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Old Haileyburians Association

2022 OHA Medal

We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2022 OHA Medal is Dr David Gruen AO (OH 1971).

The Old Haileyburians Association Medal is awarded to an Old Haileyburian in recognition and appreciation of their exceptional achievement in their field of endeavour.

Dr David Gruen AO was appointed Australian Statistician in December, 2019 and as Agency Head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, he is accountable for the function and operation of the ABS.

David was previously the Deputy Secretary, Economic and Australia’s G20 Sherpa at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Before joining the Department in September 2014, he was the Executive Director of the Macroeconomic Group at the Australian Treasury.

He joined the Treasury in January 2003 and before this he was Head of the Economic Research Department at the Reserve Bank of Australia from 1998 to 2002.

Before joining the Reserve Bank, David worked as a research scientist in the Research School of Physical Sciences at the Australian National University.

With financial support from a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship, David was visiting lecturer in the Economics Department and the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University from August 1991 to June 1993. He holds PhD degrees in Physiology from Cambridge University, England, and in Economics from the Australian National University.

David was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (General Division) in 2022 for his distinguished service to public administration, economic research, business and education.

He joins an illustrious list of Old Haileyburians who have been awarded the OHA’s most prestigious award. Please click here to watch his acceptance speech.

We again congratulate David on this significant honour!

Founders Day Assembly

The Founders Day Assembly was held on Tuesday, 7 February in Aikman Hall at Keysborough.

This assembly shares the history and tradition of our great School, is a terrific celebration of community and sees the awarding of the OHA Medal. Although Dr Gruen, the fifteenth winner, was unable to attend, he recorded an inspirational video acceptance speech for the students.

We were thrilled that a Life Governor, former OHA Medallists and OHA Presidents, and members from the Class of 1983 who were celebrating their 40-Year reunion were honoured on stage at this special assembly.

We are looking forward to presenting David with his medal in person in the coming months.

Class of 1983 40-Year Reunion

It was wonderful to see the Class of 1983 celebrate their 40-Year reunion at The Deck in Brighton earlier this month. It was lovely to see them sharing stories and reminiscing. Thanks to everyone involved for staying connected.

Once a Haileyburian. Always a Haileyburian!

Kylie Phillips

Development Office Operations Lead