The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80)
From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold network and connections continue beyond the School gates. They guarantee that the special bond of the TGS boys is never lost and that School traditions are honoured from generation to generation.
The TGSOBA contributions are numerous and varied, and while there are too many to mention, here is a list of some notable projects:
- Replaced the original picnic table and paved the area at the top of the steps to Mills Oval. (Date Unknown)
- The sporting honour boards in Old Hall. (Date Unknown)
- Drums for Pipe Band, which are now used by Cadets. (Date Unknown)
- Candelabra. (1970)
- Bluestone steps to Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (1972)
- Refurbishment of Old Hall. (1974)
- Lighting of the School drive, in conjunction with the P&F Association. (1979)
- Terraces on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (1990)
- Two candelabras. (1990)
- Chip cookers in The Pavilion. (1995)
- Trophy cabinets in the foyer of The Pavilion. (1998)
- Fences around Mills and Barbour Oval. (1998–2000)
- The construction of the TGSOBA Wall of Achievement and funding contributions to ongoing additions. (2003)
- The funding and construction of the TGSOBA Museum. (2009)
- $10,000 to the TGS athletics team that represented Australia in the International School Sport Federation World Schools’ Athletic Championships in the Czech Republic. (2013)
- Electronic scoreboards on Mills and Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (2014)
- Sam Brown belts and ceremonial swords for TGSACU during Cadet Dining In Nights. (2015)
- $200,000 contribution to the building of the Glen McCracken Sports Centre. (2017–18)
- Historical plaques around the School. (2020)
- Contributed to the publication costs of Mr Ivan Board’s History of Toowoomba Grammar Cricket. (2021)
- Refurbished the barber chair. (2023)
- Annual bursaries awarded on Speech Day. (Ongoing)
- Various prizes and trophies. (Ongoing)
- Presentation of TGSOBA ties to Year 12 leavers, more recently keyrings and TGSOBA caps. (Ongoing since the early 1990s)
- Annual connective events such as reunions and gatherings. (Ongoing)
- Premiership recognition caps. (Ongoing since 2006)
Not only is there the infrastructure, but Old Boys contribute to the lives of our current students in many ways — from coaching sporting groups, assisting with performing arts or other subjects, providing mentorship, offering work experience, returning to the School to share their stories and experiences and volunteering at various events, including in the canteen on sports days.
There are so many ways that our Old Boys have a presence here, and the TGS community is grateful for their support. We hope that this leadership and the spirit of the Blue and Gold continues and that future generations of Grammar boys enthusiastically follow in the footsteps of their “ancestors”. We hope that these boys remember where they came from and the opportunities available to them because they were fortunate enough to be a Grammar boy, to be part of an inexplicable band of brothers. We hope they are eager to return to these glorious grounds, give back and set a fine example of what it is to be a good man. Fidelis in Omnibus.
Latest Blog
NZ Rugby Tour success, more than winning matches across the Ditch
The teams were undefeated and it was a trip the players will never forget. This tour was years in the making and heralds a new era of touring and hosting different rugby schools to give our players opportunities for growth as athletes and as people. Head of Sport - Rugby, Mr Lincoln Clapham, explained they selected 46 students to take part in the ten-day tour and began training last year. From Term 1 onwards, the squad trained twice weekly on the oval plus two and sometimes three gym sessions…
Aussie Teen Reading Habits Revealed
I was recently sent an article, summarising some research from Deakin University around the reading habits of teens in 2024. Some of it was, as the title suggests, surprising. Some was not. However, all of it was built around the importance of reading, and supporting our teens to read, which is something that every one of us should do. While we tend to see our teens as digital natives, recent research from Deakin University suggests that the average Aussie teen reader would rather flick through…
Now More Than Ever
The one-of-a-kind Indigenous artwork is emblazoned across the shirts for the First IV Tennis team, jerseys for the First XI Football team and First XV Rugby team and First V Basketball team's singlets. National Reconciliation Week is a significant date on the calendar for all Australians, running from Monday, 27 May to Monday, 3 June. The incorporation of this Indigenous design in our uniforms is a significant milestone for our School, especially for our 47 Aboriginal and Torres Strait…
It's a numbers game, making mathematics mainstream
Term 2 has been a busy one in the Mathematics department; from multiple year levels having extended assessment tasks to competitions run inside and outside the School. Using mathematical equations to recreate artwork The Year 11 Mathematical Methods students got a chance to be very creative with their assessment - using numbers to reproduce artwork. The boys visited the 2024 Grammar Art Show in Term 1 and were given the task to reproduce a chosen work using their knowledge of mathematical…
Bucolic beginnings, boarding and becoming a bowel surgeon
Coming from a cattle property near Injune I was in awe of the School’s ovals with lush, green grass and immaculate facilities. I found being able to throw yourself around and not risk skin cuts and grazes quite novel. Sharing the same field where many Old Boys and past heroes trotted was inspirational. I found the comradery among the boarders my most overwhelming memory. It was like having 60 brothers with similar interests all living under the same roof. There was always someone around to kick…
Our Other Mother
Meet Ms Janelle Fletcher, the House Mum of Corfe, whose journey at TGS began back in 1992 as an instrumental music teacher. Her story is one of deep connections, love for the arts and an unshakeable bond with the students of TGS. From the time that Janelle first stepped onto campus and shared her musical talents with young minds to now creating her own “mum moments” in Corfe — she has nurtured a profound sense of community and established connections that have lasted through generations. Her…
Fostering a creative generation and getting exhibited at GoMA
2023 Visual Arts student Ben Rosenberg (TGS 2019-2023) had his film “Mitchell” selected and it's now on display as part of the 2024 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art at GoMA. For 30 years the Awards have recognised and promoted excellence in senior visual art education throughout Queensland schools. Secondary schools typically enter the work of up to four Senior students. Previous winners from TGS include Sam McCosker (2013) and Austin Reed (2017). Ben is a filmmaker and…
In memory of Light Horse Field Ambulances
Toowoomba Grammar School would like to acknowledge our admiration for the loyalty, service and bravery exhibited by TGS Old Boys who so valiantly served. We are all the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, and their selfless actions continue to inspire a spirit of service amongst our current students. Today we focus on the contribution of one TGS Old Boy who made a significant contribution to World War I. Here is some of the incredible story of Major Avery, DSO and if you visit the School Museum…
New Caledonia, new horizons and travel through an educational lens
The opportunity to travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also fosters an increased intercultural understanding and empathy, both essential qualities for navigating and existing within our diverse world. For a group of language students travelling to New Caledonia, our recent French Language and Cultural Tour was a unique opportunity for such experiential learning, where language acquisition went beyond just learning vocabulary and grammar - and instead became a gateway to connect…
