All are returning to Bendigo for a bumper Marist Brothers College reunion this weekend.

The series of events will see those who were part of classes graduating in 1967, ‘68 and ‘69 come together over three days.

After leaving school, Mark Brennan went on to become Victoria’s, and then Australia’s, first small business commissioner.

He will give a speech at a gala dinner on Saturday night about what produced so many former students succeeding at high levels in sport, business, the arts, politics and government.

Students included Gerry Ryan, founder of Jayco Caravans and Richard Vines, founder and chairman of Rare Cancers Australia.

Others stayed in Bendigo and excelled in business, sport and other aspects of community life.

“We hear people talk a lot about culture these days … I don’t think we heard the word ‘culture’ (when at school) but I think the Marist Brothers themselves created an environment where people were able to seek to get the best out of themselves,” Mr Brennan said.

Related: Marist Brothers celebrate 125 years in Bendigo

Among those was Kieran Walshe, whose achievements included becoming the state’s deputy police commissioner.

“It was a very sound education. You certainly learnt how to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner,” he said.

The Marist Brothers were not just very good educators, Mr Walshe said, they also loved their sport.

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said the school was a great place for football and cricket.

“It was fantastic coaching from the Marist Brothers to look after the basics of the games, the fundamentals.”

Mr Sheehan recalls lunchtime kick-to-kicks involving 30 or 40 students at each end.

“That was a hard ball. If you could win the ball at the school you were probably going to be a player,” he said.

Geoff Southby went on to play for Carlton and said his education shaped him not only on the footy field but in his careers as a teacher and in business.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is that we are a pretty balanced group. We have got to thank our parents I think, for that, and also the school and the Bendigo environment,” he said.

Mr Brennan said the city left an indelible mark on him.

“Often, when I was meant to be talking about doing something for the benefit of all Victorians I slipped into saying ‘all Bendigonians’,” he said.

“I think everyone (from MBC) would say that, that it has had a special place for them.”

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