. This innovation has been described as a revolution in world communications, allowing high speed wireless communications.

Skellern was appointed to the Order of Australia in 2010

John Watkins ’73 – Deputy Premier NSW, Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Australia (NSW), Chairman of Calvary healthcare since 2011 and the eighth Chancellor of the University of New England, since 2013.

Gabriel Farago class of ’68 

Author Lawyer Novelist

Born in Budapest, Gabriel grew up in post-War Europe, and after fleeing Hungary with his parents during the Revolution in 56, he went to school in Austria before arriving in Australia as a teenager where he attended St Pius X College Chatswood.

As a lawyer with a passion for history and archaeology, Gabriel had to wait for many years before being able to pursue another passion—writing—in earnest. However, his love of books and storytelling started long before that.

Gabriel holds degrees in literature and law, speaks several languages and takes research and authenticity very seriously. Inquisitive by nature, he studied Egyptology and learned to read the hieroglyphs. He travels extensively and visits all of the locations mentioned in his books.

Along the way Gabriel also developed shopping centres and built a chain of 100 shoes stores.

To find out more about Gabriel visit his website http://gabrielfarago.com.au/biography-gabriel-farago/