Spotlight on Student Clubs and Societies
Debaters went head-to-head with staff, musicians lit up Smoko, rowers powered down the Yarra, actors brought fairy tales to life, and our runners hit the track (and the park) in record numbers. Here’s how our student leaders kept the College buzzing this year.
Sunday 1 December 2024
Olivia Tallent – Head of the Debating ClubThis year saw the first-ever Ormond Staff versus Student Debate. The topic was “Current university students face greater adversity than prior generations did.” The staff (ironically) argued for the affirmative, and the students for the negative. Held in the Junior Common Room (JCR) with taps on, the night was filled with fiery exchanges and plenty of laughs, with staff emerging victorious by audience vote.We also teamed up with the ‘Nodmor’ wine society and Trinity College to run a wine and debate night in October – and Ormond won! Plans are already underway for an intercollegiate debate next semester.The vision this year was to make debating more inclusive. Through events like Speed Debating and Staff vs Student, we’ve shown that debating isn’t just for those who did it at school – it’s for everyone.
Oliver King – Captain of Men’s SoccerIt was another great season for men’s soccer – and a fairly relaxed one – apart from our narrow, penalty shoot-out victory against a rickety St Hilda’s outfit at the start. From there, it felt like we waltzed through to the finals.The highlight was our back-to-back championship win. Under lights at Princes Park, we defeated Queen’s 2–1 in front of a huge crowd with drums, bagpipes and trumpets. The atmosphere was electric.For next year’s captain, I’ll leave you with Eric Cantona’s words (which make no sense, but feel right): “You can change your wife, your politics, your religion, but never, never can you change your favourite football team.”
Archer Bryett – Head of the Music SocietyThe biggest event of the year was definitely the “Rock Off” Smoko – our fierce annual competition where Ormond students battle for a spot in the Intercollegiate Battle of the Bands. This year’s was one for the history books, complete with a massive lighting and audio set-up and the biggest stage a Smoko has ever seen.Beyond that, the Music Society kept busy planning Open Mic Night and the End of Year Music Gala. Open Mics are a cornerstone of our community, showcasing everything from music to poetry to comedy. The Gala will feature soloists, duets, the College Choir and the Jazz Band – a true celebration of Ormond’s talent.
Elise Angus – Women’s Rowing Co-CaptainThe women’s rowing squad was filled with freshers this year – and what they lacked in experience, they made up for with energy. Training was intense: 5am wake-ups, five or six times a week in the lead-up to the Intercollegiate Regatta.The Regatta is always huge, dating back to 1881 when Ormond and Trinity first raced. This year was no exception. A big Ormond crowd lined the Yarra, complete with chants, drums, bagpipes and trumpets. The Women’s First VIII powered home to victory – a thrilling moment for the whole squad.
Max McKenzie – Head of the Drama SocietyThis year’s highlight was our major production: Into the Woods. A bold choice, but one that brought out the best in our cast, crew and band.The sound and stage team juggled 18 microphones and complex transitions seamlessly. The costume team delivered everything from Cinderella’s glittering ball gown to a devilishly dashing prince. The lighting design made the set come alive.Alongside the major and minor productions, we also ran movie and musical nights, socials and more. From the first bump-in to a delightfully off-script final night, it’s been a joy to work with such dedicated and passionate performers – both students and alumni.
Jessica Osborne – Head of Grads’ Run ClubWe started the Grads’ Run Club last year and it’s been incredible to see the postgraduate community get on board.This year we held around 100 sessions at Princes Park, trained for and ran the Melbourne 10km Fun Run, and had a great turnout for Connor’s Run, raising funds for brain cancer. Some members who’d never run before trained for months to take part – a real milestone.The club even branched into casual soccer and frisbee, proving it’s not just about running but about building connection through movement.