Welcome to the August 2025 CGA – Community News, where we celebrate the achievements, milestones, and stories of our vibrant community. From personal successes to life’s special moments, we take pride in sharing the news that brings us together. In this issue, we spotlight engagements, commemorate alumni, and honour the legacy of past students. Stay connected and enjoy the stories that keep our community strong and thriving!
1/ Christina Chiang (Class of 2021)
Christina is leading a team of 14 university students for Bond Aid 2025, a three-week volunteering project in Gorkha, a rural Nepalese village. The team’s work will create a tangible impact by constructing a classroom for the local secondary school and building a safety fence around the primary school to protect young students. They are also fundraising for essential supplies for the village, including hygiene products, books, and a baby warmer for the local medical clinic to support the community’s wellbeing. To donate, scan the QR code to their GoFundMe page.
2/ Maya Melrose (Class of 2020)
Maya Melrose (Class of 2020) is currently exhibiting her photographic series Lost Lands Found as part of the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale Open Program, running from 23 August to 19 October. The work is on display and available for purchase at The Green House in Ballarat, and explores the beauty and ecological importance of Victoria’s endangered Indigenous flowering grasslands.
An article published by the City of Stonnington earlier this year profiled the project and its community impact. You can read it here
3/ Kim Brown (Class of 1979)
Dr Kim Brown recently launched the pilot of Strong Minds: Thriving Under Pressure, a groundbreaking mental wellness program supporting elite youth athletes. Delivered through her organisation, Vision IV Wellness, the workshop combined performance psychology, practical mental health tools, and suicide prevention strategies. The initiative was praised by athletes, coaches, and parents for its impact and relevance, marking a powerful step forward in supporting young athletes both on and off the court.
Contact: kim@drkimbrown.com
4/ Hana Smajic (Class of 2014)
Hana Smajic has recently self-published a book of short poems on Amazon titled “If beauty is the answer, then what is the question?” It features her brother Lukas’ (Class of 2016) art on the cover. You can also view a larger collection of his artwork on the Instagram page @beauty_istheanswer.
5/ Kylie Hetherington (Class of 2004)
6/ Natsuki Rogers (Class of 2024)
Congratulations to Natsuki Rogers (Class of 2024), who received a ‘Top Scribe’ award last weekend for his VCE Literature essay ‘The Zero’ in response to Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel ‘The Remains of the Day.
Natsuki can now claim he is a published author, with his essay appearing alongside those of the other prize winners!
Natsuki’s 96-year-old grandfather and school friends attended the awards ceremony to celebrate this special achievement.
7/ Sullivan Jennings (Class of 2028)
Sully, a Year 9 student with a big goal and an even bigger reason behind it, has set himself the challenge of running a half marathon in under 2 hours. But it’s not just about personal achievement—he’s aiming to raise $5,000 for a life-changing charity: Hands Across the Water.
Hands Across the Water supports children in Thailand who have been orphaned or abandoned, providing them with safe homes, access to education, and a future full of opportunity. Importantly, 100% of the funds raised go directly to supporting the children—none is spent on administration or overhead costs.
Recognising how fortunate he is to have grown up with safety and support, Sully feels a responsibility to give back to those who haven’t had the same start in life. This run is his way of making a difference. Every step he takes is for the futures of these children, and every donation brings them closer to a brighter tomorrow.
If you believe in giving every child a fair go, please consider donating here
If you’re unable to donate, sharing this message could help Sully reach someone who can.
8/ Saint Minerals (CGFC Sponsor)
CGFC is supported by Saint Minerals, an Australian-made, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly mineral makeup brand that provides high-quality, clean beauty products. The Club extends its thanks to Derek Freedman, parent of Jared Freedman (Class of 2022), for generously offering this opportunity to all Fields players, their families, and supporters.
