“Keep doing what you love and the opportunities will present themselves.”— Clancy Sinnamon
Clancy Sinnamon (2009–2013) is more than just a filmmaker. He’s a chronicler of moments, a weaver of stories and an inspiration for aspiring creatives, particularly those in regional communities.
From his days as a boarding student at Toowoomba Grammar School, where he first dipped his toes into the world of filming GPS sporting events, to his current roles as sports documentarian and founder of the Outback Film Club, Clancy’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
The echoes of school war cries reverberating around the Chandler Aquatic Centre in 2011 marked the start of Clancy’s cinematic journey. Capturing that moment ignited a spark within him, a passion for storytelling through the lens of a camera. Encouraged by mentors like Student Officer Mr Matthew Harrison, who nurtured his talent and pushed him to perfect his craft, Clancy embarked on a journey leading him to Bond University, where he found a community of like-minded individuals who shared his love for film.
Clancy’s career took flight during a globetrotting stint filming the Australian men’s national cricket team, a dream opportunity for a cricket fanatic like himself. However, the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 brought his adventures to an abrupt halt. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Clancy found new avenues to explore. He channelled his energy into creating his first feature film, The Smiths, a project that showcased his talent and marked a homecoming to TGS — the original concept for the film was shown at Assembly 10 years earlier.
But Clancy’s ambitions extended beyond his career aspirations; he was determined to pay it forward and inspire the next generation of rural filmmakers. This drive led him back to his roots. He held workshops at Toowoomba Grammar School and eventually founded the Outback Film Club. Through this initiative, Clancy has brought the magic of filmmaking to remote communities across Queensland, empowering over 100 students to explore their creative potential.
For Clancy, filmmaking is more than just a career. It’s a calling, a passion that fuels his resilience in the face of challenges. Whether he’s documenting the Australian men’s national cricket team, making feature films or mentoring young filmmakers in regional Australia, Clancy’s unwavering dedication to his craft serves as an example for aspiring creatives everywhere. As he eagerly awaits the release of Season 3 of The Test on Amazon Prime, Clancy reflects on his journey with gratitude and humility, “I’d like to think that after going through all those difficult times, I’ve come out the other side more resilient.”
Clancy advises students, “Keep doing what you love, and the opportunities will present themselves.” He believes wholeheartedly that non-traditional careers can pay off, “I’m sure that if my teachers reflect on my career choice, they’d know I’ve taken the right path.”
He believes wholeheartedly that non-traditional careers can pay off, “I’m sure that if my teachers reflect on my career choice, they’d know I’ve taken the right path.” In the tapestry of Clancy Sinnamon’s life, each frame tells a story of resilience, determination and unwavering passion — a story that continues to inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, no matter where they may lead.
Latest Blog
Gummingurru Excursion - Deep Time History of Australia on our Doorstep
Gummingurru is unique in being the best-preserved initiation site in southeast Queensland, including bora rings and various stone arrangements that have ancient links to the totems and kinship practices of the Jarowair and Giabal people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, as well as the broader region within the highly significant cultural landscape of the Bunya Mountains. The boys were welcomed to, and guided through, the site and its learning centre by Mr Shannon Bauwens, a Western Wakka…
Responding to Negative Peer Interactions
As we approach the end of Term 3, we find it is typically a time when boys start to get tired and emotional and are most likely to make poor decisions that can lead to relationship challenges between peers. Comments and humour shared between mates that may have been received without concern in the first week of the term may change as boys start to tire and their tolerance levels decrease. This may lead to boys reacting with heightened and overly emotional responses. This is normal as boys are…
Boarding is who we are
Our boarders make up nearly one third of our student cohort from Years 5 to 12, which enables us to consider the boarding experience in all that we do at the School. Every boarding experience at TGS is about equipping boys with the skills to function as a student and preparing them for their future.
Making a Positive Impact with Homework Assistance
The Anglicare Homework Assistance Program (HAP), run in conjunction with Darling Heights State School, sees many of our boys volunteer their time on Wednesdays after class to help many young refugee and primary school students facing challenging times with their homework, or to chat and play games. Our boys thoroughly enjoy meeting, supporting and learning about the lives of the younger children. This forges community connections and fosters inclusion for the Darling Heights students; it also…
Fresh Faces Guide - TGS Sportsmen into the Fray
With their dedication to excellence and player development, TGS athletes are in good hands as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of competitive sports.
Honouring Tradition, Preparing for the Future
They will invariably be inspired by effective teaching and the satisfaction of personal achievement will always be motivating. At Toowoomba Grammar School, the power of high-quality instructional practices has resulted in the development of a strong academic culture that has endured for nearly 150 years. Preserving core principles provides stability and continuity. However, we must be open to continuously adapting our methods so that our students are well-prepared for the ever-changing world…
We See You - Mitchell Wilkes
That was the heart-wrenching diagnosis for Year 10 student, Mitchell Wilkes, right on Christmas in 2021. Mitchell’s mum noticed he wasn’t reading properly and had a gut feeling that there was something wrong with his eyesight. A trip to the optometrist revealed a thinning in the retina, and further tests showed that Mitchell had a genetic condition called Stargardt Disease, a juvenile macular degeneration illness that results in slow central vision loss.
Correcting our School's official record commemorating World War I and World War II
On the eve of our 150th year, we're calling on the School's alumni, parents, past parents and greater community to aid us in correcting the record of our involvement in two watershed geopolitical events of the 20th century. For the last four years Toowoomba Grammar School Museum Volunteers, Mrs Ann Hallam and Mrs Sue Palmer, have been updating the School records on Old Boys, staff and Trustees for the World War I and World War II theatres of war. Over the years several staff and volunteers have…
A Pioneering Woman of TGS
My late husband was a teacher, and our four children are all teachers, which we encouraged them to do because it is the best job in the world. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for 36 years, working under four Headmasters: Mr Bill Dent, Mr Hugh Rose, Mr Peter Hauser and now Dr John Kinniburgh. I still drive into the School each day and smile, looking at the beautiful place it is — magnificent ovals, gracious trees and historically significant buildings. It is difficult to express the…
