OBGS Duigan Dinner

OBGS Duigan Dinner 

The famed OBGS Old Boys Dinner is back – bigger and better than ever. 

The evening will begin under the Oak with refreshments from David Ong’s (OB 1990) 2 Brothers Brewery.

From there, we’ll move into the stunning new Duigan Centre, just off the Quad.

Beneath a full-size biplane replica, guests will be treated to a five-star, three-course menu curated by Charlie Carrington (OB 2013) of Atlas Dining.

Each dish will be perfectly paired with award-winning wines from Buckshot Vineyard in Heathcote, crafted by Rob Peebles (OB 1985).

To top it off, our guest speaker Simon Crowe (OB 1990), founder of Grill’d, will share candid insights into his journey building a burger empire.

Join us as we celebrate entrepreneurial spirit – and the enduring bond of the BGS Old Boys.

Guests are also invited to take an optional guided tour of our stunning new Duigan Centre, before the main event begins.

Highlights
Menu by Charlie Carrington (OB 2013) – Atlas Dining
Paired wines by Rob Peebles (OB 1985) – Buckshot Vineyard
Beers by David Ong (OB 1990) – 2 Brothers Brewery
Guest Speaker: Simon Crowe (OB 1990) – Grill’d

Schedule
6.00pm, Duigan Centre Tour (optional)
6.30pm, drinks under the Oak.
7.30pm, dinner in the 1882 Gallery. 

Date:  Saturday 24 May 2025
Time: 6.00-10.30pm  
Dress: Lounge suit
Cost: $150 for 3 courses & drinks, $95 for Young Alumni 2019-2024
RSVP: Friday 16 May 2025

Book now

Charlie Carrington (OB 2013)

Charlie Carrington is a Melbourne-based chef and entrepreneur renowned for his globally inspired culinary ventures. Leaving school at 15 to pursue his passion, he trained in prestigious kitchens, including Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Vue de Monde, and Marque. At 22, he founded Atlas Dining in South Yarra, a unique restaurant that transforms its menu every few months to showcase cuisines from around the world. This innovative approach earned him the distinction of being the youngest chef to receive a Chef’s Hat from The Age Good Food Guide.

Carrington’s commitment to culinary exploration led him on an eight-month journey across 15 countries, working in diverse kitchens to deepen his understanding of global flavours. In 2020, he co-founded Atlas Weekly, a premium meal kit service delivering internationally inspired recipes to Australian homes, which has since become a staple for food enthusiasts. His ventures reflect a dedication to cultural appreciation, sustainability, and innovation, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic force in the Australian food scene.

Simon Crowe (OB 1990)

Simon Crowe is an innovative Australian entrepreneur best known as the founder and Managing Director of Grill’d, a premium burger chain that redefined fast food in Australia. After graduating from BGS in 1990, Crowe embarked on a corporate career with Procter & Gamble and later served as International Brand Manager at Foster’s Group in North America. Inspired by global dining trends and driven by a desire to offer healthier, high-quality burgers, he opened the first Grill’d restaurant in Hawthorn, Melbourne, in 2004. Under his leadership, Grill’d has expanded to over 170 locations across Australia and internationally, including a restaurant in Bali.

Crowe’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement is evident through initiatives like the Local Matters program, which has contributed over $7 million to local causes. In 2016, he acquired Koko Black, a premium chocolate brand, further showcasing his entrepreneurial versatility. Recognised as one of Australia’s most creative business leaders, Crowe continues to shape the food industry with his passion for innovation and quality.

David Ong (OB 1990)

David Ong is the co-founder and Managing Director of 2 Brothers Brewery, one of Melbourne’s pioneering craft breweries. After a career as a physiotherapist in New York, David returned to Australia with his brother Andrew, an aeronautical engineer, to establish their own brewery in Moorabbin in 2007. They salvaged brewing equipment from a defunct Times Square brewery, which now forms the heart of their operation.

David oversees sales, operations, and finance, while Andrew leads brewing. Under David’s leadership, 2 Brothers has earned acclaim for its innovative beers, including the award-winning Pay Day Pale Ale and Grizz American Amber. Their Moorabbin Beer Hall has become a local favourite, offering live music and a rotating selection of brews.

David’s dedication to quality and community engagement has solidified 2 Brothers Brewery’s reputation as a cornerstone of Melbourne’s craft beer scene.

Rob Peebles (OB 1985)

Rob Peebles is the co-founder of Buckshot Vineyard, a boutique, family-owned winery established in 1999 in Heathcote, Victoria. With over two decades of experience in the wine industry, Rob’s journey began in 1993 with six vintages in Rutherglen, including work alongside the renowned Mick Morris. He further honed his expertise during a 15-year tenure in a commercial role at Domaine Chandon.

At Buckshot Vineyard, Rob and his wife Meegan focus on producing premium Shiraz and Primitivo (Zinfandel) wines. Their vines are planted in the region’s distinctive Cambrian quartz and ironstone soils, known as “buckshot,” which contribute to the wines’ unique character. Rob’s commitment to crafting expressive, small-batch wines has earned Buckshot Vineyard critical acclaim and a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.