{"id":3966,"date":"2026-07-07T00:04:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T00:04:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/?post_type=article&#038;p=3966"},"modified":"2026-07-08T04:54:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T04:54:25","slug":"where-are-they-now-2","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/article\/where-are-they-now-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Where are they now?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Katie Somerville &#8211; Class of 1988<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Katie Somerville has built an outstanding international career as a leader in fashion and textiles at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s archive at the Powerhouse Museum. In 1995, she became the NGV\u2019s first Assistant Curator of Fashion and Textiles, later progressing to Curator of Australian Fashion in 2001 and Senior Curator in 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her work has included major exhibitions such as <em>The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture<\/em> (2017) and <em>Alexander McQueen: Mind Mythos, Muse<\/em> (2022), as well as the upcoming <em>Westwood | Kawakubo<\/em> (2025). Alongside these high-profile projects, Katie has contributed extensively to building the NGV\u2019s fashion collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her current role, she oversees research, acquisitions and exhibitions, working closely with designers, donors and industry partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Katie credits her Oxley art teachers and the school\u2019s supportive environment for guiding her early ambitions to work in museums. She fondly remembers being part of Oxley\u2019s first cohorts and even helping design the school uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her advice to students is simple: <em>being shy doesn\u2019t need to limit you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.36.29.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"4001\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.36.29.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.36.29.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.36.29-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.36.29-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.35.01.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"4000\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.35.01.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.35.01.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.35.01-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Adobe-Express-2026-06-15-13.35.01-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">James Rapp &#8211; Class of 2018<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;James has since become involved in autism advocacy at Macquarie University and is also a volunteer radio announcer on Highland FM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-24-125149.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"362\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-24-125149.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-24-125149.jpg 362w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-24-125149-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-24-125149-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connor Plummer &#8211; Class of 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <em>You &amp; I <\/em> in Bowral. On the opening night, 35 artworks were sold and $2750 was raised for local charity Pop In.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-article_feature\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Photo3-3-202641903am.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Photo3-3-202641903am-1000x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4058\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Archie Wilkinson &#8211; Class of 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since graduating from Oxley College in 2022, Archie Wilkinson has quickly&nbsp;established&nbsp;himself as an outstanding young professional in the plumbing trade. Beginning with a plumbing apprenticeship straight after Year 12, Archie\u2019s skill and dedication have propelled him to remarkable success.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025, Archie won a regional skills competition in the Illawarra, achieving the highest score recorded in 15 years. He then went on to&nbsp;represent&nbsp;New South Wales at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, where he earned a gold medal against top apprentices from across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Archie\u2019s achievements have continued to gain national recognition. He has been selected for the prestigious WorldSkills Australia training squad\u2014the only plumbing apprentice among 39 participants\u2014and his success has even been acknowledged in Federal Parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Archie will&nbsp;represent&nbsp;Australia as part of the&nbsp;Skillaroos&nbsp;team at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026, competing against participants from more than 60 countries.&nbsp;Archie\u2019s journey reflects his&nbsp;exceptional talent,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;dedication and a commitment to excellence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-31.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"4005\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-31.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-31.jpg 500w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-31-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-31-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-32.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-id=\"4004\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-32.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-32.jpg 500w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-32-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Update-Pictures-500x500-32-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fred Hamblin &#8211; Year 9, 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier this year, Fred Hamblin was announced in the Australian Athletics U20&#8217;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 &#8211; 9 2026 and we wish Fred all the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Hamblin.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"376\" src=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Hamblin.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Hamblin.jpg 676w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Hamblin-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/d1dfwahqlx324v.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2026\/06\/Hamblin-270x150.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Katie Somerville &#8211; 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\u2019s archive at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3999,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","article_category":[17],"article_tag":[],"class_list":["post-3966","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article_category-college-community"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/3966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=3966"},{"taxonomy":"article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/oxley\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_tag?post=3966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}