“It’s very rewarding to drive down Margaret Street and see the iconic buildings that you’ve contributed to.”— Chris Wicks
When Chris Wicks’ (1981-1985) son Lachlan was just two days old, Chris proudly strolled across the road from St Vincent’s maternity ward, over Trustees’ Oval and down to the TGS office to enrol his firstborn.
“I had such fond memories from the School and enjoyed all the opportunities available, particularly participating in sport and learning at such a high level; my sons were going to have the same great education,” said Chris adamantly.
Chris was a boarder from Dalby and an “all-rounder” as a student. He was part of the 1st XV, a CUO in the Cadets, a member of the debating team, involved in drama (featuring in two plays during his time) and a good academic student.
“I really enjoyed boarding,” reminisced Chris.
“It was great to be part of all the activities that were on offer and to be immersed in the School community.”
He studied Applied Science at the University of Queensland, Gatton and is currently the Access Strategy Manager at Arrow Energy in Brisbane. But he has maintained strong connections with TGS through a number of important roles. His two sons are also Old Boys, Lachlan (2002-2010) and Hamish (2010-2014). Lachlan is now an operations and logistics manager and Hamish is a carpenter.
One of the values taught at Toowoomba Grammar School is the importance of giving back and contributing to the community. Chris has certainly done that for TGS itself. He has had over 25 years of direct involvement with the School – from being a student to a parent to a member of the Old Boys’ Association Committee to a Trustee.
“Not quite Glen McCracken territory, but it was a good run,” laughed Chris.
He was President of the TGS Old Boys’ Association from 2006-2008.
The TGSOBA is a great way for Old Boys to stay actively connected with the School. The Association works closely with the School to promote it while maintaining the history, traditions and values that we, as Old Boys, think to be important.
He joined the TGS Board of Trustees in May 2011 and was Chair of the Finance Committee from 2016 to 2022. During that time, the Board implemented a number of major capital works projects, including the P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre, the Glen McCracken Sports Centre, the new Boyce and Taylor boarding houses and various other infrastructure projects that formed part of the larger “jigsaw puzzle” as Chris refers to it.
“It was great to be able to contribute to the School in this way and play a role in its long-term future,” said Chris.
He said the Board plays a crucial role in preserving the traditions of the School whilst providing strategies to help it grow and move forward, as well as a responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of the boys and staff.
After much consideration, Chris resigned from the Board in February 2022. He had served for ten years and ten months.
“It was a difficult decision,” he said.
“I enjoyed having the opportunity to give back, but I felt it was time for fresh blood to bring some new ideas and a different perspective.”
Chris is very proud of the capital works projects, as well as the structures and systems the Board implemented during his time to ensure that the School would be in a strong position moving forward.
Latest Blog
Women of Grammar Luncheon
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Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…
Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day
This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…
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Stories behind key TGS staff helping shape our students
It was my great privilege to join TGS as Head of House - Boyce Boarding in 2024. The opportunity to lead these young men of character on their TGS journey carries great weight but is also enormously exciting. Embarking upon this project alongside my wife Meg as Boyce Boarding House Manager strengthens the team further. I am hopeful that we will demonstrate to the boys how positive relationships can foster a warm and supportive environment. I know that many of our boys are familiar with strong…
More Than Just an Education and That Makes All the Difference
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