Many of us dream of that lucky break that will change the course of our life; a financial windfall, meeting the love of your life, landing that dream job. Waverley Stanley’s lucky break came when he was in Year 7.
His teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop saw his potential. She believed this young indigenous boy from Murgon had something special to offer the world and she fought to put him on the path to greatness.
Mrs Bishop contacted the then Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, Mr William Dent and asked if Waverley could be accepted into Toowoomba Grammar School on a scholarship. Mr Dent agreed and so changed the course of Waverley’s life.
“I don’t like to think about where I would be now if that hadn’t happened,” stated Waverley.
He enthusiastically seized the moment and proved Mrs Bishop and Mr Dent right for believing in him, developing into a passionate man, dedicated to giving other indigenous youth the opportunities he was so grateful to receive.
“The School accepted me for who I was, not the colour of my skin, or my background,” said Waverley.
“I was the only aboriginal boy at TGS at that time (1980-84), so I was culturally isolated, but I didn’t realise it at the time and it didn’t matter to me because I had so many friends and I felt supported by everyone there.
“There was no discrimination towards me at all and looking back I think that was because of the values taught at the School, like showing respect for others and their differences. Most boys didn’t even realise I was indigenous, to them I was just Stan. We were all brothers, we looked after each other, we understood what we were going through being away from family and made the most of what we had.”
Not only did Mrs Bishop’s act of faith and kindness change Waverley’s life, but hundreds of others since then as well. Waverley is proud to have been the first indigenous Prefect at TGS and has worked tirelessly to give indigenous youth the exact same opportunity afforded him, by creating the Yalari Foundation and the Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Scholarships in 2005. Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation that offers quality, secondary education scholarships at leading Australian boarding schools for Indigenous children from regional, rural, and remote communities. Toowoomba Grammar School and The Glennie School were the foundation schools with three Yalari students in 2006. Now, up to 50 Yalari scholarships are granted Australia-wide each year. This year, there were over 250 students on Yalari scholarships nationally with an alumni group of 380 studying at universities, working or undertaking further training.
A very humble and passionate man, Waverley does not like to take credit for what he has achieved or is giving to others.
I am so grateful for the life I’ve been given because of TGS and I love that we can collaboratively make a difference for children. If it wasn’t for Rosemary Bishop and Headmaster Dent, I wouldn’t be the man I am now, they changed my life and gave me a different pathway. I don’t like to think where I would be otherwise, I stay in the moment and am grateful for what I do now.
Waverley was thrilled to learn that TGS appointed an Indigenous Education Coordinator, Mr Scott Gale, earlier this year. He believes it will add an important cultural overlay to the School and help future generations to acknowledge, accept and value diversity; to not judge someone for their cultural upbringing, but for who they are as a person.
“It takes a whole school community like TGS to help and educate our children, but the real change will come when they are parents, that’s when we can change generational thinking,” said Waverley.
“That is my mantra – generational change – our past has brought us to the present and what we do in the present will determine our future. I think we have a great future ahead.”
Latest Blog
The Power of Character and Connection Every Day
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year. By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a…
Managing Conflict with Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Understanding the developmental challenges of our boys, particularly in managing emotional resilience and independence, helps parents navigate these moments more effectively. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of adolescence, and for parents of preteens and teenagers at Toowoomba Grammar School, managing these moments effectively is key to nurturing their emotional growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Elevating Early Years Mathematics: Insights from a Global Teaching Fellowship
As a primary school teacher with ten years of classroom experience, I’ve had the opportunity to teach across year levels from Prep to Year 3. Throughout my teaching journey, I’ve developed a strong passion for ensuring that every student feels a sense of success in the classroom and equally, that every teacher feels confident and equipped to deliver high-quality lessons. Over time, I’ve become increasingly interested in how we can bring greater consistency and clarity to the way we teach…
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
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…
