St Paul’s College Celebrates the University of Sydney’s Rise to No.1 in Australia

Since the first Act founding St Paul’s College in 1854, the College community has been proud to be “of and within” the University of Sydney. Today, our community is delighted to share that the University of Sydney has been ranked 1st in Australia and 29th globally in the 2025–2026 US News Best Global Universities Rankings for more CLICK HERE.

This recognition reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to excellence across research, teaching, and global impact. From pioneering sustainability science to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, health, and engineering, the Uni’s researchers, including members of this College, are addressing the world’s most urgent challenges and delivering real-world solutions.

A Snapshot of the University of Sydney’s Global Standing:

  • Top 25 in the worldQS World University Rankings 2026
  • 1st in AustraliaUS News Best Global Universities 2025–2026
  • 11th globally for sustainabilityQS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
  • 19 disciplines ranked No. 1 in Australia
  • 61st in the worldTimes Higher Education World University Rankings
  • 74th globallyAcademic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024

The US News rankings evaluated over 2,346 universities worldwide, ranking 2,250 institutions, including 38 from Australia (for more CLICK HERE for US News). The University of Sydney’s strong performance is driven by its global research reputation, high-impact publications, and leadership across disciplines such as AI (ranked 18th globally), clinical medicine (29th), and electrical engineering (12th).

As the University continues to rise in global prominence St Paul’s College remains committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership and community within this world-class institution. Applications for 2026 undergraduate residency close on 5 September 2025 and offers will be made in October. Postgraduate resident applications can be made at any time during the year. For more about a residential place at St Paul’s College CLICK HERE.

Gallery: St Paul’s College people…

Rikard Wines Wins Vigneron Trophy at Young Gun of Wine Awards – a Pauline Success Story

At the 19th Annual Young Gun of Wine Awards, Rikard Wines took home the prestigious Vigneron Trophy. The award recognizes excellence in winemaking and viticulture, and this year it went to William Rikard-Bell, at St Paul’s 1999–2000.

Will began his academic journey studying Liberal Studies at the University of Sydney, where he was also the Tennis Convener at Paul’s. He later completed a Wine Science degree at Charles Sturt University, setting the foundation for his winemaking career.

In 2015, after years of industry experience, Will established his own vineyard. But his path wasn’t without hardship. In 2008, a winery explosion in the Hunter Valley left him with third-degree burns over 70% of his body. This life-altering event became the turning point that inspired him to pursue his dream of making wine under his own label.

The Young Gun of Wine Awards, held annually since 2007, celebrate the most exciting new winemakers and projects in Australia. Rikard Wines was recognized not only for the exceptional quality of Will’s wines but also for his meticulous approach to viticulture.

Will is now focusing on regenerative farming and biodiversity at his vineyard at Mount Canobolas, close to Orange, NSW. This cool-climate region, known for its fertile red basalt soils and unique volcanic topography, is gaining a reputation for producing outstanding vintages.

Mount Canobolas, a dormant volcano from the Miocene Epoch, rises to 1,395 meters and plays a key role in shaping the region’s climate and soil—ideal conditions for premium grape growing.

In addition to his winemaking accolades, Will was recently featured in the Creators and Innovators Showcase at the 2024 Sydney University Alumni Festival, highlighting his contributions to the industry.

The St Paul’s College community proudly congratulates Will Rikard-Bell on his innovation, resilience, and growing recognition in the world of wine. For the Young Gun of Wine story CLICK HERE

[Picture credits: Young Gun of Wine]

USYD Rocketry Team Soars to Victory in World Championship — With Strong Ties to St Paul’s College

Pictured: USYD Rocketry Team after their win in Texas. Pauline Gigi O’Rourke front centre holding one of the trophies [Picture credit: The University of Sydney]

As reported by Sydney University News on 19 June 2025, the University of Sydney Rocketry Team has triumphed over more than 150 international teams to win the world’s largest university rocketry competition — and Paulines have played a key role in that success.

Sydney University’s latest rocket, Pardalote, claimed first place at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) in Midland, Texas. The event drew 156 student teams from 19 countries and took place over six days in extreme heat and windstorm conditions. Of the launches attempted, 136 were successful.

Pardalote soared to an altitude of 10,342 feet (3.15 km) with an error margin of just 3.42%, setting a new record for apogee accuracy in the 10k hybrid launch vehicle category — a historic achievement in the competition’s nearly two-decade history.

A Legacy of Excellence and Mentorship

The IREC, run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), has been held annually since 2006 and gained international status in 2011. Sydney University’s rocketry success is no accident — it’s built on years of leadership and mentorship, particularly from Pauline Warwick Holmes (at College 1981–82).

Warwick, former Executive Director of Space Engineering in the School of Aeronautical Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, led Sydney University to world championship wins in 2019 and 2022. He mentored lead engineer Mitch Galletly, a PhD student, and introduced the team to European spacecraft engineering standards — a move that made Sydney University the first Australian university ever accepted into the competition.

Two of Warwick’s top students from the 2019 team have since secured roles at DLR, the German National Space Agency, thanks to his guidance and international connections.

2025 Team: New Faces, Same Spirit

This year, Warwick is mentoring Gigi O’Rourke, a third-year BE(Mech)(Space) student and current Pauline. Gigi, a member of the 2025 winning team, told USYD News: “Launching far from the comfort of our own Australian backyard, Pardalote’s performance on American soil not only broke records of accuracy,  but established a new standard for what an undergraduate team can accomplish.”

The student-led team designed, built, tested, and launched the rocket — including developing the propulsion system and ground infrastructure. Their success was underpinned by a strong team culture and rigorous engineering discipline.

From Trangie to Texas: A Journey of Precision

The 2025 team conducted extensive testing at Arthursleigh Farm near Goulburn, followed by a full-scale test flight at Tolarno Station in Menindee, western NSW. These trials were critical in validating the hybrid propulsion system and ensuring mission success in Texas.

This testing tradition began in 2017 when Warwick Holmes transformed the USYD Rocketry Team by introducing spacecraft engineering standards and emphasizing the importance of full-scale ground testing. He led early teams to Trangie, where they conducted critical flight component tests — laying the groundwork for the team’s current success.

Warwick praised the 2025 team’s precision: “Knowing exactly when to shut down the engines within milliseconds to coast to 10,000 feet is an extraordinary engineering feat — especially given the variability in air pressure, temperature, humidity, and thrust.”

For the full story in University of Sydney News CLICK HERE

King’s Birthday Honours

The College community congratulates Professor Richard Kingsford on becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. Richard completed his studies at The University of Sydney: BSc in 1980, DipEd in 1980 and a PhD in 1987, and was at St Paul’s 1977-79. He is the Founding Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science (formerly Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre), School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, since 2009 at UNSW where since 2005 he has been a professor.

He has worked extensively across the wetlands and rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin as a river ecologist and conservation biologist. Previously he worked for the NSW Environment Department from 1986 to 2004. His research has influenced the policy and management of rivers in Australia.

Professor Richard Kingsford AO [picture credit: UNSW]

His AO is awarded for distinguished service to conservation biology, to environmental sustainability research, and to freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems governance. He is a current or former member or chair of three global environmental organisations and over 20 Australian-based organisations, societies and government panels. He has been awarded several national prizes including three Australian Museum Eureka Prizes 2001, 2008, 2023, the Frederick White Prize, Australian Academy of Science, 1994, amongst others. He has edited/co-authored five books and 95 government scientific reports, is a regular commentator in the media and Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW and the Royal Society of NSW.


The College also acknowledges the posthumous appointment of the late Matt Peacock as a Member of the Order of Australia. Matt was in College in 1971. Matt began his career as a cadet journalist at the ABC in 1973. He is most well-known as one of the ABC’s foreign correspondents being a familiar face and voice on national TV and radio news, AM and The World Today. From 2013 to 2018 he was a staff-elected member of the ABC Board.

The late Matt Peacock AM [picture credit: ABC]

His AM is awarded for significant service to the broadcast media as a journalist. He was a Senior Reporter for ABC Current Affairs, London Correspondent, 1999-2003, Chief Political Correspondent (Current Affairs Radio), 1995-1999, New York Correspondent, 1990-1993, Director, Remote Area Media, 1983-1988 and Journalist, 1973-2018. Matt was a Founding Member of ABC Alumni and an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at the University of Technology Sydney. His writing includes Killer Company: James Hardie Exposed, 2009 and Author/Interviewer, The Forgotten People – a History of Australia’s South Sea Islanders, 1979 and Asbestos – work as a health hazard, 1978.

Arnott Circle Reunion

“We want to see the new wing!” That was the enthusiastic request from a group of alumni—freshers from the later years of Warden Felix Arnott—returning to St Paul’s for a nostalgic visit in May. For them, no trip back to College would be complete without a tour of the Arnott Wing, which was the “new wing” when it opened in 1961–62.

Their journey through memory lane didn’t stop there. The group also explored the newest addition to St Paul’s, the Waddy Performance Centre, where stories flowed freely—of Mummers productions, Victoriana, Lloyd, and the old music practice room tucked behind Arnott. Though Lloyd couldn’t join in person, his spirit (and that of others who couldn’t attend) was warmly felt throughout the day.

The visit continued with lunch in the Dining Hall, where tales of College life were shared across generations. Later, over coffee at the Salisbury Café, conversation turned to rowing legend David Cay—still rowing strong at 82—and the golden days of the 1960s.

It was a day of reconnection, reflection, and celebration—a reminder that while buildings may change, the spirit of St Paul’s endures.

Pictured (top) in the Waddy Centre are: Michael Lodge (1961-62), Dr Stephen Andersen OAM (1961-62), Peter Crossing AM (1962-65), Angelo Hatsatouris OAM (1961-66, Fellow 1994-2017, Chairman of Council 2013-17), William Rutledge (1961-64), Dr David Cay (1961-63), Prof John Chalmers AC (1956-60), Nick Friend (1963-67) and Dr Alex Bune AM.

Murder, Mayhem, and Mirth: Mummers’ Latest Production Delights

Six rather peculiar guests arrive at a mysterious dinner party hosted by an anonymous figure and greeted by the ever-composed butler, Wadsworth—played with flair by Mummers aficionado Ryan Bond. Bond’s performance served as the thread that ties the entire production together, guiding the audience through a whirlwind of hilarity, intrigue, and theatrical chaos.

The cast, portraying both the eccentric guests and the quirky house staff, delivered a riotous romp filled with cleverly staged death scenes and witty wordplay inspired by the classic board game Cluedo. Adding to the fun was the stage crew’s frequent and visible presence, darting on and off stage to manage the “way too many doors”—a running gag noted by Mummers President and show director Freya Carmody. Their involvement not only enhanced the comedy but also highlighted the ensemble nature of the production.

Congratulations to St Paul’s College Mummers, who have once again excelled. In her program notes, Freya wrote: “It’s been an honour to work with a group of such energetic, dedicated people who have lifted this play off the ground over the past 10 weeks. The Mummers Society is a lively, passionate group of Paul’s residents.” This spirit of camaraderie and creativity has long been a hallmark of the Mummers’ storied history.

Sandy Rustin’s adaptation of the cult-hit film CLUE was performed on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May at 7:30 pm, with a matinee on Sunday 25 May at 4:30 pm, all held in the fabulous Waddy Centre. The Mummers made excellent use of the theatre’s professional sound and lighting systems, while the green room and foyer—complete with a pre-show bar—added to the welcoming and polished atmosphere.

Director: Freya Carmody

Cast (pictured above) –

  • backrow: Charlie Bevis (Professor Plum); Annika Johnson (Miss Scarlett); Olivia McMillan (Mrs White); Ryan Bond (Wadsorth); Samn McCredie (Mr Green); Anna Morrison (Mrs Peacock); Deuchar Taylor (Colonel Mustard)
  • Front row: Helen Jordan (Yve); Abby Long (Motorist); Bridget Rae (Cook); Olivia Dight (Mr Body); Jack Rowe (Ette); Absent: Felix Power (Cop)

Crew –

  • Stage Manager: Tahlia Sorgiovanni
  • Backstage: Hamish lerino*, Jack Parker, Huck Jurd, Seamus Shepard, Nick Carmody
  • Props: Aidan Cheung*, Grace Morrow, Matilda Myers, Elliot Mackay
  • Lighting: Milly O’Connell*, Rory Lambert
  • Sound: Alex Mudri*, Ella Wilden
  • Marketing: Ria Alva*, Sam Walter, Ava Dunnett, Georgie Miller
  • Costumes: Ines Treharne*, Angela Ramsay, Isabella Watson, Phoebe Andrews
  • Hair/Makeup: Libby Carey*, Milly Simpson, Tara Gold
  • Set Design: Greta Bourne*, Matilda Johnson*, Jess Allen-Waters, Huck Jurd
  • Photography: Lili Alexiou

* Head of department

Special thanks to –

  • Brad Skone, Peter and Alex from the Maintenance Team, Jack Stephens, Jaya Daemion, Eleanor Campbell, Jack Vukasovic

Ticket selling…

Student-led Investment Club with a Charitable Purpose

The Boomalakka Investment Club is a student-run, not-for-profit investment fund managing approximately A$40,000 in global equities. Founded in 2008, the club provides St Paul’s students with an unparalleled, hands-on opportunity to engage in active investment management while promoting financial education, professional development, and social impact.

Pictured is the successful Semester 1 Pitch Night, where student teams presented their investment ideas to ex-Paulines Nick Brown (in College 1999-2004), Jack Dwyer (2005-08), and Charles Pegum (2019-20). It was an incredibly insightful evening, with the alumni offering valuable advice and feedback on student presentations and investment strategies.

The club is structured around a comprehensive governance model with a Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, supported by sector leaders covering key industry verticals. Ryan Lynch (2023- ), Chief Investment Officer says: “Investment decisions are democratically voted upon by members and guided by a formal Investor Policy Statement, ensuring discipline, accountability, and transparency in portfolio management.”

The club’s mission is twofold: to develop future finance professionals and to give back to the community. All dividends from the investments are donated to The Smith Family, helping support disadvantaged Australian youth. This charitable angle reinforces the members’ commitment to using finance for social good.

Key initiatives include:

Shark Pitch Night: A flagship event where student teams pitch investment ideas to a panel of

professionals, including representatives from UBS.

Educational Seminars: Regular workshops and guest lectures from alumni and industry

leaders to deepen investment knowledge and career insights.

Daily Financial Newsletter: A student-run publication offering market analysis and updates

to promote financial literacy among members.

The club fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where students learn by developing and defending investment theses, managing risk, and navigating real-world market dynamics. Members gain exposure to a structured investment process, professional-grade analysis, and direct interaction with practitioners in the finance industry.

As part of its ongoing development, the Club is actively working to strengthen relationships with old Paulines, recognising the immense value their industry experience and professional insights can offer. By fostering deeper alumni engagement, the aim is to create opportunities for Paulines to connect with current students through mentorship and guest speaking. This mutual exchange not only enriches the educational experience of students but also allows alumni to play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of finance professionals within the College community.

If you are interested in helping as a guest speaker please contact Richard Morgan at the College on community@stpauls.edu.au or 02 9550 7444.

College Life Flourishes at Sydney University in 2025

A recent Sydney Morning Herald article (17 May 2025) by Education Reporter Christopher Harris has shone a spotlight on the vibrant and evolving experience of residential college life at the University of Sydney. Featuring St Paul’s alongside St Andrew’s, St John’s, Sancta Sophia, and Wesley Colleges, the piece highlights a renewed enthusiasm for the traditional college experience.

Harris describes an “early autumn evening at St Paul’s” where “dinner is more Downton Abbey or Harry Potter,” capturing the unique blend of tradition, community, and academic focus that defines college life. Since the pandemic, applications to residential colleges have surged—with St Paul’s seeing a five-fold increase.

This resurgence reflects a broader trend: as the vitality of campus life has declined in recent decades, students are increasingly seeking the connection, support, and enrichment that college communities provide. At St Paul’s, students benefit from shared learning, lifelong friendships, and a strong sense of belonging—key ingredients for both academic success and personal growth.

Importantly, the college community is becoming more diverse. Students from public schools, regional and remote areas, interstate, and overseas are finding a welcoming and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Many describe the experience as transformative, grounded, and deeply human.

While college fees are often discussed in the context of affordability, the value offered by St Paul’s is significant—especially in today’s challenging rental market. Students enjoy high-quality accommodation, meals, study spaces, music, sport, and a vibrant social life. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and philanthropic partners, scholarships and financial support are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier to opportunity.

As interest in college life continues to grow, so too does the need for support. The St Paul’s College Foundation is currently running its mid-year appeal to expand scholarship opportunities and ensure that more students can access the transformative experience of college life.

🔗 Learn more about the Foundation and how to support the appeal: CLICK HERE

See SMH (17 May 2025) CLICK HERE

Young Pauline Achiever

Where the Study of Languages can take you …

Heath Slone, in College 2013-16, completed BA(Languages) majoring in Chinese, Hebrew, and French and immediately picked up post-uni work in public affairs at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Here he spear-headed the campaign to successfully reform NSW anti-discrimination legislation and strengthen inter-community relations.


In 2019 he received a Yenching Fellowship to undertake a fully-funded Masters in Law (Politics and International Relations) at the Yenching Academy of Peking University, which he completed in 2021.[1]


Since 2020 Heath has worked as a Senior Research Analyst at the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington DC- and Jerusalem-based think tank, that focuses on foreign language media, strategic affairs, and counter-extremism.[2] Today’s remote working opportunities allow Heath to live in Vienna. His language skills acquired at university have been greatly expanded through his Middle East work and the study in China. Heath posses a high level of proficiency in Mandarin, Hebrew, French, German, Arabic, Farsi, and Hungarian. For this old Pauline the value of the study of languages is helping Heath to shape economies, cultures, and societies in our increasingly interconnected world.


[1] The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers a fully funded, interdisciplinary Master’s program in China Studies designed to foster global understanding of China’s past, present, and future. Bringing together talented young leaders from around the world, the program emphasizes intercultural exchange, innovation, and academic flexibility. Scholars choose from six research areas, create personalized study paths with mentorship, and engage in a wide range of courses, extracurriculars, and fieldwork. With a curriculum rooted in the humanities and social sciences, the Academy encourages dialogue across disciplines and perspectives, aiming to shape globally minded citizens with a nuanced understanding of China.

[2] The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia by translating media in languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, and more. Founded in 1998, MEMRI provides timely translations and original analysis on political, ideological, and cultural trends to governments, security agencies, media, and academia, aiding efforts to combat extremism and inform global understanding of the region.

Postgraduate Achiever: Ines Wen

[This article is a follow-up to the previous story posted on 31 July 2024 – see Webnews]

Graduate House PhD student Ines Wen has been a University tutor during Semester 1 in #BUSS4907 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation and since 2024 is author of three research papers all accepted for conference presentations about her thesis topic How Disruption Catalyses the Innovation Process in State-Owned Enterprises in Global Contexts. Ines has been accepted to present her most recent research paper Unfolding Innovation Processes for Sustainability within State-Owned Multinational Enterprises at the Academy of International Business (AIB) Sustainability Special Interest Group[1] International Symposium in Shenzhen, China.

The AIB Sustainability SIG symposium is a flagship international event that will bring together leading scholars (including Ines), policymakers, and industry experts to discuss cutting-edge research and practical solutions for integrating sustainability into global business strategies. With a focus on emerging markets and technological innovation, the symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and generate actionable insights for sustainable international business practices.

Ines is also going to the 11th Biennial Conference of the International Association for Chinese Management Research 11-15 June 2025 and at the awards ceremony she is to be presented with a significant cash prize for her first paper. This event is China’s largest management research conference and takes place in the ancient city of Xi’an with over 1,500 participants.

Ines has also been Sydney Area Director at Toastmasters International[2] since July 2024. Ines supports the clubs of NAB, Deloitte, AMP, RMG (Macquarie) Toastmasters clubs and organised the Humorous, Evaluation, Impromptu, and International Speech Contest in Sydney CBD for club development and individual growth during 2024-2025.

Pic above: on the left is Antonia Badger, daughter of Pauline Lloyd Waddy, and Ines is on the right.

Ines joined Toastmasters International at the age of 18 in 2011. Whilst volunteering she has championed the benefits of Toastmasters in each of the cities where she has lived and studied—Taipei and Shanghai and now Sydney. Her contributions and achievements have been significant and across international borders to support communities, particularly during COVID-19. For example, as President of Shanghai CHJ High-Tech Park Toastmasters Club Ines and her colleagues strategized plans for rescuing individual club members locked-down by authorities in Shanghai and Wuhan and achieved significant growth of District 85 (Shanghai).

Ines was born in on the shores of Sun Moon Lake a major tourism site in Nantou near the city of Taichung in Taiwan. Ines joined Graduate House in 2024 and studies in the University of Sydney Business School.


[1] AIB Sustainability Special Interest Group is a community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to advancing research and dialogue on sustainability issues within the field of international business. The SIG fosters collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, social responsibility, and sustainable development. It serves as a platform for sharing insights, best practices, and research that explore how international firms and institutions can contribute to a more sustainable global economy. AIB is hosted at Michigan State University, USA.

[2] Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that helps people improve their public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in 1924 Toastmasters International has over 300,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs across 150 countries. District 70 is Australia, Central Division is Greater Sydney area and Area 16 is Sydney CBD where Ines is currently Director.