Although the reputation of the Students' Representative Council was hardly enhanced by the mild cynicism of some members of the student body as to the Council's value, 1983 was a year in which the S.R.C. performed enthusiastically. Again the S.R.C. suffered from a lack of interest from the school body, who should be urged to utilise the Council in order to express views or problems.
In mid-1983, Mr. Ron Perquin of Cairns was invited to Brisbane Grammar to make and distribute student identification cards, intended to allow concessions for students at certain business outlets. Despite a disappointing early start, scores of younger students flocked to purchase a card once they realised the number of discounts for which they could be eligible.
Acting under the instructions of the Tipperoo Club, the S.R.C. again endeavoured to participate in the organisation of Open Day. Many students apparently fail to appreciate that Open Day is staged principally for the benefit of parents and public, and that students have a responsibility to help present the school for inspection. Members of the S.R.C. attended regular meetings and received the task of co-ordinating rosters of boys to run fun stalls, food vans and produce stalls; the second and third forms responded eagerly, for which they deserve congratulations. Despite the previous evening's torrential rain, August 27 dawned bright and clear; displays such as Karate, Fencing and even Bachelor Cooking illustrated the diversity of activities within the school. In future, the 1983 Council would urge the students of Brisbane Grammar to use the S.R.C. in bringing matters of importance to the attention of the Headmaster, who is always willing to listen.
Principle and Objects: "The fundamental principle of the Association is that every member shall in all matters act as becomes a gentleman and true citizen, and the object of the Association shall be to effect a bond of union amongst past pupils of the Brisbane Grammar School in order to promote a spirit of comradeship and to form an effective link between past and present pupils and in every way to further the welfare and interest of the School in the community."
(The OBA section also carried a school-history note on the original Roma Street building and Queen's Birthday Honours 1983 for Old Boys, including Alfred Paget Beatty (1931), M., for service to Primary Industry.)
(Back-filled 19 June 2026 — these recipients were recorded in the bursary index from the 1983 Foundation Day report but were absent from the first-batch transcript. Awarded per the standing terms: the Roe to the boy leaving for the University of Queensland most distinguished in scholarship, character and sport; the Nowlan to the boy entering with the highest pass in the Trustees' Entrance Scholarship Examination.)
School Leaders 1983 — School Captain (and Captain of Track and Field): A. K. Westaway. Vice-Captain of the School (and Captain of Harlin House): S. A. Mortess. Captains: R. C. Wolff (Debating), R. M. Williamson (Soccer), R. J. Buchanan (Rowing), B. A. McCarthy (Tennis), S. A. Kirkman (Music), S. A. Blackwood (Cross Country), T. P. Mooney (Rugby), P. J. Hornibrook (Cricket), S. D. Fitzsimmons (Gymnastics).
*The 1983 issue carries an obituary-style Deaths section.
School Captain 1983 was A. K. Westaway (Vice-Captain: S. A. Mortess). The senior-student piece is the S.R.C. report (reproduced below). OBA President for 1983–84 was R. A. Duus (58); no separate President's message this year.
In this era, an Old Boy's year designation was the year he entered Grammar; the convention today is the year he finished. A boy who started in 1993 and finished in 1997 was (93) but is now '97.
Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys' Association · Old Boys History. Part of the OBA Knowledge Project.
Draft site for committee review. Spot an error or hold a missing piece? Tell the OBA