The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80)
From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold network and connections continue beyond the School gates. They guarantee that the special bond of the TGS boys is never lost and that School traditions are honoured from generation to generation.
The TGSOBA contributions are numerous and varied, and while there are too many to mention, here is a list of some notable projects:
- Replaced the original picnic table and paved the area at the top of the steps to Mills Oval. (Date Unknown)
- The sporting honour boards in Old Hall. (Date Unknown)
- Drums for Pipe Band, which are now used by Cadets. (Date Unknown)
- Candelabra. (1970)
- Bluestone steps to Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (1972)
- Refurbishment of Old Hall. (1974)
- Lighting of the School drive, in conjunction with the P&F Association. (1979)
- Terraces on Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (1990)
- Two candelabras. (1990)
- Chip cookers in The Pavilion. (1995)
- Trophy cabinets in the foyer of The Pavilion. (1998)
- Fences around Mills and Barbour Oval. (1998–2000)
- The construction of the TGSOBA Wall of Achievement and funding contributions to ongoing additions. (2003)
- The funding and construction of the TGSOBA Museum. (2009)
- $10,000 to the TGS athletics team that represented Australia in the International School Sport Federation World Schools’ Athletic Championships in the Czech Republic. (2013)
- Electronic scoreboards on Mills and Old Boys’ Memorial Oval. (2014)
- Sam Brown belts and ceremonial swords for TGSACU during Cadet Dining In Nights. (2015)
- $200,000 contribution to the building of the Glen McCracken Sports Centre. (2017–18)
- Historical plaques around the School. (2020)
- Contributed to the publication costs of Mr Ivan Board’s History of Toowoomba Grammar Cricket. (2021)
- Refurbished the barber chair. (2023)
- Annual bursaries awarded on Speech Day. (Ongoing)
- Various prizes and trophies. (Ongoing)
- Presentation of TGSOBA ties to Year 12 leavers, more recently keyrings and TGSOBA caps. (Ongoing since the early 1990s)
- Annual connective events such as reunions and gatherings. (Ongoing)
- Premiership recognition caps. (Ongoing since 2006)
Not only is there the infrastructure, but Old Boys contribute to the lives of our current students in many ways — from coaching sporting groups, assisting with performing arts or other subjects, providing mentorship, offering work experience, returning to the School to share their stories and experiences and volunteering at various events, including in the canteen on sports days.
There are so many ways that our Old Boys have a presence here, and the TGS community is grateful for their support. We hope that this leadership and the spirit of the Blue and Gold continues and that future generations of Grammar boys enthusiastically follow in the footsteps of their “ancestors”. We hope that these boys remember where they came from and the opportunities available to them because they were fortunate enough to be a Grammar boy, to be part of an inexplicable band of brothers. We hope they are eager to return to these glorious grounds, give back and set a fine example of what it is to be a good man. Fidelis in Omnibus.
Latest Blog
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.
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…
Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week - Developing Good Character Beyond the Classroom
We offer a range of enrichment activities for our boys, but the last week of Term 1 is a very special opportunity for all of our Senior School students. It's Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week, which provides age-appropriate physical challenges in a safe, well-supervised environment. Activities on the various camps may include ropes courses, rock climbing, bodyboarding, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing. The aim is to foster a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the environment.…
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
Toowoomba Grammar School excels in its extensive co-curricular programs, particularly in performing arts and sports. Our boys learn that success comes from hard work and dedication. This ethos is inspired by quotes like “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the words emblazoned on our P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre wall “Success is the celebration of preparation.” These opportunities allow students to excel in programs…
Stewardship: Leading the Way in Safety, Sustainability and Security
However, the challenges facing the Director of Facilities, Mr Bengie Dickeson and the Director of Information Technology, Mr Ron Robinson certainly are. This month's weather has been nothing if not unpredictable and it's in those conditions that both these men's skills come to the fore. With Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its threat to our School campus and community - Mr Bengie Dickeson and Mr Ron Robinson played integral roles in keeping everyone and everything on our 150-year-old campus safe.…
Pursuing New Horizons in Horticulture
Jake Moon is a sixth-generation primary producer. He is dedicated to agriculture and is currently working at his family’s St George farming enterprise, tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges. The 28-year-old says his family moved to the St George irrigation precinct in 1978, initially growing rockmelons and watermelons, hence the business name Moonrocks. Seasonal and market changes led them to switch crops frequently, growing grapes, broccoli and even wax flowers over the years.…