HSOBA Committee
The HSOBA is responsible for cultivating life-long fellowship between alumni and our community through various engagement activities.
Committee Member profiles
Jim Wilkinson (’69) – President
Profile coming soon.
Larry Owen (’10) – Vice-President
Larry has been a member of the HSOBA committee since 2019, serving in the role of vice president since 2023. He has also spent several years as a player for the Old Boys’ Football Club which included two cherished premierships. Larry graduated from medical school (UTAS) in 2016 and now works in the Derwent Valley as a GP.
John Groom (’86) – Secretary
John has been deeply engaged with the School for several decades, including serving on the School Board for nearly 10 years. His career includes legal practice, corporate and business ownership and he has now completed the circle by taking on the role of Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at Hutchins. John works very closely with the President to ensure deep engagement with all Old Boys.
Dale Ayres (’10) – Acting Treasurer
After returning to Tasmania after some time away, Dale was eager to join the HSOBA Committee to find a way to give back and contribute to the Hutchins School community. Dale is a lawyer currently practising in Hobart, and is also a player and former committee member of the HSOBFC.
Jake McIntyre (’17) – Treasurer (leave of absence)
Jake has had a long-standing involvement with 69ÂÜÀòapp. He and his twin brother Nick commenced in the Junior School and completed Year 12 in 2017. With a passion for real estate, Jake completed his licence in 2018 and has been involved with residential sales ever since. He is currently working with Petrusma Property in Hobart and Sandy Bay. In his spare time Jakes enjoys a game of golf or football. Jake has a passion for getting involved with the community and also helps out with the Hutchins School Dance Troupe.
Barrie Irons
Barrie is a well-known Hutchins icon within our community, recently having the Barrie Irons Oval named after him and is also an Honorary Old Boy. Barrie retired from teaching at Hutchins in 2015. For over 25 years Barrie has played an intricate role within the School as First XI cricket coach, Head of Senior School, Deputy Headmaster, Registrar, Liaison Officer and resident photographer. Barrie still works as a relief teacher and since retiring he has been spending as much time as possible with his family; either helping out at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with his son Greg (’01) or playing the role of doting grandfather to his grandchildren – that is when he is not on the golf course!
Robert Dick (’53)
Robert has been involved with the HSOBA since 1956 where he has seen many changes over the years. As a former boarder and past President of the HSOBA, Robert brings a wealth of experience and is a passionate supporter of Hutchins and the values of the School.
Chris Rae (’66)
Chris retired from teaching with his career at Hutchins spanning from 1972 to 2015. Chris also played an intricate role within the Hutchins community as Head of Boarding, Head of School House, Head of Senior School and coach of the First XVIII AFL team. Chris also played with the HSOBFC in 1978/79.
Mark Herd (’96)
Since leaving school, Mark Herd (’96) travelled and then completed a Bachelor of Laws at UTAS. Mark has been a lawyer for nearly 20 years and currently works at Simmons Wolfhagen. Outside of work, Mark enjoys, travelling, sport, music and keeping up with his young family, including his children Fletcher and Chloe. Mark is also a life member of the HSOBFC where he enjoyed many years as a player for the mighty Lions.
Judy Smith
Judy began teaching at Hutchins in 1992 in the Prep School. The Prep School consisted of four classrooms housing Kindergarten, Prep, Year 1, Year 2 and a Staff room/office/First Aid room. 30 years on and she has enjoyed every moment teaching at Hutchins. Judy has worked in the ELC as a classroom teacher with the last 6 years in the Centre for Excellence teaching Literacy Support.
Rose Seddon (’76)
Rose joined the HSOBA Committee in 2021, she has a long affiliation with the School. She is a past student, staff member, parent and now grandparent of a current student. Her father Crom Wood was also a student, staff member and parent at the School.
David Clerk (’85)
Profile coming soon.
Billy Blackett (’19)
Billy attended 69ÂÜÀòapp for Years 11 and 12, completing his pre-tertiary studies in 2019 before pursuing a degree in economics at the University of Tasmania. During his time at Hutchins, Billy played First XI soccer and cricket and captained School House. Since leaving Hutchins, Billy has held a position as Academic and Well-being Mentor within Burbury House and co-facilitates the HSOBA mentoring programs.