Julian Burnside QC keynote speaker at breakfast

Simon Panozzo

The Old Collegians extends its condolences to the family and friends of Old Collegian Simon Panozzo (1997) who was tragically killed in a road accident recently.

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Dr Robert McAlister; health pioneer. 1958-2010

Dr Robert Michael McAlister – 14/8/1958 – 13/3/2010. Born in East Melbourne, August 1958, Rob lived his formative years in Burwood East and spending much of his time at his Grandmother’s home in Euroa. After attending school at Marcellin College, he commenced his medical training at Monash University in 1977. Although he met his wife in 1979, they were not married until 1982 as he insisted that he had to be able to provide for his family. His family was of paramount importance to him. Post university years saw Rob spend time at the Western General Hospital in Footscray, Camperdown Base Hospital, Moorabbin Hospital and Frankston hospital. After competing his obstetric and gynaecology training at Moorabbin hospital he joined the Frankston Medical Clinic in Beach Street Frankston as a junior partner. It was only last year the he became Senior Associate at Langwarrin Medical Clinic. In recent years he has been instrumental in introducing computerization to the Practice which is now solely located in Langwarrin – the computer system was his special project and after a long week of medical work, would spend hours as system administrator tending the computers with meticulous and loving care. Professionally he had many passions – he was one of the few remaining GP obstetricians in the area and still thrilled to see the parents’ joy at a birth. He was also instrumental in the setting up and running of the Sexual Health Clinic at Frankston Hospital. He was a popular doctor who, when working, had no sense of time – while with a patient the rest of the world ceased to exist until that person had had all the help he could give. Away from the office he was a devoted Science Fiction fan. A private, humble and gentle man, who was devoted to his wife, would often reminisce about their journey to South Korea to collect their daughter in 1988 – the equal second love of his life – and beamed with pride with every one of her achievements.

Since 1977, Rob had had a passion for Cave Diving, in particular in Mt Gambier, where with almost military routine he maintained his equipment and followed safety protocols. It was here he could turn off the medical world and focus solely on this subterranean world he loved. Although he could not dive as often as he wished, his trips to Mt Gambier were a high light of his year. So, sadly, it is fitting that his is how his life ended in a tragic accident in Kilsby Sinkhole.

A respected, compassionate and loving man who will be missed by many patients, colleagues and friends in the Frankston and Langwarrin area – and beyond.  The evidence of this was the 700 plus people who tried to fit in to the 400 seat St Jude’s Church for his funeral.

Robyn and Emily, who have a hole in their hearts as big as Lake Cave itself, survive a loving and devoted husband and father.

“51 is just too young”

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