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The Great Hall Society today acknowledged those who will make a bequest to Brisbane Grammar School with a long lunch in the Great Hall. 

More than 20 BGS Old Boys were in attendance, including founding patron Major General John Pearn AM RFD ’57. 

Mr Pearn established the Great Hall Society in 1997 with Mr John Story AO ’63 and Mr Ian Whittle ’66 to honour those who have remembered BGS in their Will.  

Headmaster Anthony Micallef opened proceedings with a speech about the “lifechanging impact” of bursaries on BGS students. 

“Over the years, we have had many students attend BGS through bursaries – some funded through bequests,” Mr Micallef said. 

Mr Micallef also paid tribute to the eldest BGS Old Boys in attendance – Stan Mellick ‘36, Ron Wyllie ’50, Richard Paten ’52 and John Cranley ’54 – and thanked them for their long-term support for the School. 

Veteran BGS teacher and newly appointed School Archivist and Historian Chris Price gave a speech about the School’s foundations, illustrating the growth of the city and its School since the 1860s. 

“Brisbane was a tiny town waking up from its convict slumber … but with enormous potential,” Mr Price said. 

“The people of Brisbane were invited to establish a school, not compelled. The people who took up that invitation were dynamic people. 

“They were men of political conviction – liberal, radical and egalitarian. They were genuine reformers who didn’t just manage things – they actually reshaped Brisbane.” 

It was a fitting tribute to the School’s 154-year history and the 25th anniversary of the Great Hall Society.