A great day was had at the OIU BBQ at the 2026 Jesuit Mission Bazaar. 

There was a very healthy stock of volunteer old boys, parents and friends who had gathered to the fray to cook up and feed the crowds. And this year the school provided 6 brand new barbies, which no doubt are a far cry from the wood fired half barrels first used by the Old Boys in 1952, when the Bazaar began.  

From the beginning the likes of Cecil O'Dea, Bill Conlon, Colin McElhone, Max Glasheen, Des Burfitt and Bill Burt had a lot of fun, and continued on for many decades with many others joining in including Michael O'Dea, John (Stormy) Clements, Peter Lenehan, Michael Burfitt, John Wilcox, John Renshaw, Mal Stening, Bill Maher and Bob Meagher and so on… 

The OIU BBQ was first positioned in the 1950s in the quadrangle near the entrance to the Chapel – but had to be moved when the aroma was found too enticing for those attending mass. 

This year the BBQ was on Gorman Field, and was near where a plaque was erected some decades ago commemorating those involved. With the help of Fr Charlie Fraser, the plaque has a Latin inscription which translates to "They cooked here lest they be cooked elsewhere". 

Special thanks this year goes to Terry O'Halloran, Richard O'Dea and Dave McKay (all OR 1989), Heather Mitchell and Christine Zimbulis in the Advancement Office, and to Katrina Varis and everyone at Jesuit Mission. 

Looking forward to next year!