Where are they now?
Katie Somerville – Class of 1988
Katie Somerville has built an outstanding international career as a leader in fashion and textiles at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
After developing a love of vintage fashion and history, Katie pursued Museum Studies and began her career working on the acquisition of designer Jenny Kee’s archive at the Powerhouse Museum. In 1995, she became the NGV’s first Assistant Curator of Fashion and Textiles, later progressing to Curator of Australian Fashion in 2001 and Senior Curator in 2014.
Her work has included major exhibitions such as The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture (2017) and Alexander McQueen: Mind Mythos, Muse (2022), as well as the upcoming Westwood | Kawakubo (2025). Alongside these high-profile projects, Katie has contributed extensively to building the NGV’s fashion collection.
In her current role, she oversees research, acquisitions and exhibitions, working closely with designers, donors and industry partners.
Katie credits her Oxley art teachers and the school’s supportive environment for guiding her early ambitions to work in museums. She fondly remembers being part of Oxley’s first cohorts and even helping design the school uniform.
Her advice to students is simple: being shy doesn’t need to limit you.
James Rapp – Class of 2018
James was studying at Macquarie University when he was offered the chance to join the cast of the ABC TV documentary series The Assembly. This experience is what inspired him to change his degree so he can continue to explore journalism. James has since become involved in autism advocacy at Macquarie University and is also a volunteer radio announcer on Highland FM.
Connor Plummer – Class of 2024
While at Oxley, Connor was a finalist in the 2024 Young Archie competition and was nominated for ARTEXPRESS. Earlier this year, Connor held his debut solo exhibition You & I in Bowral. On the opening night, 35 artworks were sold and $2750 was raised for local charity Pop In.
Archie Wilkinson – Class of 2022
Since graduating from Oxley College in 2022, Archie Wilkinson has quickly established himself as an outstanding young professional in the plumbing trade. Beginning with a plumbing apprenticeship straight after Year 12, Archie’s skill and dedication have propelled him to remarkable success.
In 2025, Archie won a regional skills competition in the Illawarra, achieving the highest score recorded in 15 years. He then went on to represent New South Wales at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, where he earned a gold medal against top apprentices from across the country.
Archie’s achievements have continued to gain national recognition. He has been selected for the prestigious WorldSkills Australia training squad—the only plumbing apprentice among 39 participants—and his success has even been acknowledged in Federal Parliament.
Looking ahead, Archie will represent Australia as part of the Skillaroos team at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026, competing against participants from more than 60 countries. Archie’s journey reflects his exceptional talent, as well as dedication and a commitment to excellence.
Fred Hamblin – Year 9, 2023
Earlier this year, Fred Hamblin was announced in the Australian Athletics U20’s 4 x 400m Relay Team. Fred attended pre-departure camps on the Gold Coast and will head to Staging Camps at the University of Santa Barbara. The 2026 World Athletics Championships will be held in Oregon, USA from August 5 – 9 2026 and we wish Fred all the best.
