Welcome to the Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association.
Established in 1898, the Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (BGSOBA) has a proud history and continues to honour and respect the traditions of the School.
The purpose of the BGSOBA is to establish a formal link between the School and past students and promote connection and community among BGS Old Boys'.
The BGSOBA is led by a dedicated committee which exists to offer guidance and leadership to Old Boys and maintain and promote the School’s values and heritage through annual and milestone reunion functions, Old Boy events and networking opportunities.
OBA Events, Networking and Reunions
The Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association hosts a variety of events that strengthen connections within the community, including twice-yearly professional networking sessions featuring career opportunities, mentoring, and expert industry panels, as well as milestone reunions ranging from casual gatherings to formal dinners. The School also supports reunions beyond traditional milestones, with all events designed to foster meaningful relationships and ongoing involvement among Old Boys.
SAT 11 OCT
OBA Touch Rugby League Day
12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Purtell Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Join the BGSOBA
Since 2017, thanks to the generosity of the School, all departing Year 12 students who complete their studies are presented with life membership upon graduation. The OBA tie ceremony on the last day of Year 12 acknowledges the transition from student to Old Boy.
All past students who attended BGS for a minimum of one year are recognised as an Old Boy.
BGS Old Boys' Association
The Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association was one of the first to be established in an independent boys’ school in Queensland.
In 1884, a small society of Old Boys called the ‘Reunion’ was formed, operating for two years. However, it was not until 1 June 1898 that the present body, the Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (BGSOBA), was formed, with then-headmaster Reginald Heber Roe appointed as its first president.
In July 1920, the School Jubilee celebrations were represented by a committee representing the OBA and the War Memorial Committee. Raising funds for the War Memorial Library was carried out largely by the BGSOBA, with past student Charles Bennet Fox writing ‘The Golden Book’ entries of Old Boy veterans of the Great War.
In 1938, the Association formed an appointments board to help past and present students find suitable jobs, countering the effects of the Great Depression on their employment prospects. In the post-war years, the OBA contributed funding to memorial projects, such as the World War II Honour Board in the Great Hall, unveiled in 1949, and the gymnasium and swimming pool, which opened in 1953 and 1954, respectively.
More recently, the Association supported appeals for the Centenary Building Fund in 1964 and The Lilley Centre, which opened in 2010. In recognition of the OBA’s financial contribution to the School’s infrastructure, the bridge linking the main campus to the Indoor Sports Centre was officially named the Old Boys’ Bridge.
As a custodian of the School’s traditions, such as the annual Old Boys’ Reunion Dinner, the BGSOBA fosters fellowship across generations of Old Boys and encourages ongoing service to the School community.
In collaboration with the School’s Archivist, the Association helps to gather, preserve, and promote the shared heritage of Brisbane Grammar School
Executive Committee
- President – Adam Franklin '97
- Vice President – Oscar Higgins '15
- Treasurer – Bernard Wong '00
- Secretary – Trent Waller '88
Committee Members
- Scott Austin '84
- Nicholas Carroll '12
- Geoff Clark '64
- Christopher Gehrmann '71
- Berren Hamilton '91
- Jim Macpherson '85
- Cameron McLean '95
- Will Motley '21
- Eric Sengstock '09
- Simon Tolhurst '87
The Association’s Annual General Meeting is held in April each year.
Mentoring can connect Old Boys across generations, fostering personal and professional growth through shared experience. Whether offering guidance or seeking support, members benefit from meaningful connections that strengthen the BGS community
If you are looking for a mentor or are interested in mentoring, please email [email protected].
The OBA supports the School in its mission of providing a BGS Education to those who would not usually have the opportunity. Needs-based bursaries help foster the broad diversity within the student population that contributes to the School’s unique culture.
Learn more about giving back through bursaries.
The Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club was established to reconnect Old Boys of all ages with the sport of rowing. With an inclusive ethos, the club fosters a supportive environment for both experienced rowers and those new to the sport. It promotes health, fitness, and camaraderie, offering Old Boys a meaningful way to stay active and connected.
Brisbane Grammar School has a proud and successful rowing tradition. Many Old Boys reflect fondly on the strong bonds forged through the discipline of training and the thrill of competition. While the club welcomes former schoolboy rowers back onto the water, it also provides opportunities for novices to discover and enjoy the sport.
The BGSOBA actively supports the Brisbane Grammarians Rowing Club and recognises it as a model for how sporting groups can form and thrive under the Old Boys banner.
Click here to visit the Grammarians Rowing community website.
In 2007, the OBA relaunched the annual Old Boys v First XI cricket match. Once a fixture of the School calendar, the match has recaptured the spirit of competition between students and Old Boys.
The match is played in honour of Jimmy Taylor, a long-serving teacher and passionate supporter of BGS cricket. As Jim was fond of telling everyone, he was a handy grade cricketer, known for his beguiling spin bowling. Jim officiated as an umpire in many first class matches, forming lasting friendships with fellow umpires and players alike.
The winner of the annual match is awarded the Jim Taylor Trophy.
If you wish to participate in this event, contact [email protected].
The BGS Old Boys’ Association is proud to offer a range of merchandise items in celebration of the association’s long history of tradition and camaraderie, and commitment to providing Old Boys with a lifelong community.
Our high-quality merchandise options include polo tops, hooded fleeces, tracksuit pants and jacket, hats and much more, all making for a great gift or way to pay tribute to the School.
Update Your Details
The object of the Association is to effect a useful bond of union between the past pupils of the Brisbane Grammar School on lines which will promote a spirit of comradeship and true manliness and a high moral and intellectual standard amongst the members of the Association and will further the welfare of the School in the community
- Mr JG Nowlan (OBA Secretary and Treasurer, 1910)
- To request access and/or correct any personal information the School holds for past students of BGS, please complete and return this form.
- Students' Year 12 Semester 2 reports and Senior Certificates are held by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and cannot be provided by the School.
The BGSOBA is an association incorporated under the name B.G.S. O.B.A., incorporation number IA 01205.
Privacy Legislation Policy Statement to our Members
Following the introduction of privacy legislation, the Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys’ Association (BGSOBA) has an obligation to inform you, as a Life Member, about the personal information we collect and how it is used.
We collect information provided during your membership nomination and may also gather details related to your participation in BGSOBA activities and communications. Additionally, Brisbane Grammar School provides the BGSOBA with your name, contact details, and year of graduation.
This information is used solely to support the purposes of the Association, including organising social and sporting events, keeping members connected with each other and the School, and supporting School-related initiatives. Your information will not be shared with any third party unless it is necessary to carry out these purposes, and any third party involved will be required to uphold the same privacy standards.
You have the right to access and correct any personal information we hold about you. We are committed to maintaining accurate records and appreciate your assistance in this regard. If you have any questions or would like to update your information, please contact the OBA: [email protected]
We will continue to send you communications from the OBA unless you choose to opt out. You can unsubscribe at any time by emailing [email protected].
If you choose to opt out, we will retain only the minimum necessary personal information, such as your name and email address, to ensure we do not contact you again, unless you later request to re-subscribe.
To access the Queensland Government's Grievance Procedure for incorporated associations, please click here.
