THE TIES THAT BIND

Profile of the new OSU President

Nicholas Manettas is the son of an Old Sydneian, Nick (OS 1965) and he has two brothers, Peter (OS 2000) and George (OS 2004). He is one our youngest OSU Presidents, having left College Street in 2009. He has served on the committee since 2018.

In his school days, Nicholas was an avid contributor to the School and had a particular passion for sport and the arts; he was in the First XV for three years, and captained the Grammar First XV in 2009.

After school, Nicholas continued to contribute to the School as a coach of both rugby and basketball as well as devoting his Saturdays to refereeing basketball on our school grounds.

Nicholas worked with his family’s business, Nick’s Restaurant Group before completing his studies in economics and human resources and pursuing an eight-year career at National Australia Bank. Nicholas had a passion for financial payments and eCommerce which led to him pursuing a role at Afterpay (a company led by co-founder Anthony Eisen OS 1989).

Today, Nicholas is the lead of third-party seller partnerships at Amazon Australia.

Away from school and work, Nicholas has a passion for his family, culinary experiences, financial markets, all sports, playing golf, networking, fishing, and travel.

Nicholas remains devoted to the foundations and ethos of the OSU but aims to bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to try new things and a desire to deepen engagement amongst all Old Sydneians. One particular initiative for Nicholas and his committee is to formalise and implement the OSU Mentoring Program connecting established industry professionals with recent university leavers. The committee will seek help and engagement from our Old Sydneian base to launch this program in 2024.

Old Sydneian in the spotlight

John Willis (OS 1962-63) has been to Head of the River seventy-seven times! He rowed in the 1961, 62 and 63 SGS First VIIIs and his father rowed in the 1924 winning SGS VIII 100 years ago!

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Ronald David Ferster AM (OS 1968) For significant service to the community through a range of organisations.

Professor Julian Colin Gold AM (OS 1967) For significant service to medicine as a clinical epidemiologist and researcher, and to community health.

Richard Charles Potok AM (OS 1977) For significant service to the indigenous community, to education, and to the law.

Dr Michael Richard MartindaleStephens AM (OS 1961) For significant service to primary industry, and to the community.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Associate Professor Allen-John E Collins OAM (OS 1984) For service to medicine through a range of roles.

Gary Mark Inberg OAM (OS 1972) For service to the Jewish community of NSW, and to business.

Robert (Ted) Edward McKeown OAM (OS 1958-59) For service to the community of inner western Sydney.

Also, we congratulate the former Headmaster on his award:

Dr John Taber Vallance AM For significant service to education, to library services and programs, and to the arts.