Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards Dinner

The Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards offer a variety of award categories to celebrate the diverse achievements of the School’s past students. Award categories are:

• Distinguished RGS Alumni Award
• Young Alumni (under 35) - NEW FOR 2025
• Central Queensland Community Contribution Award
• Past Staff Life Membership of the RGS Alumni

How to Nominate

Any one is welcome to nominate a RGS alumni for the awards listed above.  We invite you to review the award criteria document and complete the nomination form for each award you wish to submit. 

Nominations for the 2025 Awards are now closed.  Nominations will re-open soon for the 2026 round. 

2025 Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards Dinner

The 2025 Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards Dinner was held at the School on Saturday 19 July 2025.     

The Rockhampton Grammar School Distinguished RGS Alumni awards have recognised many successful, inspirational and honourable recipients since its inception. We invite you to peruse the 2025 Award winners below. 

2025 Distinguished RGS Alumni Award

SIR JOHN KAPUTIN (1959)

Sir John Kaputin was born on Matupit Island, Papua New Guinea in 1941. After completing his primary education locally, he travelled to Australia to attend The Rockhampton Grammar School for his secondary schooling. During his time at RGS, Sir John distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete, winning the prestigious Archer Cup in both 1958 and 1959. His sporting talents extended across athletics, swimming, cricket, and rugby league. After school, Sir John became a pioneer in Papua New Guinea’s sporting history. In 1960 he was the first Indigenous player to compete in Port Moresby’s all-white rugby league competition. He again made history in 1962 when he was selected to represent the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth competing in the 440-yard sprint event. In recognition of his groundbreaking achievements, Sir John was the inaugural inductee into the Papua New Guinea Sporting Hall of Fame in 2011. Sir John pursued further studies in Business Administration at the University of Hawaii and later studied Political Science and Economics at the University of Papua New Guinea. Motivated by a deep commitment to serving his people, he played a pivotal role in the discussions and planning that led to Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975. Sir John was elected as the Member for Rabaul Open in the National Parliament, a position held from 1972 and 2002. During his three decades in public office, he served in numerous ministerial and leadership roles within the PNG Government, including:


Member of the Constitutional Planning Committee (1972-1975)
Minister for Justice (1973-1974)
Deputy Speaker (1975-1977)
Minister for National Planning and Development (1978-1980)
Minister for Finance (1980-1982)
Minister for Minerals and Energy (1985-1988)
Minister for Foreign Affairs (1992-1994, 1999)

In recognition of his service, Sir John was appointed Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1983 and was knighted as a Knight Bachelor in 1997. In 2012, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (Political Science) by the University of Papua New Papua. From 2005 and 2010, Sir John served as Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) - the highest international office ever held by a Papua New Guinean.

2025 Young Alumni Award

JESSICA KAHL (RGS 2012)

Jessica was born in 1995 and grew up in Rockhampton. She began her schooling at Allenstown State School before enrolling at The Rockhampton Grammar School in Year 7 in 2007. During her time at RGS, Jessica was a high-achieving student who made significant contributions across all areas of school life. She excelled in athletics, regularly representing the School at district cross-country events, and was actively involved in netball, musicals, concert band, and oratory. In her final year (2012), Jessica held several key leadership roles, including Prefect, Captain of Music, Captain of Cross Country, and Vice-Captain of Hospitality. That same year, she was part of the winning team in the Business Challenge, a reflection of her emerging passion for strategic thinking and teamwork.

Following school, Jessica completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with First Class Honours and a Diploma of Professional Practice at CQUniversity. She went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Griffith University, specialising in sustainable leadership and strategy, and completed the Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), accredited by Engineers Australia.

Jessica’s professional journey has taken her across Australia and the United Kingdom, with roles at leading organisations such as WSP, Aurecon, Sunwater, the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, and Thames Water. In 2023, she joined GHD in London, where she currently serves as Director for the UK Water Market. Beyond her corporate career, Jessica is the Founder and Managing Director of Dream Big Australia, a national charity she established in 2015 to support and empower early-career women and gender-diverse individuals in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Under her leadership, Dream Big has delivered award-winning programs that focus on building confidence, capability, and career opportunities, including access to industry mentoring. More than 1,000 participants have engaged with the program, with over 98% reporting a positive impact.
Jessica’s work has been widely recognised. She is the recipient of the 2022 LearnX Gold Award for Best Learning Model, multiple CQUniversity Opal Awards, and a High Commendation from Engineers Australia for her contributions to gender diversity in engineering. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, Jessica has shared her expertise on national and international platforms, including at the 2019 World Engineers Conference in Melbourne. Of all her accomplishments, Jessica says she is most proud of founding Dream Big—watching participants thrive in their chosen fields and knowing she is helping to shift the diversity dial in meaningful, measurable ways.

2025 CQ Community Contribution Award 

 RAYMOND YOUNG OAM (RGS 1943)

Raymond Young is a respected community leader, sports coach, and cultural ambassador who has dedicated over seven decades of service to Central Queensland. Born in Brisbane on 18 September 1932, Raymond - an only child - was raised by his father and moved to Rockhampton at an early age. He began his formal education at The Rockhampton Grammar School, boarding from 1941 to 1943. During his time at RGS, Raymond embraced rugby league, swimming, tennis, and athletics, where he developed an early appreciation for teamwork and community spirit. Raymond continued his education at Gracemere State School and Central Boys State School. Throughout his youth, Raymond assisted in his father’s retail and wholesale fruit business, learning both the value of hard work and service to others. These early experiences would shape his lifelong commitment to community. Raymond became a pioneer in gymnastics, coaching for 67 years and training thousands of gymnasts, coaches, and judges. He was instrumental in establishing regional gymnastics competitions and received numerous accolades, including the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and Life Membership from Gymnastics Queensland in 1996. Beyond sport, Raymond served his community through leadership roles in the YMCA, the Chinese community, the Masonic Lodge, the Justices of the Peace, and Rotary. He was President of the Rockhampton Chinese Temple Society and led several cultural projects. As a Justice of the Peace since 1984, for which he is a Life Member, he spearheaded JP education and support networks across Queensland. Raymond served as President of the Rotary Club of Rockhampton East, was deeply involved in Scouting, Freemasonry, and school governance. Raymond has received numerous honours, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2001 for outstanding service to the community of Rockhampton through sporting, youth and service organisations, the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Rockhampton Citizen of the Year award in 1999. In 2023, Gymnastics Queensland presented him with the Regional Service to Sport Lifetime Award, and his legacy was celebrated in the official History of Gymnastics in Queensland.

A lifelong resident of Rockhampton, Raymond married Laures (dec) in 1961 and together they had 4 daughters and 1 son. Raymond’s motto throughout his life has been to pay kindness forward to the Central Queensland community which has inspired generations. Now retired, Raymond’s legacy is one of tireless dedication, multicultural unity, and leadership in building vibrant, inclusive communities.

2025 Past Staff Life Membership Award

GRAHAM BLOXSOM (1990-2017)

Graham Bloxsom dedicated 28 years of exceptional service to The Rockhampton Grammar School. His contributions went far beyond any single job title. His work encompassed being a boarding supervisor, sports coach, athletics organiser, gymnasium coordinator, Ritamada
caretaker, Port Curtis farmhand, Show Cattle Team assistant, and school bus driver. His name became synonymous with loyalty, care, and understated service. Graham’s impact was frequently recognised over the years. In 1993, the Palmer House report noted his efforts in “going the extra distance” to connect with students. Former Headmaster Islay Lee’s Speech Night address in 1997 praised his student-first approach — “whether driving buses, helping boarders, strapping players or supervising gym sessions, Graham was known for his reliability and generosity of spirit.”

His commitment to athletics at RGS is legendary. Known for his meticulous planning and preparation of track and field events, Graham spent countless hours — often single-handedly and beyond regular duty hours — setting up athletics venues. From 2004 through 2009, annual acknowledgments highlighted his dedication, from early dawn preparations to ensuring the best possible conditions for student competitors. 

Beyond athletics, Graham rolled up his sleeves as an Agricultural Assistant at Port Curtis Farm, supporting the School’s agricultural endeavours. With the Show Cattle Team, he was a trusted assistant – always there to help students prepare, compete and learn. Graham also briefly joined the Maintenance Team. His willingness to help in any area reflected a deep loyalty to the School and its values.

In 2017, Graham retired, marking the end of an era. He was honoured at a Formal Assembly where he received a standing ovation — a testament to the deep respect and affection he earned over nearly three decades of selfless service. He was the kind of person who stepped in wherever needed, who never sought the spotlight but was always there when it counted.