Pictured (L-R): Kim Duffy, Captain of Boats Sam Williams, Kerry Duffy, Director of Rowing Tyson Sholl, The Reverend Sharon Mitchell and the Headmaster Dr Alan Campbell.

We often reflect on the many great traditions of the School and their importance in reminding us that we are the custodians of them as we honour the past, while moving into the future. One such tradition was honoured on Saturday as the School’s new eight rowing shell was named and blessed. In accordance with the School’s proud rowing tradition, new boats, especially the bespoke eights, are named after an inspirational figure from Churchie’s wider community.

A young Bryce Duffy entered Churchie in 1998 in Year 8 and graduated in 2002. Bryce was a dedicated student and a skilled athlete who loved rowing, cricket, rugby, cross-country and swimming.  On the 29th of October 2011, the world learnt of Captain Duffy’s passing, following a rogue attack in Afghanistan while serving his beloved Australia as a key member of Mentoring Task Force Three.

On the 2015 Remembrance Day, Captain Duffy’s commanding Officer Colonel Charles Weller, wrote the following tribute which was published by the Australian War Memorial: “Captain Bryce Duffy was a highly skilled and dedicated officer, an inspiration to those who served alongside him. He was a consummate professional, competent and well respected by his mates who felt privileged to have known and served with him. He knew no higher calling than to serve his country, fighting alongside his mates. Speaking from personal experience, serving with Bryce was an inspiration, a privilege and a pleasure. Our nation is made poorer by his passing, but richer by his service.”

On the day that Bryce was farewelled, hundreds of military personnel, students, Old Boys, staff and parents, joined mourners in Morris Hall, and later, on Oaklands Parade, to form an extraordinary guard of honour – the like of which had not been seen for decades. Bryce was buried with full military honours at the Mt Gravatt War Cemetery, where he rests to this day.

We have no doubt that this boat, carrying Bryce’s memory and inspirational qualities, will lift our boys to give their best in competition this season.

Dr Alan Campbell
Headmaster

Pictured Below: Bryce in Afghanistan.