Lifelong friendships are renewed and celebrated every year at the annual Albies First Friday in December (FFID) reunion – an event not-to-be-missed.
Since an initial “long lunch” in 1986, the gathering has become a much-anticipated feature on the social calendar, drawing about 60 friends to a Sydney venue. And the 2023 event was no exception.
“Attendance is skewed towards men, because Albies (founded in 1969) was male-only until 1976 but over the past decade we have welcomed a growing number of younger female alumni,” said Peter “Irish” Ireland (1975-1978), a member of the organising committee. “Most of the early, now ancient alumni consistently turn up for a sit-down meal after a few formalities. Many of us also retain friendships with alumni from Robb, Earle Page, Duval and Mary White colleges. The driving force continues to be Michael “Choco” Brent (1976-1978) – everyone back then had a nickname and during a time not known for its political correctness, no-one was safe!”
Peter “Panno” Pannowitz was a resident of Albies from 1976-1980 and believes college life provided a solid foundation for his future life.
“The men and women of that time continue to this day to support one another, take an interest in one another, and to celebrate one another,” he said. “The annual Albies reunions are legendary. That people from so many backgrounds choose to continue to be part of that undefined spirit that draws us together is strange and wonderful. Year after year, decade after decade. It is a unique and remarkable thing.”
Catching up on everyone’s status, families, professional careers and interests continues to be a highlight for Neil “Monster” Tyler (1981-83).
“The enduring friendships have to be the most enjoyable part of my UNE experience, and not just those from my own college,” he said.
Together, Michael “Conno” Conaghan (1969-1974) said they made history. “In the early years, Albies only consisted of two accommodation blocks,” he said. “I hope we formed the basis for how the college would evolve over time. And I am thrilled that we continue to communicate regularly and to meet – at the Grafton races, to celebrate significant birthdays and even travel overseas together.”
Although there’s a fair bit of “repeating and listening to stories we’ve told many times before”, Alister “JAL” Lugsdin (1973-1976) enjoys reminiscing about his UNE days. “It was a great country environment and we had great lecturers who had a big influence on my future career,” he said. “I look back fondly on that time, especially when I won a 20-year-old car in a college raffle in 1974, which enabled me to drive up to lectures rather than walk up the Goat Track.”
For Panno, the strong bonds among former Albies residents are a “unique phenomenon”.
“UNE and, more specifically, life in Albies in the late ’70s, remains deeply imprinted on my being,” he said. “It provided many ‘first’ experiences and, above all, was a time to recognise that life was in your own hands. The freedom to choose our paths was ours alone to take, and the people who surrounded us in those critical, formative years were and remain part of the imprint process.
“I was blessed to have been surrounded by people from all parts of Australia yet largely from country backgrounds. These people were eager to learn about life and the opportunities to build new futures. They were fun-seeking people with strong characters, and a deep respect and concern for others. Whilst we may not all have been close friends, we always had a respect and appreciation for each other’s differences.”
Bring on FFID in 2024!
Venue: The Commodore Hotel, McMahons Point, Sydney. Lunch commences at 12.30pm.
For more information, contact Albies: admin@stalberts.com.au
