Inspired by Yarra: Recent Episodes
Rev Paul Joy
Inspired by Yarra is a podcast series of conversations with our Yarra Old Grammarians (YOGs) who recall funny, compelling, informative and inspiring stories. Hosted by the Yarra Valley Grammar School Chaplain Paul Joy, guests share some of their fondest memories of their time at Yarra and how that has helped establish their lives, their families and their careers to this day.
Episode 129: Hilary Senhanli (YOG 1983)
"To me, the School motto is about raising your gaze and being aspirational."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 128: Gordon McLean (YOG 1972) - Regional Manager Sukyo Mahikari, New Zealand
"The spirit of Yarra did something - it touched my soul."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 127: Lisa Tatai (YOG 1991) - Laboratory Assistant, Bionics Institute
"I was only at Yarra for VCE, but they were two very good years."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 126: Ross Emslie (YOG 1971) - Mechanical Engineer
"Teachers gave their heart and soul so you could be the best you could be."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 125: Miranda Sowden (YOG 1982) - HR Director
"The school motto is about finding your passion, power and genius."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 124: Jack Sammann (YOG 2016) - Senior Communications Advisor
"Yarra exposes students to different experiences and gives you confidence."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 123 - Emma Drew (YOG 1992) - Aid Worker
"My time at Yarra was a really diverse mix - a nice combination of people."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 122: Luke Alcock (YOG 1998)
"Yarra had a strong sense of connection."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 121: Tracey Steinrucken (YOG 2004) - CSIRO Research Scientist
“I had influential teachers at Yarra who helped shape my career.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 120: Gordon Blake (YOG 1981) - Retired Musician
"To me the Yarra motto means going beyond therealm where you feel comfortable."
For more information please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 119 - Layla Prince (YOG 2021) - Basketballer and Coach
"The school motto resonates for me because it’sabout striving for your dreams and goals."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 118: Time Gentle (YOG 1993) - Founder, Think.Digital
"I just found that inner strength and resilience to stand up and deliver."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 117 - Adele Thompson (YOG 1994) - Head of Digital Design, Marketing & Sponsorship, Horse in the Box Equestrian
"Yarra taught me a lot about myself."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 116: Jim Corbett (YOG 1982) - Director, Sport and Leisure Solutions
“Yarra was a field of dreams in terms of what it offered me.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 115: Claire Harrison (YOG 1996) - Philanthropy Manager
“The dedication of the staff who put on the musicalproductions was above and beyond.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 114: Martin Watson (YOG 1984) - Managing Director, Bellwether Financial Group
"The teachers at Yarra inspired me to pursue my strengths."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 113: Emma-Rose Parsons (YOG 1998) - Psychologist
"My time on stage in drama at Yarra prepared me to present for 1,000 people on stage as a psychologist."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 112: Derek Chan (YOG 2015) - Writer and Poet
"I was quite shy but at Yarra, I came out of my shell and integrated quickly."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 111: Justin Benson (YOG 1990) - Chief Financial Officer
"I like being fluid, constantly learning and trying new things.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 110: Izzy Burns (YOG 2016) - Online Community Facilitator
"I felt safe to explore who I was at Yarra which helped me become the person I am today.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 109: Rhys Jewell (YOG 1992) - Lawyer
"Our year level was inspiring - we knew each other well."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 108: Laura Elliott (YOG 2010) - Principal Solicitor, Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office
"Teachers were passionate about what they did and that was infectious.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 107: Simon Higginbotham (YOG 1974) - Teacher
"I’ve seen a lot of changes since my very first day at Yarra. I think the school is very much about students living the dream.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 106: Georgie Swan (YOG 1988) - People & Capability Manager, Officeworks.
"Teachers helped us step up and have a go and you can take that with you in anything you do."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 105: Jack Harper (YOG 2012) - Associate Lecturer in Clinical Exercise, Deakin University
"You have to have a drive, purpose and passion each day."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 104: Pam Burnett (YOG 1987) - Chief Marketing Officer, Independence Australia
"Yarra's philosophy was to keep questioning and trying new things."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 103: Mathew Card (YOG 1990) - Director/Founder: Acoyé, President/Co-Founder: Rethink Recycling Co-op
"If you open yourself to opportunity, the more opportunities you will see."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 102: Daniella Sorace (YOG 2004) - Group Account Director, Kate & Co. PR
“I was inspired by the opportunities and networks at Yarra.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 101: For this episode we have re-interviewed our first guest from Episode 001, Andy Griffiths (YOG 1979) - Award-winning Australian Children's Author.
“Allow yourself to play and fail now and again, because the fails are stepping stones to future success.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 100 of the Inspired By Yarra podcast offers a snapshot of bite sized clips from some of the 99 conversations we’ve had with Yarra Old Grammarians since the podcast first launched in September 2018. Featured YOGs include Dr Chris Fildes (YOG 1971 from Episode 8), Kirsten Jackson (YOG 1987 from Episode 83), Chris Beale (YOG 1999 from Episode 97), Stephanie Puopolo (YOG 2009 from Episode 61), Josh Simmonds (YOG 2013 from Episode 84) and many more.
Tune in as we hear from previous guests on the podcast, reflecting on their favorite memories from their time at Yarra Valley Grammar. And listen to a range of quick responses to favorite questions like, ‘What did your lunchbox contain?’ and ‘What House were you in during your time at Yarra?’
For more information, please go to www.yvg.edu.au/podcast
Episode 99: Rojini Selladurai (YOG 2011) - Product Manager, REA Group
"I got involved in as many things as I could, and that helped shape who I am today"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 98: Yarra Old Grammarians Football Club (YOGFC) Full Episode featuring Chris Beal (YOG 1999), Rob Drew (YOG 2000) & Dean Letson (YOG 2004)
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 97: featuring three leading stars of the Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) Football Club, Chris Beal (YOG 1999), Rob Drew (YOG 2000) & Dean Letson (YOG 2004). In this episode they answer quick fire questions in what we refer to as our Lightning Round. The next episode will be the full interview with the three YOGs focusing more on the YOG Footy Club!
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 96: David Stevenson (YOG 1994) - General Manager Operations, AFL
"Yarra taught me not just to stick to my interests, but to try new things to progress."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 95: Andrew Siebel (YOG 1995) - Melbourne Data Analytics Platform Manager
"I had a passion for Maths and Science and teachers who inspired me."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 94: Zoe Petropoulos (YOG 2019) - Education Support Worker
"As long as I try my best and can help someone else – that’s success to me.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 94: Paul Kenny (YOG 1986) - Book Publisher
"A good school should teach you to take what you’ve learned and to appreciate the adventures that come next.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 92: Euan Ritchie (YOG 1993) - Environmental Scientist
"Yarra did a good job of letting students play to their strengths."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 91: Ryan Buhagiar (YOG 2001) - First Year Graduate Medical Student
"I had the full Yarra experience that I am very thankful for"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast .
Episode 90: Mark Stafford - Managing Director, Finance, Credit Suisse
“Have goals and ambitions in life but achieve them in the right way.”
For more information please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 89: Hannah Carter (YOG 2013) - Speech Pathologist
"At Yarra, you can be so many different things. You can give everything a go and people support that."
For more information please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 88: Xander Lake (YOG 2013) - Psychologist
"I’d like to shout out to my teachers who instilled discipline and study habits that helped me through uni."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 87: David Sinclair (YOG 2004) - Franchisee, The Sporting Globe
"There's a humbleness to the Yarra Spirit."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 86: Caroline Stedman (YOG 2011) - Innovation Manager, Fonterra
"There are endless opportunities and it's up to you whether you take them."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 85: Brendon Smith (YOG 2018) - Member of the Australian Swim Team
"’We lift up our eyes’ are special words to remember in your life."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 84: Josh Simmonds (YOG 2013) - Member of Australian Men’s Hockey Team and Silver Medalist, 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games
"Yarra allowed me to pursue my sport and taught me resilience.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 83: Kirsten Jackson (YOG 1987) - Artist
"Yarra was a caring school. The teachers cared - it was a community."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 82: Lachlan Cameron (YOG 2013) - Associate to the Hon. Justice Southwood, Supreme Court of the Northern Territory
"Teachers put effort into their work and that inspired me.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 81: Bronwyn Beech-Jones (YOG 2013) - Historian, PhD Candidate, Tutor & Research Assistant, University of Melbourne
"Inspiring teachers created a safe space to share our ideas and experiences"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 80: Andy Buerckner (YOG 2004) - Director of Travel Management Company
“I feel the Yarra Spirit when I am in the school. It’s a very grounded place.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast.
Episode 79: Rob Drew (YOG 2000)
"The Yarra Spirit is about great people, great mentors and friendships.”
For more information please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 78: Cass Stuchbery (YOG 2010) - Dietitian
"I felt that Yarra cared about me and my wellbeing"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 77: Jon Adam (YOG 2006) - Digital Delivery Manager
"I appreciate the opportunities I had here - otherwise I would not have been able to explore everything that I've done."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 76: Cameron Agars (YOG 1990) - School Principal
"Be open to possibilities and to things that may not be right in front of you."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 75: Bianca Cubitt (YOG 2013) - Social Media Adviser and Businesswoman
"The School tailored my passion and helped me grow into the person I am today."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 74: Joe Linney-Barber (YOG 1981) - Technology Entrepreneur
"Yarra taught me independence and to be willing to try something different."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 73: Liam Morkham (YOG 2014) - Stakeholder & Communications Consultant
"Yarra shows you the possibilities and builds your potential"
For more information, please visit www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 72: Sian Gooden (YOG 2002) - Senior Account Executive, Slack
"I burned the candle at both ends at high school and that set me up to make the most of opportunities as they present themselves"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 71: Daniel Mumby (YOG 1984) - Venture Capitalist & Technology Investor
"The School motto is about looking to the horizon and the future. You can't see the horizon if you are looking down at your feet!"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 70: Marie-Louise Metres (YOG 2002) - Clinical Social Worker
"Yarra had a culture of being successful - and that being OK"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 69: Andrew Morrow (YOG 1984) - Senior Engineer
"I’ve travelled through life with my close friends from Yarra.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 68: Kristen Collins (YOG 1992) - Development Assistance Manager
"My two years at Yarra made a key contribution to my confidence to explore and grab opportunities."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 67: Eliza Schwab (YOG 2014) - Owner of Glam Theory Studios & Eliza Madeline Makeup Academy
"Yarra helped build my confidence, independence and work ethic. It also helped me to see what was important to me."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 66: Tim Amos (YOG 2002) - Emergency Medicine Doctor
"The School Motto is about maximising your opportunities now to help you in the future."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 65: Claire Atkinson (YOG 2009) - Fleet Performance Engineer
"There’s a community at Yarra and that includes the students, teachers and parents."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 64: James Simpson (YOG 2005) - Musical Director
"My teachers inspired me and shaped who I became."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 63: Anna Johnston (YOG 2012) - Manager, Restructuring Services, Deloitte
"Growth is one of my top values. If I’m learning different things, that energises me."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 62: Anthony Basford (YOG 1985) - CEO East Gippsland Shire Council
"My experiences at Yarra are part of who I am and what I do today.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 61: Stephanie Puopolo (YOG 2009) - Netballer and Learning & Development Specialist
"Being at Yarra ignited a spark for me – I wanted to be at school, which was exciting. I became a new student when I came here.”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 60: Jason Ball (YOG 2006) - Project Lead at Scope Australia and LGBTIQ advocate
"The school motto still resonates – it’s about looking up, saying ‘yes’ and making the most of opportunities."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 59: Loren Brealey (YOG 2012) - Saxophonist and Music Teacher
"Try different things - you might surprise yourself with where your passions lie"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 58: Cameron Britt (YOG 2002) - CEO, South Fremantle Football Club
"The beauty of Yarra, for me, was the smorgasbord of opportunities."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 57: Grant Nel (YOG 2006) - Olympic Diver and Businessman
"My time at Yarra was definitely part of where I am today"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 56: Tiana Koehrer (YOG 2014) - Project Officer, First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria
"Every opportunity you miss, leads you towards something better."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 55: Steve McCracken (YOG 1994) - Commanding Officer, Royal Australian Navy
"Don't look at what is in front of you now. Look at what is coming and be ready for that."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 54: Penny Swan (YOG 1990) - Marketing and Business Manager
"Yarra gave me foundations in leadership... It showed me that I can do anything I want to do."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 53: Chris Chmiel (YOG 2000) - Squadron Leader, Australian Airforce
"Teachers at Yarra take pride in what they do. They are invested in it."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 52: Georgia Rogers (YOG 2015) - Exercise Sports Scientist
"One key thing I took away from school is that your ATAR is not the be all and end all. That does not equal success - it's finding what makes you happy."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 51: Professor Jason Mattingley (YOG 1982) - Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Queensland
"The freedom to roam at Yarra was terrific. I enjoyed the open space."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 50: Stephanie Pannach (nee Pottage) (YOG 2002) - Teacher
"I was inspired by Yarra as a whole - by its ethos and spirit"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 49: David Robb (YOG 1971) - International Executive
"There was a team ethos at Yarra and it was enjoyable to be part of that."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 48: Dwight Hodge (YOG 1994) - Leadership Coach and Facilitator
"I love the idea that failure is just feedback and all feedback helps you make better choices."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 47: Professor David Jamieson (YOG 1975) - Professor of Physics, University of Melbourne
"Teachers at School became formative influencers in my Yarra experience."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 46: Mark Garrett (YOG 1980) - CEO & Chairman
"I have fond memories of my whole time at Yarra"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast .
Episode 45: Nikki Carroll (YOG 1996) - General Counsel, Impact Investment Group
"There's nothing you can't achieve if you aim for it - Yarra taught me that."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 44: Matt Crawley (YOG 1989) - Development Manager, AFL NSW ACT
"Yarra set me up to tackle life and to have confidence."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 43: Sam Harper (YOG 2015) - Victorian cricketer
"I think it's important to be your own person and to do what you want to do."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 42: Emily Pollard (nee Collins) (YOG 2010) - Head booker at a modelling agency
"Many of my teachers were inspirational - but you often don't realise that until you leave school."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 10: Doug Fryer (YOG 1984) - Former Assistant Commissioner (Road Policing Command) Victoria Police
“Yarra prepares students to step out into the big wide world. It’s a principle of Yarra’s education to prepare kids for the future”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 41: Doug Witschi (YOG 1983) - Australian Federal Police Officer
"Yarra taught me to keep an open mind, to look for opportunities and to not place limitations on myself."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 40: Jeremy Irvine (YOG 1992) - CEO Australian Dental Prosthetists Association
"I had wonderful teachers. You didn't muck around with them, they pushed you in a good way."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 39: Eloise Grace (nee Gentle) (YOG 1994) - Television journalist
"The spirit of the School helped me gain a lot more confidence. There was always a positive vibe and by the time I left, I found it easy to talk to anyone."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 38: Alex Obradovic (YOG 2014) - Astrophysicist
"Yarra gave me lessons about friendship and life."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 37: Abbie Roodenburg (nee Underwood) (YOG 1996) - Barrister
"The Yarra Spirit brings to mind how everyone bonded and encouraged one another."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 36: Chris Adnam (YOG 1978) - Musician and Author
"There were paddocks and orchards everywhere back then".
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 35: Andy Baldwin (YOG 1987) - Music Producer
“There’s a real deep respect, friendship and loyalty.”
For more information please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 34: Natasha Wilkinson (YOG 1989) - CEO Donwood Community Aged Care Services
"Yarra gave me so much more than two years' of education - it gave me confidence and resilience."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 33: Travis Cloke (YOG 2005) - Former professional footballer
"To come here and interact with the students puts a smile on my face."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 32: Mark Buchanan (YOG 1979) - Innovator - Rock Climbing Wall Creator
"For me, Yarra embodied core friendships, great teachers, exploring new experiences and respecting other people."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 31: Rachel Jones (YOG 2001) - Government Relations Consultant
"My time at Yarra taught me so much about what I stand for".
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 30: Paul Singer MVO (YOG 1995) - Official Secretary to the Governor-General of Australia
"The School is a place that has a stronghold on my heart."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 29: Emily Tunks Macvean (YOG 1997) - Health Psychologist
"My Yarra friends and I catch up every few months and we're still supporting each other".
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 28: Cameron Britt (YOG 2002) - CEO, Wanneroo Basketball Association.
“The Yarra Spirit was a group of students with positive relationships who were making the most of their future.” For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 27: Stephen Le Get (YOG 1986) - Licensed Estate Agent
"A sense of community was instilled in me at Yarra - I had good people around me."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 26: Trent Roberts (YOG 1992) - Scriptwriter
"The Yarra Spirit was about loyalty to everyone at the School and a sense that you were in it together."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 25: Victoria Goddard (YOG 1981) - Entrepreneur and property developer
"Yarra brought a sense of calm. I felt secure and realised what I could possibly achieve in my life."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 24: Mark Boyes (YOG 1987) -
“A number of teachers here had a profound influence on me”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 23: Richard Nicholas (YOG 1971) - Licensed Estate Agent and Auctioneer
“The foundation of this school is the people who have been here and their continued strong connections to Yarra”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 22: Kate Schmidli (YOG 2012) - Music Theatre Performer
"There was such breadth of opportunity at Yarra and the enthusiasm of my teachers made me believe that everything was doable"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 21: Travis Strong (YOG 1991) - State Manager, Victoria at Mott MacDonald & President of White Owl for Men's Health Awareness
"You need to have a purpose to be the best version of yourself."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 20: Chris Chun (YOG 1988) - Artist and Creative Director
"I couldn't have done half the things I've done in my life without being at Yarra"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 19: Andrew Gaythorpe (YOG 1982) -Head of Supply & Inventory, Australia Post
"I wanted my sons to feel they belonged to a community with longevity."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 18: Yrena Wang (YOG 2013) - International Integration Aide
"I didn't know what life would be like, but quickly felt part of the Yarra community."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 17: Cam Dunbar (YOG 1998) - Teacher & Professional Runner
“Yarra taught me how important it is to respect and support the people around me”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 16: David Culbert (YOG 1984) - Athlete and Sports Marketer
"Yarra opens up infinite possibilities for students"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 15: Peter Russell-Clarke (YOG 1986)- Industrial Designer with Apple
"Yarra taught me to observe everything around me, to not take things for granted and see opportunities to do things differently"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 14: Rod Penaluna (YOG 1990) - Business Owner and President of Yarra Old Grammarians
"To me, Yarra was all about family, and it still is”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 13: Martine Oglethorpe (YOG 1990) - Author and Blogger of The Modern Parent
“I remember the relationships and the sense of friendship and connection with the wider community”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 12: William Lyall (YOG 1985) - Real Estate Agent and Auctioneer
“This School lifted my expectations. It taught me that you can be more than what you are and you can do more than you think you can do”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 11: Howard Brenchley (YOG 1971)- Foundation Student and Property Investor
"I had an opportunity to be a leader at Yarra and to develop independence of thought"
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 9: Charlotte McDonald (YOG 2013) - Police Constable
“I carry the values of this School with me. They affect my life and have become part of my character”
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 8: Dr Chris Fildes (YOG 1971)General Practitioner.
"I made great friends and have very happy memories of my school years – they were some of the best years of my life."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 7: Anthony Barnhill (YOG 2013)- Freelance Musician and Musical Director.
"Yarra encourages students to step outside their comfort zone and to become a worldly person."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 6: Carrie Edwards-Britt (YOG 1999)- Businesswoman and children's author.
"Being part of the Yarra community helped shape me into the person I am today."
For more information please go to: www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 5: Prof David Maggs (YOG 1980) - Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology.
"Links to Yarra remain central to my trips back to Australia".
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 4: Brad Harris (YOG 2002) - Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
"This was always an inclusive community – the School should be really proud of that."
For more information, Please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 3: Rohan Lawton (YOG 1993) - Premier Cricket Development Manager, Cricket Australia
"I feel fortunate that I went to Yarra. It was a great school back then and it's gone from strength to strength."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 2: Lerida Delbridge (YOG 1996) - Sydney Symphony Orchestra Assistant Concert Master
"I loved the camaraderie at Yarra. There was a sense that if you had a go at anything, you'd be embraced and supported."
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
Episode 1: Andy Griffiths (YOG 1979)- Award Winning Australian Children's Author.
"Humour thrived at this School in the '70s and I still channel that. You have to find your own way of doing things. Not everyone will rush to applaud you at first - they certainly didn't for me. But whatever you choose to do in your life, believe in it".
For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast
This podcast introduces the Inspired by Yarra podcast series.
One of the great ways to learn about history is to hear the stories of those who lived it. So now, with more than 50 years behind us, we thought it was time to bring some of those stories to life and share them with the world. Inspired by Yarra is a podcast series of conversations with our Yarra Old Grammarians (YOGs) who recall funny, compelling, informative and inspiring stories. Hosted by our School Chaplain Paul Joy, guests share some of their fondest memories of their time at Yarra and how that has helped establish their lives, their families and their careers to this day.