You would be hard pressed to find a more proud Churchie Old Boy than Merv Abbott (1961). Merv attended Churchie in Nansen house from 1958 through to 1961, during which time he played rugby and served in the Army Cadets. Merv was in the financial services industry continuously since 1962 until his retirement in 2019. In 1972 Merv founded Abbott Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, who have been providing professional financial planning advice and solutions to their clients ever since.

When Merv’s son David (1991) started at Churchie it was only logical that he too continue the family ties to Nansen house. In his Senior year, David was House Vice-Captain and competed for the school in rowing and rugby. Since graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Business, David later completed an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and moved into the family business in 2004.

Not one to miss out, Merv’s daughter Vanessa joined the Churchie staff in 2023 and is now the Director of Admissions. Vanessa’s son Matt Saxby (2020) also joined Nansen house and was a very proud member of the undefeated 1st XI Football team who won Churchie’s first GPS Premiership in this sport. Matt is nearing the end of his Bachelor of Business Management degree at the University of Queensland and is working as a Sales Associate for Place Estate Agents.

With another grandson as a current student, Merv is making the most of his involvement in the Churchie community this year with David’s son Alex in year 12. During his time at Churchie, Alex has represented the school in cricket and has been a member of several strings ensembles. He is currently a member of the Symphony orchestra and is looking forward to representing the school during the upcoming Europe tour. Most recently the whole family attended the Nansen House Chapel Service on Sunday 2 March.

2024 ANZAC Day (L-R): Alex Abbott, Matt Saxby, Merv Abbott, David Abbott

2012 ANZAC Day Service: Merv Abbott with grandson Matt Saxby