Berwick College Alumni

🎞️ Last week, we welcomed back Berwick College alumnus 🎥 Justin Vingerhoets to share stories of his career journey and pathways since graduating.

One thing that really stuck with us was Justin sharing his ambition from his very first university lecture. While others dreamed of becoming Hollywood directors, Justin described himself as wanting to be “a jack of all trades” and that’s exactly what he has become.

Through years of experience across a variety of roles, including an early volunteer position with Hawthorn FC, Justin has built an incredibly diverse skill set within the industry, making him highly versatile and employable today.

His biggest piece of advice? Never say no to an opportunity.
“If you’re asked to step up, do it. You’ll be nervous as hell, but you’ll learn through opportunity and become known as the person who can be relied upon.”

Thank you for coming back to Berwick College, Justin! We’re looking forward to welcoming you again later this year at our Media & Arts Expo 🩵

Feel Good Friday vibes ☕💛

This Alumni Program is fuelled by great coffee (honestly!) and even greater student baristas!

Our student-run Coffee Cart is brewing more than just coffee. It’s creating opportunities for students to build confidence, communication skills and workplace-ready experience in a supportive, real-world environment.

Today’s coffee even came with a free confidence boost… “You da best” 🥹

Enjoy your weekend everyone! 💙

Alumni Spotlight – 🎥 Justin Vingerhoets (Class of 2004)

For this Berwick College Alumni, a passion discovered in the classroom became the foundation for a career spanning television, sport, international production and digital media.

Now working as a Videographer and Social Media Manager in the real estate industry, Justin’s journey began in the media classrooms at Berwick College, where creativity first gave him direction.

After leaving school early in 2004 to pursue a Certificate III in Screen and Media, Justin continued his studies at university, completing three years in Screen and Media before stepping into the professional industry. His first major opportunity came with Hawthorn Football Club, working as a media assistant and building the portfolio that would launch a 15-year career across Australian television and international sports broadcasting.

Over the years, Justin wore many hats including TV Producer, Video Editor, Technician and Script Writer, gaining experience across some of Australia’s most recognisable productions. His work included The Project, The Block, Big Brother, the Australian Open, AFL Media and Seven Network’s Spring Carnival broadcasts, before eventually taking his skills overseas to work throughout the United States as a sports producer.

Despite the impressive résumé, Justin credits much of his success to the encouragement and opportunities he received at Berwick College, particularly through the school’s media program and the guidance of former teacher Mr Tomlin.

“In a very big way, I owe it all to my media classes and teachers,” he reflects. “After Berwick College, I hit a crossroads in life where I needed to choose whether to progress or fall behind. Media creation was what I did best at school, so I pursued that path and never looked back.”

Today, while his focus has shifted from large-scale television productions to social media and real estate videography, storytelling remains at the centre of his work, something that first began during his years at Berwick College.

When asked what advice he would give current VCE students, his response centres on both connection and self-belief.

“Get around your peers,” he says. “I still miss many of the friendships I made at Berwick College. Right now, you have all the time in the world to build genuine connections.”

He also encourages students to embrace growth and trust their own value.

“Always progress forward because we never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to step sideways occasionally to reassess your purpose in life. But never step backwards or allow others to degrade you. Know your value.”

Thanks for sharing your story with us Justin! We're looking forward to hopefully seeing you back at Berwick soon ✨

Last Thursday, our Year 11 Accounting and Business Management students attended an Industry Insight Session at KPMG, made possible by Ourschool, who deliver the alumni program at Berwick College, and with thanks to KPMG for their generosity in hosting us.

The session gave students the opportunity to meet alumni from public high schools now working at KPMG, learn more about the corporate workplace, and hear about university pathways, graduate programs, and the transition from student to employee.

We kicked off the day with an incredible panel who shared their personal journeys to KPMG, honest, relatable, and full of valuable advice. A few key takeaways from the panel:

Erick Zhou (Workforce Advisory) reminded students that results are influenced by overall cohort performance, highlighting the importance of supporting one another and working as a team, with competition best saved for other schools.
Lauren Palmer (Workplace Relations Advisory) reassured students that it is normal not to have a set plan, encouraging them to keep pathways broad and choose subjects they enjoy, as these can lead to future opportunities.
Tiffiny Argyropoulos (Financial Services Consultant) shared her experience as the first in her family to pursue tertiary education, showing that hard work and persistence open doors, while also emphasising the importance of balance.
Mark Geels (Partner – Technology Implementation) highlighted that while academics matter, students can stand out through volunteering, part-time work, sport, and personal passions that build character and time management.

For our students, the ABSOLUTE highlight of the day was a tour led by Berwick College Alumni Rhiannon Watt (Class of 2005), now Chief of Staff - Consulting at KPMG. Whilst having our very own boardroom meeting, overlooking Melbourne, students gained a real sense of what’s possible. Rhi shared her less-than-traditional pathway (a story for another time!) and showed just how far a Berwick College student can go.

We are so grateful to KPMG and their incredible team for so warmly welcoming our students and speaking so openly about their journeys. It was an insightful and memorable experience that truly encouraged our students to think BIG about their own futures! ✨

📣 Berwick College Alumni wanted for our Annual Careers Expo!

We’re excited to be hosting our upcoming Careers Expo in May and we are looking for alumni to generously volunteer their time to attend, connect with current students, and share their career journeys, pathways and experiences since leaving school.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✨ Inspire students with real-world stories
✨ Share insights into different industries and career paths
✨ Help students understand the many pathways available after school
✨ Reconnect with the school community

Our students value hearing firsthand from alumni about the choices, challenges and opportunities that have shaped their careers, from people who once walked the same school grounds and once stood where they are now.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please message us here, or send an email to [email protected]

We'd love to see you there!

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Mandeep Singh - Melvic Homes (Class of 2010)

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on Berwick College alumnus Mandeep Singh, who has turned his passion for construction into a thriving career as the owner of Melvic Homes.

After graduating in 2010, Mandeep pursued his interest in the building industry through a Bachelor of Civil Engineering followed by a Master of Structural Engineering at the University of Melbourne. He later completed his builder’s qualification, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to establish and lead his own construction company.

Reflecting on his time at Berwick College, Mandeep shares that subjects like maths and physics played a key role in shaping his career path. He also values the encouragement he received from teachers who inspired him to aim high and think beyond the classroom. The friendships and strong sense of community remain some of his most treasured memories.

💬 Mandeep’s advice to students:
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and back yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out straight away. Focus on building skills, staying curious, and being consistent. Hard work compounds over time, and opportunities often come from simply showing up and giving your best effort. Also, value relationships. They often become just as important as your qualifications.”

We’re thrilled to see Mandeep’s continued success and wish him all the best for the future!

Do you know an alum with a great story? Send us a message! 📩

Term 2, let’s go! 🎉

Today our students are out on the track and field for our annual Athletics Day Carnival, one of the best days on the school calendar! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

What better time to celebrate one of our incredible alumni, Bec Henderson, who last week secured 🥉 bronze in Brazil as part of the Australian team in the women’s half marathon race walk. An amazing achievement on the world stage!

Events like today are where it all begins, participation, persistence, and school spirit.

Who remembers their own Athletics Carnival days? Any favourite events, house rivalries, or standout moments? Drop your memories in the comments 👇

Medal Frenzy continues in Brazil 🥉

Australia’s quartet of Rebecca Henderson, Elizabeth McMillen, Allanah Pitcher & Olivia Sandery add to the history books, securing another Bronze in the Women’s Half Marathon Race Walking Championships. 🌟

Registering an aggregate point total of 30, the ensemble add a third medal to Australia’s haul at the inaugural World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Brazil. 🤝

🎓 Berwick College Alumni Spotlight | Dr Rebecca Phillips PhD (Class of 1990)

Current role: Clinical Research Project Officer, Australian Institute of Sport

Following her time at Berwick College, Dr Rebecca Phillips pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at La Trobe University, beginning a career spanning more than 30 years across California, regional Victoria, and metropolitan Melbourne. Her work has included hospitals, private practice, and sporting teams. Rebecca has also dedicated over a decade to volunteering with First Nations communities in North East Arnhem Land and Palm Island, leading teams delivering physiotherapy and public health services, and building strong, lasting relationships.

In 2019, Dr Phillips transitioned into academia, teaching across Swinburne, Monash, Melbourne, Charles Sturt, and Federation Universities, with a focus on Global Health and First Nations health and safety. She completed her PhD in 2025, researching ways to improve adherence to physiotherapy rehabilitation programs.

Today, Rebecca leads research projects exploring exercise for people affected by cancer. She is a committee member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Cancer, Lymphoedema and Palliative Care NSW National Group, and a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Rural Executive Committee. She also co-leads a micro-loan initiative supporting women and girls in rural Kenya.

Fond memories of Berwick College:
✨ Physics classes with Terry Trevena. His availability and support to teach me over and over again in his lunchtimes until I finally understood the physics concept he was trying to teach! I still use those principles every day as a Physiotherapist clinician and researcher.
✨ PE classes with Mr Valena. PE was my favourite subject, and Mr Valena did a wonderful job teaching us. It was my highest VCE scoring subject. I just loved everything about it. It was like a mini physiotherapy course!
✨ Wonderful friendships that have continued to grow over 36 years since graduating high school from Berwick College. I attended University with Leonie Wysman-Ervine, and we have remained friends ever since. I attended primary school with Virginia Danahay (Green), and we are still friends today. Hiking in Wilson’s Prom Good Friday, 2026 with our School Captain, Julie Cannon and Dux, Dr Gillian Singleton

Rebecca's Favourite quote:
"She could never go back and make some of the details pretty. All she could do was move forward and make the whole beautiful." – Terri St. Cloud

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rebecca! We're excited to stay in touch.

📧 Do you know an alum with a story to share? Tag them or email us at [email protected]

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Makeham (Class of 2018)

Berwick College Alumni proudly highlights Jessica Makeham, whose dedication to justice and community impact defines her career.

Jessica works as a Covert and Online Surveillance Administrator at a private investigation company. In her role, she compiles detailed surveillance reports, conducts desktop investigations, including asset checks, social media analysis, and property or business searches, coordinates investigations, and assists with document service.

Her work supports legal proceedings, particularly in cases involving injured workers, as well as locating witnesses or victim survivors of abuse. Jessica’s role requires strong analytical skills, discretion, and a high level of empathy

After graduating in 2018, Jessica completed a Bachelor of Criminology and is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Service, with the goal of becoming a Family Violence Case Manager in the future.

Her interest in the field began during Year 12 work experience, which later led to her current role. Her studies have strengthened both her analytical abilities and her capacity to approach sensitive situations with care and professionalism.

Jessica's favourite quote? - “If one man can destroy everything, why can't one girl change it?” by Malala Yousafzai

Jessica’s journey reflects a strong commitment to ethical, thorough, and responsible investigative work, alongside a clear passion for supporting vulnerable members of the community.

We look forward to welcoming Jessica back to Berwick College in Term 2, where she will share her career journey and pathway experiences with students in person 🩵

This morning, we had the pleasure of welcoming back a panel of Berwick College Alumni to speak with our Year 12 cohort. It was a great opportunity for students to hear from those who were in their position not long ago and gain some real perspective on the year ahead.

A big thank you to our 2024 alumni, Tarran Frost, Antonio Oshana and Bayley Burton, alongside our 2025 alumni, Logan Burton, Charlee Lancaster and Miquella Jacobsen (MJ), for taking the time to come back and share their experiences. 👏

The session focused on giving students honest, practical insight into Year 12, from managing study and SACs to handling stress and navigating what comes next. Each alum shared a snapshot of their journey, followed by an engaging Q&A that touched on study routines, staying motivated, balancing commitments, exams and life after school.

Some key takeaways included the value of consistency, finding balance to avoid burnout, and making the most of resources like practice SACs and exams. It was also reassuring for students to hear that pathways are not always linear, and that it is okay not to have everything figured out straight away.

It was especially meaningful hearing our alumni reflect on the support they had at Berwick College 🩵 From dedicated teachers to after-school homework clubs and practice SACs, it is clear how much these opportunities shaped their experience.

A standout resource for many of the alum was the mentor program at Berwick, with both Logan and Bayley Burton sharing that they chose Ms Jannelle Graham as their mentor, someone they described as more of a “tour guide for life” 🌟

Thank you again to all of our alumni for giving back in such a genuine and impactful way. We know that your stories and advice are already making a difference for our current students!