Wesley College Colombo Old Boys' Union Australia Branch Inaugural Meeting

Australia has attracted many thousands of Sri Lankans who have found a new home there. It was natural that several branches 'of Alumni will emerge, the first being from St Thomas', Royal, St. Josephs', Trinity, St Peters' and not until 1979 was the Wesley College's Australia Branch of the OBU founded. A catalyst for this founding was the impending visit of Cedric & Rachel Oorloff ( past Principal & his Wife) to Melbourne in 1980. A pioneer group of Old Wesleyites comprising Cecil D'with Barbut, Rodney de Kretser, and Keith de Kretser made the initial moves and the inaugural meeting was held on 25th, November 1978 with fourteen(14) old Wesleyites being present.

Constitution & Policy Objectives

The aims of the early gathering embraced two essential elements, which have been further developed and incorporated into the Constitution, ways and means of fostering and sustaining educational standards at Wesley, the Alma Mater encouraging fellowship amongst old Wesleyites, who are responding to a rallying call for a common purpose. The Constitution was discussed and adopted in July 1981, and it has given meaning and purpose in attaining the objectives of the Branch Union. Activities The OBU Branch Union has organised numerous activities such as social outings. Club Nights , Annual 'Double Blue' Ball, Senior Members Luncheons, Cricket matches with 'Old' Joes, Thomians, Royalists, and Bens. At all these events fund raising for financing the Club's activities as well as helping the Old School, has been vigorously pursued. The Branch Unions activities have become an important focal point for Old boys to meet and recount happy memories of their days at Wesley. Ronnie Campbell frequently reminisced his many run- ins with Ranis, and as a token of respect he sometimes wore a sarong to meetings and cricket matches. Every meeting concluded with a rousing rendering of the College Song, and the War Cry , "Zam, Zam, Zakay.."