On 4 July 2025, Bryson Constable (in College 2022–24) concluded his term as President of the University of Sydney Union (USU), marking the end of a remarkable chapter in student leadership.
The St Paul’s College community extends its warmest congratulations to Bryson for his outstanding service and dedication to the University of Sydney student body. His leadership on the USU Board—and most recently as President—has been defined by vision, integrity, and impact.
The USU, Australia’s premier student union, delivers over $35 million in services annually to more than 50,000 members. Under Bryson’s leadership, the organisation achieved several historic milestones. Together with his executive team of Ben Hines, Julia Lim, and James Dwyer, Bryson championed a vision of long-term sustainability and reform. Key achievements during his presidency include:
Incorporation of the USU — completing a project 35 years in the making
Launch of the 2025–28 Strategic Plan
Organisational restructuring to align with strategic goals
Introduction of the USU’s first-ever:
Reconciliation Action Plan
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy
Campus-wide infrastructure investments to enhance the student experience
Reflecting on his term, Bryson shared:
“It has been an honour to serve and learn in this role alongside some truly remarkable staff ably led by Janina Jancu. I know the organisation is in good stead to move from strength to strength over the coming years, and I wish incoming President Phan Vu well.”
Bryson continues a proud tradition of Paulines contributing to student leadership at the University. We thank him for his service and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.
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 world – QS World University Rankings 2026
1st in Australia – US News Best Global Universities 2025–2026
11th globally for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
19 disciplines ranked No. 1 in Australia
61st in the world – Times Higher Education World University Rankings
74th globally – Academic 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…
Postgrads from Canada, USA, South America and AustraliaPhoto by James Griffin of Edgeline Photography | www.edgelinephotography.com
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
Paulines Warwick Holmes, Sam Richards and Gigi O’Rourke have contributed to the University’s success.
Main image: The USYD Rocketry Team celebrates their victory in Texas. Pauline Gigi O’Rourke (front centre) holds the 10k Hybrid Launch trophy. Image credit: The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney Rocketry Team has soared to global success, defeating more than 150 international teams to win the world’s largest student rocketry competition—with key contributions from members of St Paul’s College.
Their rocket, Pardalote, claimed first place in the 10k Hybrid Launch Vehicle category at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) in Midland, Texas. The event, held over six days in June in extreme heat and windstorms, drew 156 student teams from 19 countries. Of the launches attempted, 136 were successful.
Pardalote reached an altitude of 10,342 feet (3.15 km)—just 3.42% off the target—setting a new record for apogee accuracy in the competition’s nearly 20-year history.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Innovation
The IREC, run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), has been held annually since 2006 and gained international status in 2011. Sydney’s success is no accident—it is built on years of leadership and mentorship, particularly from Pauline Warwick Holmes (St Paul’s 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 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.
Pictured left: current students in Aeronautical (Space) Engineering Stream find inspiration from the past, inspecting the rocket Bluewren which won in 2022 and is displayed in the Faculty of Engineering.
2025 Team: New Faces, Same Spirit
This year, Warwick is taking part in the undergraduate mentoring program at St Paul’s being a mentor to Gigi O’Rourke, a third-year student in Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic)(Space). Gigi is also in her third year at Paul’s and is one of the growing number of interstate residents. Her home is in Leith a small semi-rural locality on the central north coast of Tasmania. Gigi is a member of the 2025 winning rocketry team and she is its project manager. Having a leadership role as a member of the three-person executive she has many responsibilities for the development and operations of the rocketry program.
“Paul’s has given me empowerment to chase after my dreams. Being within the College community has helped shape my pathway with the strong surrounding of engineering students who share so many of their capabilities.”
Gigi O’Rourke
The student-led rocketry team designed, built, tested, and launched Pardalote—including developing the propulsion system and ground infrastructure. Their success was underpinned by a strong team culture and rigorous engineering discipline.
From Tasmania to Texas: Gigi’s Journey of Precision
In 2024 the team conducted extensive testing near Goulburn, followed by a full-scale test flight at Tolarno Station in Menindee, western NSW in April 2025. These trials were critical in validating the hybrid propulsion system and ensuring mission success in Texas.
Pictured left: Gigi working on the propulsion system at the testing facilities which are on the University’s farm ‘Athursleigh’ near Marulan NSW. The farm is one of the 900 Ha network of University-owned farmland in south-western and north-western NSW supporting the core teaching and research activities of the Schools of Veterinary Science, of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute of Agriculture.
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.”
Pictured left: Gigi O’Rourke and her colleagues preparing Pardalote at the Menindee testing-launch in April
Gigi 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.”
Living and Learning at St Paul’s
Gigi credits her time at St Paul’s College for supporting her academic and professional growth:
“Living so close to my faculty, with wholesome meals, a Blacket-designed room charged with history, and a community of high-achieving peers, has made all the difference.”
Sam Richards, in College 2022-24, has been part of the Sydney University Rocketry team since the start of 2024 and is an engineer in the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) subsystem. Sam is completing his honours year in Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic). Sam’s father, Tony is also a Pauline (1981-84) and studied Economics at Sydney, Masters of Public Administration at Harvard and PhD at George Washington University and today works in policy at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Pictured below: Gigi O’Rourke and Sam Richards stand next to Pardalote during its testing in early 2024 at Menindee.
Pictured left: representing Australia, the USYD Rocketry Team in Midland Texas with the Trophy for overall winner of the 2025 International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC)
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.
“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.
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
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.
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
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.
Join us at the Summer Soiree
The Warden and the Union Committee warmly invite Old Paulines, their partners and friends to join us for an unforgettable evening of festivities and live entertainment in the Quad and Salisbury.
