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Daramalan College Alumni
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25.01.2022 THE EARLIEST COLOUR SHOTS OF DARAMALAN The Residence at the school has now been cleared out to make way for the new Wing and in the process, we’ve uncovered a set of photos taken in what appears to be March 1962, eight weeks after the College opened. The Alter Boy photo from left, Michael Tankey, Anthony Quinn, ? and Mark Barrett. The priests from left, Fr Terry Naughton, Fr Phelan, Fr Jack Dempsey, the (infamous) Fr Fred Ross (sans strap) and Br Moir-Bussy. The house picture...d is the first priests’ home at 84 Davenport St Dickson and the Hallway is the top floor of Block A now McMahon Wing. The priest with the three boys was the Australian head of the MSCs at the time and (maybe) Peter Dodson left and Michael Considine right. Newer Alumni would still recognise the inside the classroom except for the now gone hat racks. For many years every classroom had approximately 48 hat racks where the boys had to hang their hat and blazer before class. So a bit has changed since 1962 then. See more
25.01.2022 SHE’S DOING IT AGAIN! December 2019 saw ex-1997 Dara girl Natalie Cooke (now Tanchevski) raise over $16,000 which she turned into $100 grocery gift cards for families in need last Christmas. All in just three weeks. Well, she’s doing it again and this year, the task is even bigger she’s aiming for $100,000! This will help 1000 families in a year like no other. In association with the Salvation Army she’s set up the 100’s for Thousands fundraiser for Canberra’s needy. I guess you can see where I’m going with this can’t you. Yep, she’s looking for help from our own Daramalan family. If you can help, click here, www.hundredsforthousands.salvationarmy.org.au and help make someone’s Christmas a little cheerier. Great work Nat!
24.01.2022 NOT STRICTLY AN ALUMNI STORY but a Daramalan connection, nevertheless. As most of you would have seen that today WW2 seaman Teddy Sheean was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. In late 1942, Teddy’s ship was attacked by Japanese planes near Timor and started to sink. To quote Wikipedia, As the crew leapt into the sea, they were strafed by the attacking aircraft. Sheeanafter assisting to free a life-raft was hit by two bullets from one of the aircraft, wounding hi...m in the chest and back. Scrambling across the deck, he strapped himself into the 20 mm cannon and began shooting at the fighters in an effort to protect some of the sailors already in the sea. Subject to the fire from Sheean's gun, the Japanese aircraft were kept at bay and were unable to effectively strafe those in the water. Teddy continued to fire and managed to shoot down one of the Japanese bombers. He damaged a further two aircraft before the boat’s stern was engulfed by the sea. Despite this, Sheean maintained his fire as the water rose above his feet, and remained firing as he "disappeared beneath the waves". In 1999, the submarine HMAS Sheean was named in his honour the first ever to be named for a naval rating - and yesterday Teddy was finally recognised for his Valour. And the Daramalan link? We currently have three boys at the College, Matthew, Ryan and Ben Rickard who are Teddy’s Great-Grandnephews and are pictured here with the painting of Teddy's heroic action at the Australian War Memorial. A really proud day for the family and Daramalan. See more
23.01.2022 ANOTHER DEB BALL TIME CAPSULE TREASURE TODAY The Class of 1981 Debutante Ball only had one rule 39 years ago; any colour you like so long as it's white or black. (Or green if you were Edna Jamieson). And the long-white-glove shop in Civic must have done a roaring trade as well. :-)
23.01.2022 THE LAST IN OUR VIRTUAL REUNIONS SERIES. It’s the swinging 60s turn today, but unfortunately only one colour photo which was the norm in those years. Pictured are students in the main Quad and front carpark, (with McCowage Hall still in the planning stages), the newly opened Sharpe Wing, and in glorious red-and-black, our 1965 U/11 footy team coached by Grade 5 teacher Laurie Hore.
22.01.2022 Ex-Dara lad Ed Wensing (1971) was featured in today’s Canberra Times asking for a development on the Mt Ainslie foothills to be halted until the site's Indigenous values are assessed. Dr Ed Wensing, a senior lecturer for Indigenous Studies at the ANU, claims planning legislation is seriously flawed when it comes to recognition of Aboriginal peoples' rights and interests in the ACT. The developer has plans to construct 244 apartments on the site next to Campbell High which also includes the former headquarters of the CSIRO, and Ed is asking for a halt until the Aboriginal values of the site are assessed as current planning systems had failed Indigenous people. We await an outcome. More here: https://bit.ly/3fOPqHm
20.01.2022 BROOKE’S DISJOINTED SHOULDER AND SEASON, BOTH BOON FOR DARA ACT Brumbies' Super W star and ex-Dara student Brooke Gilroy (2019) is back at the College as the coach of our 2020 U/18s women's team. She injured her shoulder playing for the Brumbies last season, so with time on her hands and this (disjointed) playing year, she jumped at the chance when the offer to stay involved with Dara football came up. Featuring in the Canberra Times on Saturday Brooke said, "Never in my li...fe did I think I would coach, until I was at a rugby function and one of the teachers, Marty Capon, (son of ex-teacher Shirley Capon) came up to me and asked would I like to coach the rugby girls if I was able. The rest is history. Brooke is only 19 but has an impressive rugby resume, having played in the Rugby Seven's national team and won multiple championships in Australia and Hong Kong. The former ACT Schoolgirl believes she's gained plenty of experience to share with the next generation of female rugby players and for that we are grateful. Welcome back Brooke. See more
20.01.2022 WHEN TOO MUCH DARA IS NEVER ENOUGH There was plenty of generous Daramalan exposure in the Canberra Times last weekend with three stories all featuring strong school connections. Firstly, Brumby Brooke Gilroy featured here yesterday, while current Year 12 student Jessica Bridgart and teacher Colin Price were prominent in Tim the Yowie Man’s weekly column where Jess demonstrated her major Science project, revolving around the study of Grass Trees in Tidbinbilla. Lastly, it was Class of 1982 Maria Curtin’s turn to crank up the old school connection with a colourful story on her commissioning of a large artistic mural in Fiji where she now lives as a teacher. And if you are in COVID-enforced lockdown at the moment, there’s probably no nicer place to be than Fiji.
19.01.2022 BACK TO THE 70s TODAY Continuing with the COVID-induced virtual reunion theme for 2020, here are some images dug up from the archives featuring aspects of our early years. Enjoy the 1975 Grade 5 class; Br Lysaught (yes, he of the Lysaught Wing); a very new looking front carpark and finally students with Mrs Ann Morris. Sixties tomorrow!
19.01.2022 LOCAL NETBALL IN GOOD HANDS Netball ACT announced their team list for the 2020 NSW Premier League Netball season yesterday, and it’s great to see that ex-Dara girl Layla Bahgat (2018) has been chosen as Vice-Captain of the ACT U/23 team. The U/23s highlights developing local talent with most players having represented the ACT in national competitions. Layla - who is the daughter of another ex-student Pamela Hussey from 1991 - was part of the Dara Senior team that won their division in both the 2017 and 2018 NSW/ACT State Championships. The Premier League season starts next Wednesday 22 July, so looking forward to plenty of great things from Layla. Congratulations!
16.01.2022 FROM THE VIDEO ARCHIVES Dave Garrity, a student from 1975-1980, who went on to teach for 15 years from 1987-2002 being interviewed here 20 years ago, talking about his students from his teaching years.
15.01.2022 PLEASE DON’T SPREAD THIS AROUND When reports first emerged from China of a new coronavirus earlier this year, ex-Dara girl and now Perth doctor, Clare Huppatz (1991), knew Western Australia would need to be prepared and move quickly. Within days Dr Clare was given the task of heading up a team of 12 people to track down infected persons in an attempt to outpace the spread of the disease. Clare said that in the first months of 2020 no one knew anything about the virus and her... team were making 400 or 500 tracing phone calls a day to slow the spread further potentially stopping a deadly scenario. Clare says as a doctor people expect her to be able to answer all their questions about the virus. "But we didn't always know and I think for me personally that was quite challenging," she says. And today, with no new cases in WA for 10 days - and just seven active cases - obviously Clare’s work has made a huge impact in this successful outcome. Great work Dr Huppatz! See more
15.01.2022 TWO NEW VIDEO CONTRIBUTIONS TODAY Firstly, let’s explore the film-making talents of the Daramalan media classes in the 80s and see if any of those skills have sunk in. Lesson 1: Hold the camera steady. Tick. Lesson 2: Don’t use fast pans. Tick. Lesson 3: Frame your subject. Tick. Lesson 4: I can’t go on, you’re not listening to me anyway!
15.01.2022 WELL DUNN HANNAH! Earlier this month ex-Dara girl Hannah Dunn (2009) was presented with the Gold Coast Suns’ Coach’s Award for her first season in the Womens’ AFL competition. The Award recognises the player who has made the most impact on and off the field. Gold Coast coach David Lake said Dunn had done everything asked of her and more and went to say that her behaviour helped create the framework of our program because she was so adaptable and flexible. Well, she IS a Dara girl David so we would expect nothing less! Congratulations Hannah and very well deserved.
14.01.2022 VALE KIM Sadly, a valued and high-profile member of the Daramalan family passed away earlier today. Kim Hancock, who started at Daramalan on Day 1 1962, died at Clare Holland House early this morning. He was just 71. Kim - Class of 1967 - played a prominent role in the early days of Daramalan especially in the religious and sporting aspects of the college which included leading the Young Christian Student groups and then going on to help establish the first Daramalan Alumni o...rganisation in the early 70s. Kim spent six years in the Army after leaving school, but is best known for his work with Canberra’s Aerial Taxis for the last 47 years, finishing as up Board Chairman. He was an avid and passionate supporter of the Daramalan Eagles Football Club and was manager of the 1st Grade Grand Final and Premiership winning teams in the 80s and in recognition of his long-time commitment was honoured with a life membership. He was a generous and willing supporter of all things Daramalan and he will be greatly missed. On a personal note, Kim and I were mates for over 60 years as we grew up together as neighbours in Duffy St during the 60s. Funeral details are yet to be announced and I will post an update here when I get further information. Vale Kim. See more
14.01.2022 A 2013 VIDEO EXTRAVAGANZA The Year 12s in 2013 put together a Sales Video for the Year 10s extolling the virtues of moving into College. Assisting with the production was Olivia Small, Jake Scholes, Nick Vecchi, David Joel Thirkettle, Sam Thompson, Rosie Spillane, Peter Mahon, Hayley O’Shaughnessy, James Kaak, Bec Laidlaw and Elsie Savvoudiou. We finish this piece with a 5 second piece to camera at the Swimming Carnival from Emma Dando, Rachel Coggan, Georgia Stewart, Chelsea Maher, Lauren Edwards and Stephanie Worth. Well done.
14.01.2022 SOME EX-DARA SPORTING HIGHS AND LOWS FROM THE WEEKEND. Let’s start with MACK HANSEN. (2016). Our own Big Mac kicked the winning point against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night to take the Brumbies 10-points clear to the top of the Australian Super Rugby ladder. As the Canberra Times commented on Mack, The Daramalan College export went from zero to hero to snatch a 22-20 triumph in arguably the best game of the season. Great work Mr Hansen! Next, NATHAN BUCKLEY (1989). C...ollingwood’s award-winning coach was fined $25,000 over the weekend for breaking coronavirus protocols by playing a tennis match with people outside club contacts. Nathan said he would pay the fine to take full responsibility for his actions. We’ll just leave that there. And finally, I know you’ve been hanging out for a NICK KYRGIOS (2012) story, so let’s share yesterday’s tweet which deserves a wider audience. Nick pulled out of September’s US Open over the weekend via the following tweet, Dear Tennis, let us take a breath here and remember what is important, which is health and safety as a community. We can rebuild our sport and the economy, but we can never recover lives lost. Then aimed at the players; You can’t be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition. That’s just so selfish. Think of other people for once. Ahhhh Nick we’ve missed you! :-) See more
14.01.2022 AT LAST, THE 2010 REUNION IS NOW HAPPENING! After a specifically "distant" year, we can finally hold a Class Reunion. I know it's late notice but the 10-year Reunion for the Class of 2010 will be held THIS Saturday at Cornerstone Bar in the Eastlakes Club in Gungahlin from 5.30pm. Details are here: https://fb.me/e/cRHUoU0jP
13.01.2022 FR NAUGHTON Fr Terry Naughton, who taught here in 1962 as well as from 1967-1979 reminisces in this 2000 video about Daramalan’s early days. The Naughton Wing at the northern end of Daramalan is named after Terry, but sadly is about to make way for a brand new Wing as part of the Residence redevelopment later this year.
13.01.2022 THE BIG MACK IS BACK ACT Brumby and Dara boy Mack Hansen (2016) has been picked for Saturday night’s re-opening Super Rugby Round against the Rebels as Fullback. Mack hasn't played a Super Rugby game in more than 12 months after making his debut against the Waratahs in March last year, so he will have a bit to prove. Also in the team line-up is classmate Tom Ross who’ll be starting off the bench. The game kicks off at 7.15pm from Canberra Stadium with a forecast temperature of just 5 degrees. Welcome back footy!
13.01.2022 2020 REUNIONS With still no clear answers as to being allowed to hold Reunions for our 10, 20, 30, etc, anniversary Years, over the next few days I’ll aim for the next best thing: embarrassing photos. Let’s start with the 2000s. (I’ll do the 90s tomorrow). Sorry, no names, but feel free to tag anyone you recognise and I’ll update the descriptions. Enjoy!
10.01.2022 JAMES HAD A LITTLE WINE YESTERDAY Wine judge James Halliday released his 2021 Wine Companion on Monday and due to the current vintage being ravaged by drought, bad weather, bushfires, smoke taint and COVID-19, there was probably no point in him stating "This was a year most vignerons would prefer to forget." But amongst the gloom, there is clearly still enough local quality product out there and it was pleasing to see James’ four highest-rated Canberra Region wines were pro...duced by Daramalan families. Clonakilla’s Tim Kirk, pictured, (1984) was awarded 5-stars and 97-points for three of his wines (the only local winery to score that high) and Ken Helm’s 2019 premium Riesling was also awarded five-stars and 96-points. Ken is father to Matt (1990), Natalie (1992) and Stephanie (2003) as well as a long-term Dara Board member. Incidentally, Stephanie has gone on to start her own vineyard called, appropriately enough, The Vintner’s Daughter. A great result for our battling local wine industry and well deserving of our support. Congratulations Tim and Ken. See more
08.01.2022 WHAT IS IT WITH THE CATALDO FAMILY AND HAIR? You’d think they were hairdressers or something, Oh, wait, they are. Which is probably why ex-student Michael Cataldo (2012) came back to Dara today to shear a few heads for our annual fund-raising event called Brave Shave. Held at lunchtime, seven keen students had the pleasure of being shaved bald by Mr Cataldo from the eponymously named salon raising over $5000 in the process. (I can now see where they got the name Brave Shave.) A big thank you Michael for your time and expertise today.
07.01.2022 HAND CRAFTED AT DARAMALAN The thin blue line just got a little wider last Wednesday when the Craft boys Adrian (1984) and Matt (1987) were jointly promoted to the rank of Inspector with ACT Policing. 2020 is also the first time the rank of Inspector has been declared since 1988. The Craft name is also synonymous with Dara Rugby in the 80s with Matt being both an ACT and Australian Rugby representative. Playing for the First XV he was alongside other notable 1987 luminaries su...ch as Marco Caputo, Glen Carey, Justin Williams, Justin Hyland and Tim Ward, coached by (future) Principal Dave Garrett and Matt Hutchison, now Principal at Marist College Canberra. Congratulations Adrian and Matt, a formidable police line up! Speaking of Principals and this is completely off the subject another ex-Dara boy Alan Shaw from 1973 is now Principal at the Knox School in Melbourne. See more
07.01.2022 I'VE BEEN NEGLECTING THE 90s My recent postings of photos from the archives have been focussed on the 80s which wasn't deliberate, just how the cards fell. To make up for it, here is the 1995 and 1996 Social Justice group. (With the usual caveat that I've probably got the date and/or group wrong). :-)
06.01.2022 BACK TO THE FUTURE In a (questionable) homage to some well-loved Daramalan traditions, the school Canteen today offered our current students an opportunity to peek through the gastronomic Tuckshop window from years gone by. Offering sausage rolls in a bun, along with hot dogs, hash browns (in a bun), chicken tenders with mayo (also in a bun!) and even red frogs, it was indeed a celebration of all things healthy and nutritious from our past. (We couldn’t find anyone who still makes those sticky cream buns or long-life doughnuts!). Pictured are some ex-students - now current staff - who couldn’t wait to relive this retro epicurean experience.
06.01.2022 AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION TODAY It’s the 80s turn today for our COVID Reunions and I’ve dug up some rather different embarrassing selections for your scrolling pleasure. Enjoy. 1970s on Monday and the sixties on Tuesday.
06.01.2022 KIM HANCOCK FUNERAL DETAILS The funeral for Kim (1967) will be held tomorrow, Thursday 24 September at St Monica’s in Evatt starting at 11.00am. Number restrictions are still in place so the Service will be live streamed here: www.gatecrashermedia.com.au/040.html It will also be available for download after the service.
05.01.2022 IS THERE A FARMER’S DAUGHTER OUT THERE? The reality TV show Farmer Wants A Wife is actively seeking single men in Murrumbateman for its next dating series. Well who better than our own ex-School Captain George Southwell (2013). Nominated by his sister and also ex-Dara, Clare (2015), our George went on ABC Radio yesterday to make his case as to why he, in a time of lockdown, is worth going out for. Aside from telling the world of his search for a shelia and stoking the coffee v tea debate, it was a fine 7-minute interview in which he even managed to slip a mention of Daramalan College. Well played George. www.abc.net.au//murrumbateman-farmer-wants-wife-g/12694080
05.01.2022 JUST SOME RANDOM PHOTOS... Going through the archives this morning and felt is was about time I posted some more embarrassing pics from years gone by. Not sure when these were taken but I suspect around 1985, but I've been wrong before in matters like this. Feel free to add any names. :-)
05.01.2022 FREE PONY! (Disclaimer: pony may not exist) Welcome to my first Dara Alumni post with a clickbait heading. Why? Well, I would really like you to read the following important message from Rita our Principal and I thought a few cheap tricks might entice you. However, I sometimes forget that Daramalan students are a sophisticated and clever bunch not easily swayed by an (obviously dodgy) offer of a free pony. Called Daisy. Saying that, the end of this financial year is just... six days away and with all the COVID restrictions, Dara isn’t able to run the usual Scholarship Fundraiser this year. So Rita and the School Board would really appreciate if you would consider the following: During June each year, applications for our annual scholarships open, providing financial assistance to students whose family is experiencing significant financial need. Since 2008, the Scholarship Fund has supported an average of five students each year and we are hopeful of being able to continue this level of support in 2021. As one alternative to this key fundraiser, I’m writing to members of our Alumni to ask for support from those who may be able to contribute at this time. All donations, irrespective of size, will make a meaningful contribution to assist young people who would not otherwise be able to attend Daramalan College due to financial hardship. If you are able to make a contribution before June 30, you will receive a tax benefit in this financial year. Tax deductible contributions can be made via direct transfer to the Scholarship Fund account: Daramalan Scholarship Fund BSB 062786 A/c 00029206 Reference: Please include your surname and email the College Accountant [email protected] for a tax deductible receipt Whether you are able to contribute at this time or not, thank you for your ongoing support of the Daramalan College Community. I hope you remain safe and well and continue to look after each other during these challenging times. Yours sincerely, Ms Rita Daniels. Daramalan College Principal (on behalf of the Daramalan College Board Community Engagement Committee and Scholarship Fund) See more
05.01.2022 FR BOB TO FAREWELL PREMIER JOHN FAHEY The state funeral for former NSW premier John Fahey, who died two weeks ago, will be held this Friday, 25 September at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral. Why am I telling you this? Because John Fahey was a past student of our sister school Chevalier College in Bowral and graduated in the early 60s. Consequently his Mass will be celebrated by both the Archbishop of Sydney and our own Fr Bob Irwin, Principal at Dara from 1983 - 1988. If you’d like to watch on-line, go to www.nsw.gov.au/statefuneral at 11.00am this Friday. A memorial service will be held later in Bowral where John lived for the past 30 years.
04.01.2022 REMOTE REUNIONS CONTINUE... The 90s today. Hard to be exact on the dates so be kind. 80s tomorrow. :-)
04.01.2022 JUST FOUR MORE SLEEPS With the Brumbies in the Australian Super Rugby Grand Final this coming weekend, it was great to see a story by journo - and Dara boy - Caden Helmers (2013) in the Canberra Times, which featured our own Daramalan connections in the decider against the Queensland Reds. Prop - and famous redhead - Tom Ross (2016), whose mum Bernie is the sister of Rugby League player and former Raider’s grand Finalist himself Bradley Clyde, says a win on Saturday will b...e for his mum and dad Damien who have been his biggest supporters since Day 1. "The fact my parents are willing to drop everything and follow me on this journey means the world to me," Tom said. He will line up on Saturday with fellow Dara boy Mack Hansen (2016) both of whom have had the support of the Gungahlin Eagles all season as seen on the signage at recent Eagles games. We wish them all the best come 7.20pm at Canberra Stadium this Saturday. See more
03.01.2022 GOODBYE YEAR 12 A school year like no other has just finished for our Year 12 cohort and today we said farewell to the newest members of the Daramalan Alumni. Their exams start tomorrow and then that’s it. Fortunately, restrictions on gatherings have eased enough so they will be allowed to have their end-of-year Formal as usual. Hopefully this will be the start of a new normal. Goodbye and good luck Class of 2020.
03.01.2022 NEW APPOINTMENT With the retirement of our current Principal Rita Daniels at the end of this year, it was announced this morning that Daramalan’s new Principal commencing in January 2021 will be Rachel Francis-Davies, our current Deputy Principal. Rachel is a very experienced educator with a breadth of leadership experience across three Catholic Colleges in the ACT including a previous stint here at the College in 2010 returning in 2019. We congratulate Rachel and look forward to welcoming Daramalan’s ninth Principal/Headmaster since 1962.
02.01.2022 IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE Following on from yesterday's archive posting, there is one more photo begging for an answer; are Graeme and Kylie still together? Can we throw a light on this 35-year-old love mystery?
01.01.2022 OUR BIG MACK IS STICKING AROUND Great to see Brumbies squad member and Dara Alumni Mack Hansen (2016) has just been re-signed for the 2021 Super Rugby season. Mack’s career this year - which has been severely disrupted - started with a win against the Melbourne Rebels and culminated with him famously kicking a penalty goal to win against the Reds after the siren in Round Five. Mack said, "To be able to continue playing for the team I grew up supporting is a great feeling. To be able to work with world class coaches [such as Laurie Fisher another Dara lad from 1975] is a real positive and I'm looking forward to continuing to improve as a player and a person here in Canberra." Great news for both Mack and the Brumbies.
01.01.2022 FR UHR Fr Denis Uhr was Daramalan Principal from 1989-1997, and in this interview he shares his views on the school in this era as well as leadership and other snippits. Interesting to see that not a lot has changed in the Daramalan ethos over the last 58 years.
01.01.2022 WE’RE ALL CLASS Monday this week saw a return to (nearly) normal at the College with all Years 7-12 students now back at school. And it could have been my imagination, but I’m sure I heard cheering from parent’s cars as they drove out the school gates after dropping off their darlings for the first time in more than two months. Good to have them all back!
01.01.2022 I HAVE A BURNING DESIRE TO SHARE THIS It was Thank A First Responder Day earlier this month and who better to front the campaign than ex-Dara student Jeremy Fewtrell. Jeremy (1992) is currently Deputy Commissioner at Fire and Rescue NSW and this event was an opportunity for the community to say thank you to our emergency services. And let’s face it, 2020 would have to be the perfect year to acknowledge all the great work our first responders do. So, from all the Dara Family, thank you! A YouTube link with Jeremy launching the day is here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=862848827535152
01.01.2022 FR BAKER INCIDENT One of our most-loved MSC priests, Fr Harold Baker had a nasty fall on Thursday afternoon at Kensington Monastery in Sydney and broke his hip. He had successful surgery this morning and is now recovering in hospital. Fr Harold turns 97 at the end of this month so doing remarkedly well for a man of his age. Our prayers go out to him and I will keep you updated with his progress.
01.01.2022 WINE YESTERDAY, FOOD TODAY There seems to be a certain theme developing amongst our Alumni with the news yesterday that Sage Dining Rooms in Braddon has just been voted as the best fine dining restaurant in Australia by TripAdvisor. Sage is co-owned by ex-Dara student Peter Harrington from 1996. These TripAdvisor Awards pull together all the reviews and ratings from travellers across the globe and uses that info to measure the Best of the Best. Peter’s Sage is now recogn...ised as the Australia’s best fine dining establishment and amongst the top one per cent of restaurants worldwide. So, the perfect Daramalan dining experience this week? A table at Sage with a bottle of Clonakilla, the Canberra region’s finest wine. Peter is pictured here, far right, in Year 10 as part of Frank Djusic’s Young Chef’s Culinary Awards Team along with Aaron Hardcastle, Simon Needham and Dimitri Eliopolous. Congratulations to Peter and his team. Very well deserved in a very demanding industry. See more