Brisbane Boys’ College Archives

Brisbane Boys’ College Rugby Stars Earn National Selection

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College has produced two of the nation’s newest young rugby talents, with Year 12 students Oscar Donovan and Taione Taka earning selection to the 2025 Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad.

Selection Highlights Hard Work And Local Training

The announcement came in early October after the Australian U18 team’s series in Canberra, where Donovan and Taka played key roles. They helped Australia claim three straight wins over New Zealand Secondary Schools and the Australian Schoolboys team. Both have been part of the Brisbane Boys’ College rugby program since Year 9, developing under experienced coaches and mentors.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook*

Their selection places them among the nation’s top young rugby talents, representing their school and the Brisbane rugby community. The Australian Under-18 squad often serves as a pathway to professional and senior national teams.

Strong Foundation Through School Rugby

Brisbane Boys’ College staff expressed pride in seeing years of player development lead to national success. The school’s rugby program emphasises discipline, teamwork, and consistency, shaping Donovan and Taka’s style and mindset.

Both athletes earned recognition for their leadership, work ethic, and technical skill. The school community also showed strong online support, praising them as role models for younger players.

Community Pride And Support

In a Facebook post announcing the news, community members congratulated the players and wished them success in future championships. Many expressed pride in the school’s sporting culture and its impact beyond the field.

Brisbane Boys’ College continues to build its reputation for both academic and athletic excellence. The rugby program plays a key role, with Donovan and Taka showing what dedication and community support can achieve.

Looking Ahead To 2025

With their selection to the Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad, both players now prepare for training camps and national fixtures ahead of the 2025 season. The experience will expose them to elite coaching and high-level competition, setting the foundation for future sporting careers.

Their success reflects years of preparation within the Brisbane Boys’ College environment, where teamwork, respect, and determination are core values. The community’s support, from teachers to parents and peers, continues to play a vital role in helping young athletes reach their potential.

Published 14-October-2025

Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College Form New Football Partnership in Toowong

Photo Credit: Olympic FC/Facebook

Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong have launched a strategic partnership to enhance football and educational development, offering players and coaches new opportunities to access elite training programs and facilities across Brisbane.

Expanding Football Opportunities in Toowong

The partnership between Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College establishes a collaborative platform for youth and coaching development. The agreement provides BBC students and staff with access to Olympic’s elite facilities at Goodwin Park while expanding the club’s schools program.

This initiative aligns with Olympic FC’s focus on strengthening its ties with educational institutions to promote football participation and learning opportunities across Brisbane.

Toowong football partnership — *Photo Credit: Olympic FC/Facebook*

Development Pathways and Coaching Support

Through the collaboration, BBC players will have the chance to trial and train with Olympic’s academy and development squads. Olympic coaches will work closely with BBC staff during training sessions and matchdays, ensuring a consistent approach to technical and tactical growth.

BBC coaches will also attend workshops led by Olympic’s UEFA Pro Licence Technical Director, Scott Guyett, further enhancing their professional development.

Building Community and Collaboration

Both organisations share a commitment to fostering football at all levels and supporting the next generation of players. Leaders from both sides have highlighted the benefits of shared training, community initiatives, and mutual learning for students and coaches alike.

The partnership also aims to create long-term pathways from school programs into professional and community football environments, reinforcing Toowong’s growing contribution to Brisbane’s football network.

Outlook

The alliance between Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College represents a joint effort to elevate player and coach development, encourage collaboration, and build stronger links between education and sport in Toowong and across Brisbane.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Claims Basketball, Rowing and Cross Country Honours

Photo Credit: BBC Co-curricular/Instagram

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong has capped off an extraordinary run of results on the national and state stage, with its First V Basketball team winning bronze at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ) State Championship, Year 9 rower Magnus Steemson placing second at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta, and Year 8 runner Ben Schinard crowned Australian School Sport Cross Country Champion.

Basketballers secure CBSQ bronze

The First V Basketball side delivered a strong performance at the CBSQ State Championship, Queensland’s leading school basketball competition. After advancing through the draw, BBC met Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in the bronze medal playoff. In a commanding match, the Toowong boys prevailed 97-82 to secure third place overall.

The result follows their championship win in 2023, reinforcing BBC’s reputation as one of the state’s most consistent school basketball programs. BBC Co-Curricular highlighted the boys’ skill, determination and teamwork in a performance that energised their school community.

Rowing podium for Year 9 competitor

On the water, BBC’s rowing shed also celebrated success. Magnus Steemson, a Year 9 competitor, raced in the single scull against 27 other rowers at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta. He powered into second place, adding another strong result for the college in the sport.

The performance reflected both his individual commitment and the breadth of rowing opportunities available through the school’s program.

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National cross country crown for Schinard

Perhaps the most eye-catching achievement came in cross country, where Year 8 student Ben Schinard emerged as the 14 years Australian School Sport Champion. Racing in the 4km event against the country’s best, he claimed gold to secure his first national title.

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The college also celebrated the efforts of Hugh White, a Year 12 student and BBC’s 2025 Cross Country Captain, who ran a determined race to place fourth in the 18–19 years 8km event. The school described both efforts as a reflection of dedication and hard work that set the tone for the program’s future.

Community pride in Toowong

The triple success across basketball, rowing and cross country has reinforced the central role of sport at Brisbane Boys’ College. Families, staff and students in Toowong have expressed pride at seeing the green, white and black colours represented with distinction at the highest levels.

These podium finishes not only highlight athletic achievement but also showcase the community spirit that comes from collective effort, coaching support and the friendships forged through school sport.

Published 26-Sept-2025

Toowong School Faces Legal Battle over Red Rover Playground Injury

A former Brisbane Boys’ College student is suing the elite school for more than $1.5 million, claiming injuries from a playground game of red rover ended his dreams of a sporting and military career.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Duo to Represent Queensland in Gymnastics

Deklyn Reid, now 22, lodged a claim in the Supreme Court in Brisbane alleging he suffered a dislocated hip and torn tissue in 2016 when he was 12. According to the documents, he was reportedly tackled during the game before other students landed on him, leaving him with serious injuries that required surgery and ongoing treatment.

red rover — Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Google Maps

Reid says the incident forced him to spend 10 days in hospital and left lasting physical and emotional scars. He argued that it derailed his education and stopped him from pursuing professional rugby or joining the Australian Defence Force. He is seeking damages covering medical costs, past and future economic losses, and pain and suffering.

His case alleged that the school breached its duty of care by failing to enforce playground rules prohibiting physical contact games, despite a teacher being present at the time.

In Queensland, there is no law specifically outlawing red rover in schools. However, the game has been banned at many schools, including some in Brisbane, because of concerns about injuries and liability.

Young people playing red rover (Photo credit: CC BY 2.0/Kyra Malicse/Wikimedia Commons)

The game involves running, tackling, and breaking through lines of players, which can easily lead to accidents. New Farm State School, for example, prohibited red rover and similar chasing games in 2011 after a series of playground injuries and disputes.

Brisbane Boys’ College has indicated it will defend the claim. In court filings, the school said the tackle was a spontaneous act that no reasonable supervision could have prevented. It also argued that staff took reasonable precautions, including banning contact sports, instructing students not to engage in such activities, and providing appropriate supervision.

Reid has said he wants accountability and hopes his case will raise awareness about the long-term impacts of schoolyard injuries. He described the experience as a turning point that changed the course of his future.

A legal practice director, speaking to local media regarding the case, noted that while such claims are weighed for reasonableness, the outcome often depends on evidence. He said the stronger the proof showing Reid’s likely career and sporting trajectory, the more compelling the case would be.

Read: Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

The college has disputed the allegations, describing Reid’s claims as vague and untrue, and will contest them in court.

Published 18-September-2025

Toowong Teen’s Portrait of Dad Captures Heart of Brisbane Portrait Prize

Photo Credit: Brisbane Portrait Prize

In Toowong, a quiet art classroom has given rise to a story now reaching the walls of the State Library of Queensland. Brisbane Boys’ College student Louis Ko, 15, has been named a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize, with his work Dad recognised in the Next Generation category.

What was intended as a birthday gift to his father has grown into a work of public admiration, selected from dozens of entries for its depth and tenderness. The portrait will be part of the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition from 20 September to 9 November.

A portrait born from distance and gratitude

Louis’s portrait is painted in acrylic on canvas, measuring 51 by 61 centimetres. The sitter is his father, Eunsung, who has been separated from him by distance but not by devotion. Louis explained to organisers that although he and his father live apart, they remain connected through his education, something his father worked tirelessly to make possible.

He chose to paint his father gazing upward, describing this gesture as a symbol of respect and pride. For Louis, the act of painting became a way to express words that often go unsaid — an acknowledgement of sacrifice, care, and quiet strength carried over the years.

“Though we’re separated by distance, we are connected through my education — something he has worked so hard to make possible,” Louis said. “This portrait is my thank you, a way of showing that I see everything he’s done and that I admire him not just as a dad, but as someone who’s shaped the path I’m walking now.”

Behind the scenes at the State Library

On 12 September, organisers announced that all 77 finalist works across categories had arrived at the State Library in a single five-hour delivery window. Condition checks and preparations are now underway, with opening night scheduled for Friday, 20 September.

The scale of the exhibition reflects the breadth of portraiture in Brisbane, with professionals and students alike contributing works that capture not only faces but also stories.

Louis’s Dad will hang among them, standing alongside works from some of Queensland’s most promising young talents. Visitors will be able to view his portrait in the Next Generation gallery, where the future of Australian portraiture is given its space to shine.

Local pride in Toowong

News of Louis’s achievement was shared proudly by Brisbane Boys’ College, which celebrated his recognition as a reflection of both skill and dedication. The school has encouraged the Toowong community to visit the exhibition, underscoring the importance of supporting young artists as they step into a broader public view.

For Louis, the journey from school art studies to a state exhibition has not only marked an artistic milestone but also enabled him to place his family’s story into a broader conversation. His portrait speaks to love, distance, and gratitude — universal themes expressed through the personal lens of a Toowong teenager with a paintbrush.

Published 16-Sept-2025

Chess Teams from Toowong Qualify for Interschool State Finals

Photo Credit: Pexels

Brisbane Boys’ College students in Toowong have earned places in the Interschool Chess State Finals after strong results in the qualifying round.

Premier Team Secures Second Place

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Secondary School chess players are set to compete in the Interschool Chess State Finals following standout performances in the qualifying stage.

The Premier Team, consisting of Austin Chen (Year 11), Daniil Yelkhovsky (Year 11), Martin Chen (Year 7) and Suvan Nag (Year 10), placed second overall. Co-Captain Austin Chen also achieved first place on Board 1, while Suvan Nag took first on Board 3. Their results placed the team among the top schools in Queensland and confirmed their progression to the state competition.

Toowong Chess Finals — *Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook*

A Team Achieves Third Place

Alongside the Premier Team’s success, BBC’s A Team also delivered a strong performance. The team, made up of Aiden Park (Year 9), Bryan Kang (Year 10), Helitha Muthumuni (Year 12) and Ometh Perera (Year 9), finished third overall. The achievement highlighted the depth of talent within the school’s chess program, which continues to produce consistent results across multiple levels.

Championship Background

The finals are part of the Official Queensland Inter-School Chess Championships, managed by Gardiner Chess. Established in 2002, Gardiner Chess is the longest-running chess organisation in Queensland, providing coaching programs across schools and hosting tournaments for juniors and adults. The championships give students across the state an opportunity to test their skills in a structured competitive setting.

Brisbane Boys’ College — *Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook*

Next Matches in Toowong

BBC has encouraged the local community to support its chess teams during the GPS Season in Toowong. After completing their GPS fixtures, the players will shift their focus to preparing for the Interschool Chess State Finals, where they will represent their school against Queensland’s best-performing teams.

Published 6-Sep-2025

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong Secures Historic Podium at GPS Swimming Championships

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), based in Toowong, delivered an outstanding performance at the Great Public Schools (GPS) Swimming Championships. The Senior School Swim Team secured a historic third-place finish—the school’s first podium result in nine years.

Meanwhile, the Junior swimmers also impressed, finishing fourth in their category and showcasing the depth of BBC’s swimming program. The competition at Brisbane Aquatic Centre saw both teams achieve multiple podium finishes and break several school records.

A Unified Send-Off for Junior and Senior Swimmers

BBC’s swimming program was in full force as both the Junior and Senior School teams competed at the GPS Championships on 13 March 2025. The Junior swimmers kicked off the competition in the morning, while the Senior team followed in the afternoon.

Junior swimmers — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook*

The Junior squad impressed with a fourth-place finish, with 63% of the swimmers achieving personal bests. Their standout performances included:

U12 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions:
- Edward S, Wilbur H, Michael G, Timmy M
U11 4x50m Freestyle Relay Second Place:
- Kyne W, Peter Z, James S, Oscar I
Five team relay personal bests and 11 individual relay personal bests

The support of the entire Year 6 cohort, who filled the stands cheering for the #GreenWhiteBlack, added to the spirited atmosphere of the event.

Senior Swimmers Make History with Podium Finish

BBC’s Senior School Swim Team delivered a remarkable performance, securing:

Three GPS Champions:
- Jacob Algate (All Age 200m Individual Medley)
- Campbell Watt (U14 50m Freestyle)
- Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
Five BBC Records:
- Tom Symonds (U15 50m Backstroke – the second-fastest swim in GPS history)
- Jacob Algate (Open 100m Breaststroke)
- Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
- U15 Medley Relay
  - Tom Symonds, Harrison Hill, Mitch Warman and Gus Lawrence
- Open Medley Relay
  - Jacob Algate, Derwin Lee, Jack McMahon and Dylan Clive

The team’s dedication paid off, with 62% of Senior School swimmers achieving personal bests, reinforcing the strength of BBC’s swimming program.

A Tradition of Excellence in GPS Swimming

The GPS Swimming Championships, held annually by the GPS Association of Queensland, is a premier event for young athletes. It fosters commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, values exemplified by BBC’s swimmers throughout the competition.

This year’s results highlight BBC’s growing presence in GPS Swimming, with both Junior and Senior squads demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.

Looking to the Future

With the Senior team securing a historic third-place finish and the Junior squad showing great promise with their fourth-place result, BBC’s swimming program is on an upward trajectory. The support from the school community, coaching staff, and families has played a pivotal role in this success.

As BBC looks ahead to future competitions, the momentum from this year’s GPS Championships sets a strong foundation for continued achievements in the pool.

Published 17-Mar-2025

BBC Parents Question Rising Fees as Toowong Campus Vision Unveiled

Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong are questioning the value of significant fee increases, citing concerns about existing facilities even as the school unveils a long-term Campus Vision Master Plan.

Fee Increases and Parent Reactions

For 2025, the school has announced that domestic day student fees for Years 7–12 will rise to $34,500, with boarding families paying over $69,000 annually. Fees for international students who board will climb to $94,110.

Parents have voiced concerns about the steep rise in costs, with the fee increase now totalling more than $10,000 in just three years.

Several parents have described the timing of the fee hikes, announced late in the school year, as problematic. They argue it leaves them little time to consider alternative schools without disrupting their children’s education.

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/YouTube*

Complaints also extend to the state of the school’s facilities, particularly its sporting amenities, which some families have labelled “embarrassing” compared to other Greater Public Schools institutions.

One parent remarked that the fee hikes feel unjustified given the condition of the facilities, adding that while the school excels in academics and music, other areas lack the resources expected for such fees.

Master Plan Campus Vision

In late Sept 2024, the school introduced its Master Plan Campus Vision, a comprehensive roadmap for campus development that looks ahead to 2035 and even 2050. The plan promises state-of-the-art classrooms, new co-curricular spaces, extensive refurbishments, and improved campus connectivity.

Central to the vision is a thoroughfare linking Goldicott House, a heritage-listed building on the northern edge of campus, to Toowong Creek to the south. The plan aims to foster greater connectivity across the school grounds, creating spaces that encourage interaction and reinforce a sense of community and mateship.

BBC Toowong — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College*

BBC also highlighted its consultation process, stating that extensive engagement with students, staff, families, and alumni informed the plan. This collaborative approach was intended to ensure that the Campus Vision reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire school community.

Balancing Long-Term Vision with Current Concerns

While some families recognise the potential of the long-term Master Plan to enhance the school’s offerings, others remain focused on the current state of facilities. Critics have pointed out that while the plan looks promising, it may take years before students see tangible benefits.

In the meantime, families are left paying higher fees for what they perceive as underwhelming facilities. Some have expressed frustration that the plan does not address immediate shortcomings, particularly in areas like sporting infrastructure.

The debate around fees reflects broader concerns about the affordability of private education in Queensland. While some argue that private schooling offers unparalleled opportunities, others believe the rising costs are becoming unsustainable for many families.

The question of value—whether the facilities, programs, and opportunities justify the investment—is central to these discussions. Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College say they are committed to their children’s education but hope for greater transparency and more immediate improvements as the school implements its long-term vision.

Published 5-Dec-2024

National Under-16s Squad Welcomes Brisbane Boys’ College Duo

Brisbane Boys’ College has further cemented its reputation in Queensland rugby, with two standout players earning spots in the prestigious Australian under-16s squad.

Outside centre Taione Taka and prop Harrison Asi will join six other Queensland players in the 25-man national squad assembling in Blacktown this December.

Read: Petition Launched to Halt Auction of Sylvan Road Greenspace

Brisbane Boys’ College player profiles

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Taione Taka’s selection follows a stellar season that saw him named Queensland Reds’ player of the series, despite a heart-breaking grand final loss to the Waratahs.

The talented centre has already secured his future, signing with the Reds Academy after impressing in both First XV and under-16s campaigns. His defensive prowess and attacking capabilities have marked him as one of Queensland’s most promising young talents.

*Harrison Asi. Photo Credit: QLD Reds Rugby*

Harrison Asi has earned his position through dominant performances in the front row. His scrummaging ability and effectiveness in pick-and-drive situations have caught the selectors’ attention, demonstrating BBC’s strength in developing forward talent.

Queensland’s strong representation

Alongside the duo, the full Queensland contingent in the national squad includes:
Agapetos Lote-Felo (no. 8)
Alfie Bowman (halfback)
Sio Kite (prop)
Jack Calleja (lock)
William Adrian De Klerk (hooker)
Hemi Rakuita (outside back)

Read: Toowong Village Hosts Star-Studded Bra Art Exhibition and $500 Shopping Spree

The squad will gather for a week-long camp beginning 7 December, culminating in a match against the New South Wales Waratahs under-17s. This opportunity represents a significant step forward for these young athletes, particularly for the BBC players who continue to uphold the school’s strong rugby tradition.

Published 13-November-2024

Olympic Preview: Ash Moloney Sets Sights on Decathlon Gold

(Update as of 03-Aug-2024) Ash Moloney has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics due to an adductor injury. The 24-year-old bronze medalist from Tokyo completed only three events on the opening day of competition before pulling out.

This withdrawal follows a challenging period for Moloney, who struggled with injuries during his qualification campaign. Prior to the Games, Moloney had acknowledged the need to adjust his training approach following his recent string of injuries, but unfortunately, his efforts were not enough to keep him in the competition.

(Published 02-August-2024) As the athletics portion of the Paris 2024 Olympics kicks off, Brisbane Boys’ College alumnus Ash Moloney is poised to make his mark. The event, often considered the ultimate test of athletic prowess, begins on August 2.

Read: Ash Moloney’s Path from Brisbane Boys’ College to Olympic Decathlon

Ash Moloney aims to be “World’s Greatest Athlete”

Twenty-year-old Ash Moloney is no stranger to Olympic success. The young athlete secured a bronze medal in decathlon at the Tokyo Olympics, setting an Oceania record in the process. Now, he returns to the global stage with ambitions of gold.

The decathlon, comprising ten track and field events spread over two days, is a true test of an athlete’s versatility and endurance. The event’s schedule is as follows:
100m: 2 August, 6:05 p.m.
Long Jump: 2 August, 6:55 p.m.
Shot Put: 2 August, 8:15 p.m.
High Jump: 3 August, 2:00 a.m.
400m: 3 August, 4:50 a.m.
110m Hurdles: 3 August, 6:05 p.m.
Discus Throw – Group A or B: 3 August, 6:55 p.m. or 8:05 p.m.
Pole Vault: 3 August, 9:40 p.m.
Javelin Throw – Group A or B: 4 August, 3:10 a.m. or 4:10 a.m.
1500m: 4 August, 5:45 a.m.

Moloney’s prospects for Olympic glory appear promising, yet he faces formidable competition, most notably from Canada’s Damian Warner, the reigning Olympic champion. The field has narrowed somewhat, as France’s Kevin Mayer, the Olympic record holder and Tokyo silver medalist, has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Read: The West Bulldogs Legend Going For Gold in Paris

Moloney hopes that he can elevate his bronze medal performance from Tokyo to golden heights this time around.

Originally Published 02-August-2024. Updated 03-August-2024.