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
• RGS Alumni Outstanding Achiever Award
• Central Queensland Community Contribution Award
• Past Staff Life Memberships of the RGS Alumni

How to Nominate

Any one is welcome to nominate a RGS past student for the awards listed above. We invite you to download the Awards Criteria and Nomination Form and submit it via email.

Nominations for the 2024 Awards are closed.  

2024 Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards Dinner

The 2024 Distinguished RGS Alumni Awards Dinner will be held in the School's Memorial Assembly Hall on Saturday 27 July 2024.  Please follow this link to purchase your tickets to this enjoyable evening.  

Past Winners

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 2023 Award winners below. 

2023 Distinguished RGS Alumni Award

JASON HETHERINGTON (1986)

Jason was born in Baralaba on 23 August 1969 to parents Maurice and the late Marjorie. He was the youngest of 4 siblings (Mark, Donna and the late Lindyl) who all attended RGS. Starting at RGS in Year 9 (1983), Jason was a talented sportsman during his school years. It was clear Jason was destined for sporting success in both Rugby League and Rugby Union. In his early years, Jason was regularly selected for both Rockhampton and Central Queensland sides. This culminated in selection for the Australian Schools Under 17 XV Rugby Union team in 1985. Jason won the Steven Pugh Trophy for Most Promising Player, Rugby Union First XV for two consecutive years, 1985 and 1986. After school, Jason started making a name for himself in Rugby League playing in his hometown for the then Queensland Institute of Technology (Capricornia). Jason made his first-grade debut for the Gold Coast Seagulls in 1993, playing five-eighth. He then joined the Canterbury Bulldogs in 1994, establishing himself as a hooker and playing in the Bulldogs 1995 premiership-winning side. Success at club level led to Jason being called into the Queensland State of Origin team, playing eight games from 1998 to 2000. He was named man of the match in game one of the 1999 series. Jason’s impressive Rugby League career also boasts playing two test matches for Australia in 1998 and 2000, and he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia’s international standing in Rugby League. Jason would later play Super League for the London Broncos in 2001 and 2002 before retiring. Coaching opportunities then arrived with Jason coaching the Central Queensland Capras team and later coaching the Queensland women’s Rugby League team. Jason was also a trainer for the Queensland men’s State of Origin team.

2023 Distinguished RGS Alumni Award

LESLIE DIPLOCK (1914)

Born in South Brisbane, Les was the eldest child of Louis and Louisa.  He was  educated at a Rockhampton State School and attended The Rockhampton Grammar School from 1913-1914.  Learning and the education of others was his calling, and this journey commenced in 1914 when he became a pupil teacher with the Department of Instruction, Rockhampton.  Les would then go on to numerous teaching roles across Queensland until he was promoted to Head Teacher in 1925.  In 1952, he was Acting District Inspector of Schools, South-West Region.  However, in 1953 another passion became evident as he was elected to the Legislative Assembly as an Australian Labor Party member for the seat of Condamine.  In June 1956, Les was appointed Minister for Public Instruction (now Minister for Education).   During his time in this role, Les returned to RGS in an official capacity and addressed an assembly of boys recounting his time at RGS.  A career highlight for Les was the establishment of high schools in western Queensland.  Les joined the Queensland Labour Party in 1957 which he was instrumental in forming with the Hon Vincent Gair.  After a robust political career, he retired from his seat in 1972.  In the same year he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, which is awarded to honour individuals who have rendered important services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations.  

2023 Outstanding Achiever Award

MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD VAGG DSC (1990)

Born in Barcaldine in 1973, Richard grew up in Alpha with two younger brothers who also attended RGS.  Richard attended schools in Queensland and the United Kingdom before returning to Australia and joining RGS in 1988 as a boarder.  He was a keen cricket player and could often be seen bowling a maiden over for the Red and Black.  But his real passion was rowing, a sport that he took up when he arrived at RGS and continues to this day. He was a member of the RGS First IV winning the Head of the River and QLD Schoolboys VIII in 1990.  In 1991, Richard commenced a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Central Queensland, however in 1992 he applied to the Royal Military Collage Duntroon and was accepted for Officer Training.  He graduated 18 months later as an Officer with the Royal Australian Artillery, Australian Army. Richard’s Army career is impressive and includes:

• Commanding Officer of 16th Air Land Regiment

• Commander Multi-National Brigade (Central) Commendation for his role in Kosovo

• Commanding Officer of the Artillery Training Team in Afghanistan

• Commander of Task Group Taji IV, Iraq

• Commendation for Distinguished Service

• Distinguished Service Cross - 2018

• Senior Military Officer supporting the Government’s Defence Strategic Review

Recently Richard has taken up the appointment as Head of Land Capability for the Australian Army and promoted to Major General, making him the third Grammarian to reach this rank, but the first in the Australian Defence Force.  Attending RGS as a boarder has had a profound impact on Richard and his career, providing strong foundation for life and giving him the opportunity to develop a level of independence and self-reliance at a young age whilst forming outstanding friendships.  

2023 Central Queensland Community Contribution Award 

 DUNCAN STEWART OAM (1957)

Duncan Alexander Stewart OAM served the Central Queensland community all his life. At RGS, Duncan was Prefect (1956) and Head Prefect (1957). He was active in a range of co-curricular activities including Football, Cadets, and Debating. In his senior year he was awarded the John Wheatcroft Cup for the Best Exemplar of the School motto and was joint Dux. School accolades would pave the way for Duncan’s career. In Mt Morgan, Duncan commenced a Pharmaceutical Apprenticeship which took three years to complete. Following his apprenticeship, Duncan attended the Brisbane Pharmacy College and was formally registered in 1962. He had many years working in pharmacies in Rockhampton and then as a community pharmacist in Yeppoon for twenty years (1970-1990). Following this Duncan acted as a locum for nine years at local pharmacies. In Yeppoon, Duncan took on many volunteer roles to make a difference in his local community. Joining the Yeppoon Choral Society in 1971, Duncan served as a chorus member, backstage, and lead singer and now serves as Patron. He also served as President for several years from 1978. Duncan was the President of Yeppoon Junior Soccer during the 1970s before the amalgamation with Senior Soccer. For many years Duncan served on the Yeppoon High School P&C, which would go on to build the School’s auditorium & introduce computers into the School. Highlights for Duncan were acting as Treasurer for nine years and overlooking tuckshop activities. Joining the Capricorn Coast Blue Care Committee in 2000, Duncan served as Chairman from 2005-2008. The Committee raised over  two hundred thousand dollars from locals and soon after the Capricorn Gardens Aged Care Facility opened. In 2010, Duncan was awarded the Order of Australia medal for service to pharmacy and the Yeppoon community. Now a resident at Capricorn Adventist Retirement Village, Duncan has been the Social Club President for the past two years. Duncan has given tirelessly  and his commitment to Central Queensland and community service is inspirational.

2023 Central Queensland Community Contribution Award 

 ROBERT LANG (1957)

Robert James Lang has a long-standing association with The Rockhampton Grammar School, having enrolled as a boarder in 1964.  Community commitment started at a young age for Robert.  In 1966, he was awarded the R. H. McKenzie Cup for Interest and Service out of School.  During his time at RGS, Robert was active in many co-curricular activities which included Debating, Library Committee, Chess Club, Rugby League, Basketball and Cadets.  Robert was a House Prefect in 1968. Robert serves the Central Queensland community by way of active involvement with numerous organisations and clubs.  He has been a volunteer with the Queensland Rural Fire Service for 51 years. In 2022, he received the Australian National Medal and QFES Medal in recognition of his long and diligent service to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.  He is currently the Rockhampton Representative for the Rural Fire Brigade Association of Queensland.  One of Robert’s passions is rowing.  In 1997 he was awarded the first Life Membership of the RGS Rowing Club and served as President from 1991-2005.  His active and long commitment to the sport was recognised in 2002 when he was awarded an Australia Day Medal for services to Rowing in Queensland. He is currently a Level II Boat Race Official with Rowing Queensland.  Adding to Robert’s extensive list of community service is 50 years of active involvement with the Rockhampton Cattle Club Inc, Beef Expo 2000 as Chair of the Conferences and Seminars Committee, various Agricultural Societies, the Rats of Tobruk Association, Talbot Estate Committee and Marlborough & District Pony Club. Robert was a member of the last intake of National Servicemen in 1972 and was awarded ‘Best Recruit’ for that intake. He has shown an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in his community and shows no signs of slowing down.

2023 Past Staff Life Membership Award

AILEEN KELLY (2019)

Mrs Aileen Kelly served the Rockhampton Grammar School with compassion from 1986 to 2019.  Born in South Africa, Aileen dedicated her career to helping and educating others.  Aileen taught in South Africa before moving to Rockhampton with husband Arthur and their 3 sons in 1984.  In 1986, Aileen returned to teaching part time whilst raising their young family.  Realising she preferred to teach Maths, Aileen pursued this for the remainder of her time at RGS.  Whilst at the School, Aileen played a key role in introducing Maths intervention classes, which provided an opportunity to boost the confidence of Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students who were struggling with Maths. This assisted students to receive a pass mark on their Junior Certificate and allowing them to pursue a trade.  Years later, Aileen encouraged her of senior students to assist with intervention classes and the results spoke for themselves.  Younger students connected with seniors on a relatable level.  Helping students in need was a special skill Aileen possessed.  This also extended to PNG AusAID students who hold a special place in her heart.  Throughout her time at RGS, Aileen always showed a keen sense of humour, calming nature, engagement with students and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.  She was a strong role model amongst her colleagues, once receiving the highest of praise from a fellow teacher “When I grow up, I want to be just like you”.  Aileen retired from The Rockhampton Grammar School in December 2019. 

2023 Past Staff Life Membership Award

ARTHUR KELLY (2019)

Mr Arthur Kelly served The Rockhampton Grammar School with pride from 1984 to 2019 in a variety of teaching and leadership roles spanning 36 years.  Hailing from South Africa, Arthur dedicated his career to secondary education which began at the school he attended in South Africa, Kingsway High School from 1974 to 1983.  Moving to Rockhampton in 1984 with his wife Aileen and their three sons, Arthur began his RGS journey as a Mathematics Teacher for Years 8-12.  In 1987, he was appointed Master of the Lower School and a member of the School’s Leadership Team.  In 1995 Arthur moved  to Head of the Middle School and Head of Year 9, a role he retained until retirement.  In 1999, Arthur was promoted to Deputy Headmaster and remained in this role until he retired from RGS in 2019.  The School and its students have benefitted from Arthur’s vast experience and passion for co-curricular activities such as athletics, cross country and music.  A keen interest in Rugby Union saw Arthur complete coaching courses in South Africa and Australia which led to coaching roles at both schools.  Having music in his veins, Arthur is an accomplished guitar player having formed several bands with Year 9 students over the years.  One of Arthur’s fondest memories at RGS is when his last band (2019 Year 12 students) invited him to join them in performing at their final assembly for one last song.  Pastoral care and responsibilities have always been at the heart of Arthur’s work.  Throughout his time at RGS, Arthur always demonstrated traits of hard work, loyalty and compassion.  Arthur retired from The Rockhampton Grammar School in December 2019.