I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a unique way.
When I started at TGS in Year 8, 2019 I became involved with drama and expressed my interest in film making to the Teacher-in-Charge of Drama, Mrs Eylece Blaikie. Mrs Blaikie has been foundational in my film making and has encouraged me and helped me to create and share my films with a wider audience. She also introduced me to people like Craig Wilkinson, Creative Director of Optikal Bloc. She has provided me opportunities through TiGAA to make multi-media and short clips which played a large role in my film development. Being involved in Drama has meant that I am fortunate to be good friends with talented actors who graciously give up their time to help with my various film projects. It is thanks to them that I have been able to make these films.
Mrs Blaikie also introduced me to the Nextwave Film Festival competition where I submitted two films in 2020 and 2021, and I won first prize awards in my age category both years. My first film in 2020 also won ‘Best Script’ and the second film in 2021 won ‘Best Director’. The prizes and money from the competition enabled me to invest in my personal projects, making them increase in quality and me in ambition. It is because of these awards and the opportunities to contribute to Mrs Blaikie’s TiGAA performances that I have grown in credibility which has provided opportunities for me to also create films outside of TGS for the Empire Theatre (Junior and Senior Impact) along with Junior Choral Society and private organisations. I have also recently won a Bursary with the Empire Theatre which I intend to invest in future film projects.
My dream for the short term is to complete Year 12, graduating at the end of this year and then continue to make movies. Because of today’s technology and opportunities, it will always be possible to make art through film, no matter where I find myself later in my life.
Latest Blog
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
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.
