OLD BOYS’ 2025 AGM
President of the Old Boys’ Association, Paul Paisley, was elected for his fifth consecutive year at the 2025 AGM in early March.
Paul will be supported by the following committee members for the 2025 season -
Treasurer - Ken Beveridge
Secretary - Keith Powell
Committee members - John Gibson, Gary Rawle and John Stevenson (Mark Queenan has expressed interest in remaining a committee member which leaves two vacant positions).
The AGM recognised the services of John Brown who did not seek re-election. John had been a member of the Old Boys’ committee for more than five years and had previously been Club President whilst also being a Life Member.
The President’s Report and the Secretary’s Report presented at the AGM follow:
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It is with pleasure that I present the President’s Report for 2024, a year in which the Old Boys’ Association presented benefits for members and supporters despite the club not having any senior teams in the main rugby union competition.
The Old Boys committee in late 2023 said it would be ‘business as usual’ in 2024 regardless of the challenges facing the senior club and our Juniors and I am happy to advise that we presented a full program of activities that matched our resources and membership.
I am thankful to the Old Boys committee for being a strong support organisation and assessing opportunities and making decisions that kept the Old Boys’ Association a viable part of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club.
There were two impressive events during the year that involved our club, these being:
three players being inducted in June by NSW Rugby into its new Hall of Fame which was one of the main initiatives of that organisation’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2024
a total of 14 of The Tahs past and present players being presented in August with a NSW Rugby Cap at our 2024 Sports Luncheon to acknowledge their appearances for NSW – again, as part of NSW Rugby’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.
The induction of former players Cyril Burke, John Hipwell and Kelly Sager into the NSW Hall of Fame recognised three of our most talented players. In total, 47 male players and 15 female players were inducted in an abundance of legendary names who have worn the famous cambridge blue Waratahs jersey. It is indeed an honour to have three of the players from one club in The Waratahs.
In relation to the presentation of NSW Rugby Caps, it was the highlight of our year at the 2024 Sports Luncheon.
It was a great pleasure to have Ron Harvey (five eighth), Michael Fitzgerald (fullback), Peter McPherson and Declan Curran (front row) attend the function while Peter Horton (hooker) was an apology.
Another great pleasure was having relatives of seven players who have passed away attend the luncheon to accept a cap on behalf of their family. I offer special thanks to Bruce Burke (son on Cyril), Lindsay Marshall (son of John), Jeff Bowtell and Anne Grieve (son and daughter of Dave Bowtell), Claire Frost (wife of Ray), James Gahan (son of Bill), Kay Albon (daughter of Ken Chambers) and Marcia Kolasinski (sister of John Hipwell) for being part of our great day.
Former club player, Dominic Vaughan, who represented NSW from the Warringah club in Sydney after moving from Newcastle also received a cap at the function.
Amber Carson (granddaughter) and Michael Jones (grandson) of ‘founding father’ of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club in the 1940s, Ern Howarth, accepted his cap. Ern played five matches for NSW in 1933-35 whilst playing with Merewether Carlton and was a NSW Rugby selector in 1939.
The list also includes three women players who played for The Waratahs and were presented with their caps at NSW Rugby’s 2024 Awards Dinner in Sydney in June. Katrina Barker, Maya Stewart and Kelly Sager all proudly received their caps.
The Sports Luncheon also allowed us to acknowledge the appearances of five of the club’s grand final teams – it was the 40th anniversary of our 1984 Reserve Grade and Third Grade teams, the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Third Grade side and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Reserve Grade and Third Grade teams.
Full statistical details about the above players are mentioned in the Secretary’s Report.
Support Programs and ‘bits and pieces’
In relation to support for the Juniors, the Old Boys’ Association developed a 2024 Support Agreement and kept close ties throughout the season. Unfortunately, the fortunes of the Juniors continued to decline and the formation of an alliance with Lake Macquarie and Ironbark clubs to field teams reflected the lack of player strength across the age groups.
The Old Boys again supported the development of junior rugby at a regional level and I am pleased to report that we again financially contributed to the Hunter Wildfires Colts program. Hunter Wildfires General Manager, Stu Pinkerton, was most appreciative of the support from The Waratahs and the Old Boys and said funds would be specifically directed to the new Colts 2 team to develop attitude and on-field performance programs.
We also kept in contact throughout the year with the Interim Seniors Committee as to any major developments and impact on the association.
The Old Boys’ Association again subsidised the annual Christmas Luncheon and a big vote of thanks go to Dave Puddicombe for organising the event and to those members and supporters who attended and made the afternoon a great social ending to the year.
We also paid our fees to the senior club which is an important part of the running of The Tahs as all full financial members of the Old Boys’ Association are eligible to vote on any recommendations at the Seniors Annual General Meeting.
At Waratah Oval, the shipping container underwent waterproofing and maintenance while we are also looking at some maintenance of our Honour Boards which are kept in storage.
I would like to make special mention of our sponsors for the 2024 Sports Luncheon, especially long serving former players and now supporters in Paul Murphy from Churchills Carpet Court and Steve Allen from Thomas Allen Wines. Others include Hamilton North Bowling Club, Tooheys, NSW Rugby Union, Australian Rugby Union and ACT Brumbies Rugby Union.
The Committee – and the future
I express my gratitude to members of the Old Boys’ committee for their time and effort during the past 12 months. Ken Beveridge kept us on track as Treasurer with comprehensive financial reports while John Gibson and Gary Rawle served their first year as committee members. John Brown, Mark Queenan, Keith Powell and John Stevenson provided sterling service.
The committee was very aware of communication channels and our regular e-newsletter and other email messages kept members and supporters up to date with news about the Old Boys, the club and associated Rugby matters.
As to the future – the Old Boys’ committee is aware it has to review its social calendar and programs as to whether they are providing benefit for members. The Wildfires Home Match Social Program will be reviewed while the annual Sports Luncheon in August will come under the microscope for any potential improvements.
The new committee will also have to look at membership and the benefits package (the chambray shirt was a big success in 2024) as the operations of the club continue to change.
In conclusion, the Old Boys’ Association ended the year on a solid footing and our finances continue to be in a good position and thanks to Ken through some astute fundraising and financial management.
Your committee has completed a very good 12 months and although the year has been difficult operationally for The Waratahs, it is good to see that the Old Boys’ Association continues to be strong and active.
Yours in Rugby
Paul Paisley
President
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SECRETARY’S REPORT
The diminishing fortunes of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club continued to impact on the Old Boys’ Association although the organisation’s structure remained sound as the committee delivered a 12-month program of activities and events.
The Old Boys’ Association held its 2024 Annual General Meeting in March and it was pleasing to see two new members join the committee in John Gibson and Gary Rawle. Paul Paisley was returned as President for a fourth consecutive year with the full committee being:
President: Paul Paisley
Treasurer: Ken Beveridge
Secretary: Keith Powell
Committee: John Brown, John Gibson, Mark Queenan, John Stevenson and Gary Rawle
The committee met formally in March, May, June, July (three times to organise the 2024 Sports Luncheon), September, November and February (2025). It also met informally on a number of occasions and kept in regular contact to ensure the smooth running of the association. In addition, committee members attended the senior club’s Deferred AGM in January 2024 and a specially convened meeting in May with The Waratahs Juniors to discuss support from the Old Boys for the Juniors during the 2024 season.
The committee, as in previous seasons, presented a flexible program for members but this program will have to be assessed in 2025 as to its attractiveness to members because of falling attendances. The program included:
‘home match social program’ when Hunter Wildfires played at No.2 Sportsground
support for Juniors with Old Boys volunteers attending rugby events such as the Hunter Region Secondary Schools Rugby 7s at Waratah Oval grounds.
2024 Sports Luncheon which highlighted the club’s NSW players
the Christmas Luncheon organised by Dave Puddicombe
Other events - such as barefoot bowls days and a golf day - were not organised following feedback from previous seasons.
Membership and Communication
The Old Boys initially struggled in attracting former players and supporters to re-new their membership for 2024 which did not surprise after the club announced it would not be fielding neither Men’s teams nor Women’s teams in Hunter Rugby Union’s main 2024 competitions.
Membership numbers reached about 20 and a concerted effort saw our membership gradually rise to the mid-40s which was a pleasing result and matched membership numbers of previous seasons. Obviously, more members would have been welcomed but the committee was realistic about the club’s situation and the impact on the association.
The ‘membership gift’ for 2024 was an embroidered blue chambray dress shirt which proved popular with members with a number of extra orders being placed.
The Old Boys continued to distribute a regular e-newsletter which became a mainstream of communication for members and supporters as it contained all Old Boys news but also information from the remainder of the club. The Old Boys also maintained the club’s website which includes an Old Boys section under the ‘About Our Club’ banner.
Sponsorship and Support
The Old Boys’ Committee was careful during the year in discussing and assessing potential sponsorship/support opportunities and voted to commit to two major initiatives, these being:
The Waratahs Juniors through a 2024 Support Agreement
Hunter Wildfires Junior Development Program – support for Colts program
The Old Boys provided voluntary and equipment assistance to the Juniors throughout the year and maintained good communication with the Juniors.
Unfortunately, the fundraising Thursday Night meat raffles at Hamilton North Bowling Club did not eventuate in 2024 which resulted in a loss of income for the Old Boys.
Social Events
The 2024 Sports Luncheon was the highlight of the social calendar and presented the opportunity of acknowledging the careers of club players who had taken the field for NSW Rugby.
The Old Boys organised a special presentation where five living New South Wales representatives and relatives of seven NSW players from the club who have passed away were presented with a cap as part of NSW Rugby’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. All NSW players and relatives were guests of the Old Boys’ Association because of the importance of the function.
The five living NSW players acknowledged before a large and appreciative audience were (playing year order):
Ron Harvey (five eighth) – 4 matches - 1955 & 1958 - NSW Cap No. 907
Peter Horton (hooker) – 12 matches - 1971-76 – NSW Cap No. 1118 (also 34 matches for Queensland 1977-79)
Michael Fitzgerald (fullback) – 1 match - 1975 - NSW Cap No. 1161
Peter McPherson (wing) – 2 matches - 1979 - NSW Cap No. 1196
Declan Curran (front row) – 11 matches -1980-83 - NSW Cap No. 1209
Relatives of the club’s NSW players who had passed away were invited to accept a cap on behalf of the players’ family (playing year order):
Cyril Burke BEM (half back) – 37 matches - 1946-58 - NSW Cap No.784 – accepted by eldest son, Bruce
John (Jack) Marshall (wing) – 7 matches - 1948-49 - NSW Cap No. 827 – accepted by son, Lindsay
David Bowtell (fullback) – 1 match - 1953 - NSW Cap No.887 – accepted by son, Jeff, and daughter, Anne Grieve
Ray Frost (lock) – 1 match - 1955 - NSW Cap No. 913 – accepted by wife, Claire
Bill Gahan (front row) - 4 matches - 1955-57 - NSW Cap No. 925 – accepted by son, James
Ken Chambers (second row) – 2 matches – 1957 - NSW Cap No. 933 – accepted by daughter, Kay Albon
John Hipwell OAM (half back) – 27 matches - 1968-81 - NSW Cap No. 1091 – accepted by sister, Marcia Kolasinski
Former club player, Dominic Vaughan (half back) – 4 matches – 1983-90 – NSW Cap No. 1243) accepted an invitation to attend the luncheon as he represented NSW from the Warringah club in Sydney after moving from Newcastle.
A ‘founding father’ of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club in the 1940s, Ern Howarth, was recognised for playing five matches for NSW in 1933-35 (playing with Merewether Carlton) and being a NSW selector in 1939 – cap accepted by granddaughter Amber Carson and grandson Michael Jones.
Three women players who were members of The Waratahs and represented NSW had already been presented with their caps at NSW Rugby’s 2024 Awards Dinner in Sydney in June. They were:
Katrina Barker (inside centre) – 31 matches* - 12 matches 2018-2020 when playing for The Waratahs – NSW Women’s Cap No. 122
Maya Stewart (right wing) – 24 matches* - 9 matches 2019-2020 when playing for The Waratahs – NSW Women’s Cap No.150
Kelly Sager (hooker) – 27 matches - represented NSW before playing for The Waratahs but represented Australia while playing for the club – NSW Women’s Cap No.66
(* Katrina and Maya are current NSW women’s squad members)
Guest speaker and General Manager of NSW Rugby’s Positive Rugby Foundation, Peter Murphy, said The Waratahs, and indeed Newcastle and the Hunter Region, should be proud to see the above number of players from a local club represent their State over such a long period.
… ‘Anniversary’ Grand Final Teams
The Sports Luncheon also celebrated the ‘anniversary’ of five of The Waratahs teams that played in past Grand Finals, the teams being:
40th anniversary - 1984 Reserve Grade Grand Final (Runners-Up)
40th anniversary - 1984 Third Grade Grand Final (Runners-Up)
50th anniversary - 1974 Third Grade Grand Final (Joint Major Premiers)
60th anniversary - 1964 Reserve Grade Grand Final (Runners Up/Minor Premiers)
60th anniversary - 1964 Third Grade Grand Final (Major Premiers)
Sponsors and supporters of the function included Churchills Carpet Court, Hamilton North Bowling Club, Thomas Allen Wines, Tooheys, NSW Rugby Union, Australian Rugby Union and ACT Brumbies Rugby Union.
NSW Rugby Hall of Fame – Our Three Inductees
Three former players from The Waratahs were included in the new NSW Rugby’s Hall of Fame which was announced at the NSW Waratahs 2024 Season Awards Night in June. Our three inductees were:
Cyril Burke – 1946-1958 37 caps NSW Cap No.78
John Hipwell – 1968-1981 27 caps NSW Cap No.1091
Kelly Slager – 1996 (Australian rep when playing for our club) - NSW Women’s Cap No.66
In total, 47 male inductees and 15 female inductees were announced at the function. A full list is available by logging onto www.waratahs.rugby/news
In memory of Paul Burke
A number of Old Boys members and club supporters attended the opening in late October of a memorial for Paul Burke at St Paul’s Catholic College at Booragul.
Paul, who passed away at age 60 in late 2021, was a former First Grade Captain, Coach and Junior
international for The Waratahs and a teacher at St Paul’s for 37 years. He was a foundational staff member of St Paul’s in 1984 and also had a distinguished playing career with Waratah Mayfield District Cricket Club.
The opening of the new outdoor learning area beside the college oval honours Paul’s dedication to the teaching profession and to St Paul’s.
Vale
The Old Boy’ Association expressed its sadness in May at the passing of former First Grade player, Grant Kemenade.
Grant, who was 45, was fatally injured in a workplace accident. He played for The Waratahs in the early 2000s and was a member of the 2003 Grand Final winning team.
Keith Powell
Secretary
Old Boys’ AssocIation
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2025 MEMBERSHIP FEES
Members of the Old Boys’ Association have been greeted with greatly reduced membership fees for the 2025 season.
The Old Boys’ Committee has decided to reduce fees by 50% because of the healthy financial state of the organisation and with the view of attracting more members.
Membership fees for 2025 are:
Full Membership - $50 (reduced from $100)
Social Membership - $20 - for former players and supporters who live outside of the Newcastle area and cannot attend a lot our functions and activities.
Membership payment can be made via the Greater Bank – BSB 637000 A/c 715493713 – marking your payment ‘Membership’ with your name.
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OLD BOYS - HISTORY AND CHARTER
The Waratahs Rugby Union Club Old Boys Association was established in 2007 as a formal link for former and current players and officials.
The focus of the Association is to contact all former players and officials and invite them to be affiliated with The Waratahs Rugby Union Club.
The Association is in its 18th year in 2025 and has been a major partner in organising member support and various social and formal activities for The Waratahs. Its achievements have included:
annual financial and in-kind support for the Juniors Rugby Committee and the Seniors Rugby Committee
organising the popular annual Sports Luncheon
organising wide ranging social events for members
75th anniversary celebrations in 2015
80th anniversary celebrations in 2020
50th anniversary reunion of the 1971 Grand Final wining team
Special Presentation in 2024 to recognise all club players who had represented NSW Rugby (as part of 150th anniversary celebrations)
The Charter of the Association includes:
1. encouraging former players to stay and/or return to The Waratahs Rugby community
2. being a vehicle to allow former players of The Waratahs Rugby Union Club to maintain an active participation in The Waratahs
3. providing activities for social interaction and good fellowship of former and current players and officials
4. providing networks of mentoring and support to the Junior and Senior clubs in the playing and non‐playing spectators
5. facilitating the development of The Waratahs junior players by providing annual financial assistance via grants
The Waratahs Rugby Union Club has a proud history of women being active contributors to the club and membership of the Old Boys Association is open to both males and females.
MEMBERSHIP
Eligibility for membership includes having:
· been registered as a Waratahs Player and participated in one Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union sanctioned senior grade competition game (having worn the Red in battle)
· been allocated a player’s registration number as identified by the club’s records, or the club historian
· served as a club official or committee member for three years
· provided substantiation by way of documentary evidence of exceptional support to the club and/or compelling physical disability evidence.
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The Old Boys’ committee for 2025 is:
President: Paul Paisley
Treasurer: Ken Beveridge
Secretary: Keith Powell
Committee Members: John Gibson, Gary Rawle and John Stevenson. Three vacant positions to be filled.
To find more details about the Old Boys and becoming a member please contact Secretary, Keith Powell, on 0434 060 862 or email kgpowell51@bigpond.com
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PRESIDENTS
2021-25 Paul Paisley
2018-20 Hugh (Reg) Jarvis
2016-17 Ken Beveridge
2007-15 Mark Queenan
Old Boys’ Association established 2007