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Where are they now? Latest News
July-December 2007 Alumni Update
In this update we have news from another two New College weddings, a New College author and some Asian media coverage of a New Collegian making a difference.
Laura Morrison (New College 2005) marries
Laura Morrison (New College 2005) married Luke Pearce at St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Parramatta on 20th January 2007. Laura’s bridesmaids were her sister Amy Nasseri (nee Morrison) (New College 2003–2004) and Kimberley Graham who had flown from Vancouver (where Laura had her GAP year in 2004) to attend. Laura and Luke met in a Bible study group at St. John’s after Laura returned from Vancouver. According to the bride’s mum: “It has to be the best place to meet your future life partner (apart from New, of course!).” Many New Collegians enjoyed the wonderful celebration. Laura and Luke are now living in North Parramatta and are members of St John’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Laura is the second daughter of Rev Canon Bruce Morrison, (New College 1978–1979) and current Deputy Chairman of the New College Board.
Kathryn Bollen (New College 1997–99) marries
Kathryn Bollen (New College 1997–99) and Jason Briant were married at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Canberra in April 2007. Ex-collegians Rob Taggart (New College 1997–2000), Bronwyn Lund (New College 1997–98) and Alex Yim (New College 1996–99) assisted with the music, while Jane Wicks (1997–2000) read the bible. Other New College Alumni,including Carly Price (New College 1997–99), Sally Bathgate (nee Robins) (New College 1997–99) and Ben Bathgate (New College 1997–99) attended the wedding and helped celebrate at the reception afterwards.
Lisa McKay (New College 1995–1998) a published author, resides in the US
Lisa is a forensic psychologist and director of Training and Education Services at the Headington Institute, providing psychological and spiritual support to humanitarian relief and development workers around the world. Now the author of a fiction novel, Lisa has also authored numerous articles and continuing education modules for mental health professionals on understanding, assessing and treating acute stress, and writes a monthly series of stress management tips for humanitarian workers, “Peace by Piece.”
Bernise Ang (New College 1999–2000) sets up volunteer network
In February 2006, 27-year-old Bernise Ang set up SYINC, a network of youth volunteers in Singapore who organise events to instil civic consciousness in other youths. For their first project, Bernise and her team of 40 ran a workshop to educate about 25 junior college and university students on the MDGs, eight targets set by the UN that range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015. The workshop participants also came together later to form Footprint Singapore, which promotes the use of Fair Trade and other ethical products—certification schemes that guarantee a better deal for disadvantaged producers in the developing world—in Singapore. “It’s great to
see young Singaporeans eager to learn about development. As young Singaporeans, we have been born into a lot of privilege. Let’s use that privilege,” said Bernise, a New Collegian and UNSW graduate who gave up her Australian citizenship to be based in Singapore, where she grew up. (Source: Straits Times press coverage)
Where are they now? Latest News
June 2007 Alumni Update
In this update we have news from another New College wedding, some UNSW coverage of an alumnus making an impact for Indigenous Australians, an alumnus architect in the news and alumni involvement in the Kriol language Bible translation project.
Edward Gomes (New College 1998-1999) & Louise Davies (New College 1999) wed
Ed Gomes married Louise Davies at Mary MacKillop Chapel, North Sydney on 19 August 2006. A reception was held at Le Montage, Lillyfield. Edward's brother Richard (New College 2000-2001)was the Best Man and Edward's younger brother Lincoln (New College 2004-2006) was the third groomsman. Edward initially met Louise at New College although it would be six years before they would meet again and start dating! After spending time working with the United Nations' judicial arm, Edward now works as a solicitor specialising in aviation law. Louise is an economic and strategy adviser with Westpac with a particular interest in development economics. The couple has settled in Kensington.
Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon a Highlight
UNSW Medical graduate and New College alumnus Dr Kevlin Kong has become the first Aboriginal surgeon in Australia. Dr Kong is an ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr Kong was featured in the UNSWWorld Alumni & Friends Magazine in the Highlights section (pp 4). New College is proud of Dr Kong's achievements, contribution to UNSW and the Indigenous community. To read the UNSWWorld Highlight article please visit the extract here»
Leading architect featured in North Sydney Council CBD newsletter
Mr Nando Nicotra (New College 1979-1982) is featured in the recent Autumn issue of North Sydney council's CBD Newsletter. He has received this coverage because of his lead role in one of North Sydney CBD's most significant building development projects. To find out more see pages 2 & 3 in this PDF»
The world’s first translation of the complete Bible into an Aboriginal language is now complete
The Kriol language is spoken by almost 30,000 people in the north of Australia. Former CMS missionaries Lance and Gwen Tremlett at Ngukurr, Arnhem Land worked alongside Aboriginal people for the past 17 years translating the Kriol Baibul (Bible). New College alumnus Lindy Berthon (New College 1988-1989) with her husband Peter Berthon have recently taken up this significant work. The first translation was officially launched in early May.
Where are they now? Latest News
January-May 2007 Alumni Update
There has been a large outbreak of nuptial bliss in the past 9 months. According to the latest count (at May 30th 2007) 22 New Collegians have been married or engaged in this period. In this update we provide news on some. To view photos visit the Alumni Marriages Gallery» In this update we also feature a recent alumnus working in development aid in Bangladesh.
Julian Teoh (New College 2000-2001) and Emily McPherson (New College 2001-2004)
Julian Teoh and Emily McPherson were married at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Melbourne in September 2006. Readings and prayers were assisted by ex-Collegians Rob Taggart, Michelle Kemp and Bec Barnes (now back in College!), and Michael Yelf was a groomsman. A second wedding celebration was held overseas in Malaysia, with lots of food and more company of New College alumni, with Ally and Dan Parker making the journey from Singapore.
Stephen Gilmour (New College 2003-2005) and Alison Kelly (New College 2003-2005)
Stephen Gilmour and Alison Kelly were married at Dubbo Presbyterian Church, Dubbo in December 2007. Readings and prayers were assisted by ex-Collegians Andrew Emery and Bec Barnes while Daniel Cummings, Sahm Nasseri, Christopher Rowe and Sarah Lynar were all part of the bridal party. A lovely reception was held in Alison’s school hall with lots of great food and musical items from the newly married couple and Daniel Cummings and Roslyn Kelly.
Fi Monro (New College 2000-2001) married Duncan Aldridge
Fiona Monro married Duncan Aldridge at St Matthias Anglican Church, Paddington in December 2006. Alex Stonehouse (Gilles, 2000-2002) was a bridesmaid. Ex-collegians Rob Taggart and Bec Barnes assisted with music, and Bec also prayed. Other New College Alumni,including Andrew Charlier, Kate O’Connor, Ben Stonehouse, Penny Wareham, Michael Van Bergen and Jamie Clarey, attended the wedding and helped to celebrate at the reception afterwards.
Sanchia Smith (New College 2004-2006) married Caleb Dunstan
Sanchia Smith and Caleb Dunstan were married on December 29, 2006 at Prince Henry Chapel, Little Bay, Sydney. Anthea Anantharajah was Maid of Honor and Sarah Zardawi and ex-collegian Adrian Johnston attended.
Regina Solano (New College 2003-2006) married Wafik Habib
Most people at College knew Regina as “Reggie”. They were married on the 13th of January, 2007 at St Mary and St Mina’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Bexley. The maid of Honour was Lauren Hanby, who was Regina’s best friend from High School, and who also stayed in New College for Session 2, 2004.
John Quinn (New College 1996-2002) married Premilla Chinnappa
Former Collegian John Quinn (RA, Senior RA and Acting Dean in 2002) and Premilla Chinnappa were married at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Carlton, Victoria on January 20 this year. John’s attendants were ex-Collegians Justin Clunas (1996-99) and Alex Koch (1999-2002), while Andrew Thompson (2002-03) and Ben Gooley (1994-1996) were among those who prayed for the couple. The music for the wedding service was provided by former Master Dr Allan Beavis, and past resident and tutor Ben Waterhouse (1996-97, 2000) was Master of Ceremonies at the reception. In all, around 36 ex-Collegians attended, spanning years of residence 1993 (Rob Johnson) through to 2006 (Angela Barrett).
Kylie Evennett (New College 2003-2005)
In March Kylie Evennett (New College 2002-2001) married James Cox. They both met, and were married at Maroubra Baptist Church.
Kwan Hee Lee (New College 2003-2004)
Kwan Hee Lee and Young Oak had their wedding on Saturday, April 21. After the wedding ceremony, they left for their honeymoon in Queenstown, New Zealand. After the honeymoon they visited Sydney to catch up with their New College friends.
Richard Fleming (New College 2002-2005) heads overseas to work in development aid
Richard Fleming was an Academic Tutor in 2003 and a Resident Adviser in 2004 and 2005. Richard has been working with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as a Consultant. He has taken a year of unpaid leave to go to Bangladesh to work with the Rural Development Board there. He lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh (for 12 months) in his capacity as an Australian Youth Ambassador.
Where are they now? Latest News
November & December 2006 Alumni Update
His Honour Judge Barnabas Fung (New College 1980-1984)
On Monday November 27 2006 His Honour Barnabas Fung was appointed a judge on the High Court of Hong Kong (jurisdiction equivalent to an Australian State Supreme Court). He had previously served as Chief District Judge, District Court of Hong Kong. HH Judge Fung studied Commerce / Law at UNSW. He graduated with BCom - '84; LLB - '85. He is currently Vice President of UNSW Alumni Association's Hong Kong Chapter. Mr Fung attended the New College Alumni reunion dinners in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2005. He is an active alumnus of the College and has served with distinction in the legal profession and judiciary throughout his career. From the board, staff and alumni of New College: congratulations Barnabas!
Alan Stewart (New College 1977-1978) becomes only the 2nd New College Bishop
Alan James Stewart, 47, will become the next Bishop of Wollongong in early April 2007. The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney appointed Alan Stewart as the next Bishop of Wollongong on Monday November 15. Alan is currently CEO of Anglican Youthworks. Alan is an active alumnus maintaing strong connections with 'New'. He and Kathy are keen supporters of CASE, the New College apologetics project. Al spoke at last year’s CASE fundraiser, urging people to support CASE’s ambitious endeavours to engage the intellectual world with the truth of Christianity. Alan holds the degrees of Bachelor of Commerce (UNSW), Bachelor of Theology and Diploma of Arts in Theology. He studied at Moore College, and served as a minister in the parishes of Tregear in Sydney’s west and St Matthias, Centennial Park.
Dr John Higinbotham CPhys, FInstP, FAIP (New College 1969-1971)
John Higinbotham was the Senior Tutor at New College from 1969. He was awarded a BSc and MSc (Physics) at UNSW. In recent email correspondence resulting from Autumn New ’n’ Old he wrote: “I was delighted to read of the participation of New College residents with the Santa Teresa Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory. This is an excellent initiative. I wish you well with your initiatives.” John is now involved in work at The Institute of Physics in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Cameron Strahorn (New College 2000-2001)
In other news for the fresher group of 2000, Cameron Strahorn has recently become engaged to his long time partner, and ex-boss, Mirriam Rosser. Cam and Mirriam are planning a wedding early next year (2007).
Jackie Hartley (New College 1997-1998)
Jackie headed to the US in early August on the Fulbright Postgraduate Alumni (WG Walker) Award and the Lionel Murphy Postgraduate Overseas Scholarship. “I will be studying a Master of Laws in the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program at the University of Arizona in Tucson. I am looking forward to catching up with Leah Curtis (New College 1996 -1997) and Damien Perriman (New College 1995-1996) in LA before travelling to Tucson.”
David Croft (New College 2000-2001)
Jackie Hartley’s partner David Croft (‘Crofty’) is working as the Noxious Weeds and Pest Species Officer at Sutherland Shire Council (in Sydney). He is active in the Loftus Rural Fire Brigade and volunteers with the local Bushcare and mountain bike trail management groups.

