Introducing the OCGA's new President, Cassandra Trumble

Since joining the OCGA as a Council Member, then as Vice-President and most recently as President, I have thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the broader Carey community. Through the OCGA as well as through my role as a parent to two children in Junior School Kew and the Middle School, I have met many wonderful people and gained a valuable insight into multiple facets of the community.

What I have noticed about the Carey community is that we seem to have a degree of homing pigeon instinct in us all. Speaking as someone who practiced Veterinary Science after graduating from Carey in 1993, I say this with positive enthusiasm about these particular Avains animals. I’ve since moved onto a corporate and consulting career, focussing on organisational leadership, culture and the advancement of women leaders with STEM backgrounds. Throughout my adult life and despite living in Asia and across different parts of Australia for work, my connection to Carey has always remained in some form and I deeply appreciate that the Carey community remains here for us at times when we need it and in ways that suit our phase and stage of life.

In many ways, our time at Carey influences our unique life pathways and choices. But there is definitely something that navigates us back to the community that educated us, created memories and provided the ethos that shaped us. That might be in an active way through contributing to the OCGA, joining an affiliated club, attending events or more simply by satisfying our curiosity in reading the Torch, perusing OCGA website or social channels as an OCGA member. Birds of a feather do flock together, and the OCGA exists to foster our connections and friendships. We are social creatures with common bonds, after all.

In my first official duties to host the 40+ Reunion, I was thrilled so see our 40+ years alumni come back together, sharing experiences and catching up on the current landscape of education at Carey. Adapting from a Town Hall luncheon to Zoom was no barrier for this cohort and supported inclusion across broad geographies.

I’m proud that our 2020/21 Council represents six decades of alumni, with a diversity of skills and experiences that will allow us to really meet the evolving needs of our broad demographic of members across Australia and overseas. The OCGA is for all alumni in our broader Carey community. Our focus areas from Young Carey Alumni to social impact, careers and professional networking, clubs and alumni events that connect us all are designed to reflect our purpose as an association.

I look forward to connecting with you in the future and encourage you to engage in any way that suits your needs. You’ll find more information on the OCGA website and please don’t hesitate to get in touch president@ocga.com.au

Cassandra Trumble
OCGA President