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Home > About the OWCA |
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About the OWCAHistoryThe Old Wesley Collegians Association (OWCA) was founded in 1882 when a group of young ex-pupils decided to form a society to which all former pupils would be eligible for membership. The chief objective of the society was to hold "social gatherings of its members and foster the interest of Collegians". This youthful enthusiasm lasted for two years only. A hiatus of twelve years followed until 1895 when a meeting of 100 ex-pupils decided to form the Old Wesley Collegians Association. Since that date your Association has maintained an unbroken link with the school. The present constitution of the OWCA states simply its aim:- "the objects of the Association shall be to promote the welfare of Wesley College and to unite former Wesley Collegians for that purpose". MembershipPupils who commenced at Wesley before 1985, had the option of joining the OWCA when they left school. Pupils who commenced in 1985, or succeeding years, paid an entrance fee on commencing. When the pupil leaves school, a portion of this entrance fee is paid to the OWCA and the pupil becomes an automatic Life Member. Members of staff are Honorary members whilst employed by the School. Some former staff members have been made Honorary Life Members. Members of the School Council and parents of past and present students, who are not Old Collegians, are considered Honorary Members of the OWCA. As from the year 2000 the paid up membership is just over 8,300. Your Association has representatives on the School Council and many OWs have given distinguished service to the School as Council members. But the OWCA is not a pressure group; its main assistance to the school is to provide support. The OWCA contributes annually to scholarships and provides financial assistance to certain past and present students. The OWCA is an Associate Governor of the Foundation and has played a major part in each appeal and the annual giving program. Many affiliated clubs have been sponsored by the OWCA and some other bodies have the support of the Association. Communication between the school and ex-pupils is through the Lion which is published three times a year, and the Chronicle which is sent, on request, to members of the OWCA. The Association Office is at the St Kilda Road Campus. Any information about the OWCA can be obtained from the Executive Director, who, in addition, will be pleased to hear from anyone who has ideas about improving or developing the OWCA. Affiliates & ActivitiesAlan Mitchell ClubAlan Mitchell was in charge of rowing for over twenty-five years and during that time he coached seven winning Head of the River Crews. In 1975 a group of Wesley rowers decided to establish a Club to honour the work of AW Mitchell and provide assistance to Wesley Rowing. Now the club provides finance for Wesley rowing and coaches junior rowing. In addition, many members continue to row both competitively and recreationally.AlumniEach year many reunions are held to enable old friends to meet and catch up. Older OWs are invited back annually while others are invited approximately every five years. Other dinners are also held to mark special occasions. The program for each year is printed in the Lion, and forthcoming events appear on this website - click "Events" above for a listing.BasketballThe Men's Basketball teams play at the Basketball Centre, Albert Park.BowlsThis social bowls club holds 5 meetings each year. The main event is the Combined Public Schools Bowls Day held in March. The teams compete for the Sir James Darling trophy which the Old Wesley Team won in 1991, 1993 and 1997. Other meetings are held against Old Scotch, Old Melburnians, MCC and Glenferrie Hill. The Old Wesley Bowls Day is held annually in late November.BreakfastsBreakfasts are held when speakers of the highest calibre are secured, usually twice a year. The breakfasts are wonderful opportunities for Old Collegians to entertain friends and clients. A separate breakfast mailing list is kept at the OWCA Office. Please contact the OWCA Office if you would like to be added to the mailing list.Country, Interstate And Overseas BranchesA list of OWCA branches is published regularly in the Lion and is also published on this website. Each branch arranges its own activities, sometimes in conjunction with other school societies in that area. Speakers from Wesley or the OWCA often attend branch functions.CricketThe Old Wesley Cricket Club was founded in 1927 and since that date it has fielded a team in the Melbourne Cricket Club "Club Eleven" competition. Several premierships have been won by the club, the last in season 1988-89.Cross CountryThe Associated Public Schools Old Boys Amateur Athletic Committee commenced in 1932 and Old Wesley was a foundation member. Nowadays, many athletes, male and female of all ages and abilities, compete each week in a variety of runs ranging from four to twenty-one kilometres.FootballThe metropolitan Junior Football Association was founded by LA Adamson in 1892. Later it became known as the Metropolitan Amateur Football Association, and finally, in 1932, it changed its name to the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The Collegians Football Club is the sole survivor of the 1892 foundation clubs. This historic club now occupies premises at the Harry Trott Oval, Albert Park, and each week during the season it fields four teams. In recent years the Club has won "A" section Premierships in 1986, 1992 and 1993 Many opportunities exist to become involved either as a player or as member of the support staff.Founders' Day DinnerThis is the main OWCA function of the year. Each year it is held on the first Friday in May. The chief guest is a notable Old Collegian or a person prominent in sport, business or community affairs. However, it is a night of celebration and the emphasis is on having fun and catching up.GolfTwo opportunities are available each year for OW golfers. The annual Golf Day is held in late February or early March. This is currently being played at Riversdale Golf Club. In November, a Public Schools Golf Day is held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Please contact the OWCA Office if you would like to be added to the mailing list.HockeyIn 1996 the Old Wesley Hockey Club celebrated its sixtieth birthday. The Club, now known as "Collegians X", fields both male and female teams in a variety of competitions.LodgeWesley Collegians Lodge No. 358 was founded in 1924. Membership is open to all Old Boys, parents and present and former members of staff.Mane EventsThis group caters for recent male and female ex-students who have commenced a career. The purpose is threefold; networking, information and social. Events are held in various venues around the city and invitations are send by email. If you would like to join the email list, please email the OWCA office.Theatre CompanyA Collegians Theatre Company, known as the Pantheon Theatre Company has been formed.The LionThis magazine is published a number of times a year for the Wesley Community. It is edited by a member of staff and provides current information about school activities, Foundation plans, Parents Association news, progress of affiliated bodies and news of Old Collegians. Past students are invited to contribute items of news and can do so via this site.SkiingSince 1963, Collegians Ski Club has occupied a well-maintained, spacious ski lodge on Breathtaker Spur overlooking Sun Valley and surrounding slopes of Mt Buller. Membership is currently available and intending applicants have to attend a summer season work party to qualify for membership.SoccerA Collegians Soccer Club, known as the Boroondara Lions, was formed in 2002 and has since grown to field three teams. Many opportunities exist to become involved either as a player or as member of the support staff.Water PoloThe Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club was formed in 1976 by an amalgamation of the Melbourne Swimming Club and the Old Wesley Collegians. This combined club is now one of the strongest in Victorian water polo. There are opportunities for both men's and women's competitions. The club trains in the pool at the St Kilda Road Campus.
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