
Our Alumni

Bridging Generations: Connecting with Our Alumni
There are no limits on what a Pakenham Secondary College student can achieve. Graduates include well-known business people, politicians, sports people and a wide range of locals making great contributions to the community.
Even though you’ve formally left the school, Pakenham Secondary College takes great pride in the achievement of its alumni. The Career’s team at Pakenham Secondary College loves to hear about the progress of graduates. Often, your stories stimulate and encourage current students, providing them with confidence and direction.
Please keep us up to date with what you’re up to!
Scan the QR Code or visit us at facebook.com/pakenhamscalumni to keep in touch with any news - career opportunities, past graduate updates, interesting articles and much more.

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Celebrating 50 Years of Our First Alumni: Pakenham Secondary College Reunion
On October 19th, 2024, past Pakenham Secondary College students celebrated our 50th Reunion, reuniting alumni to reconnect and reminisce. The weekend featured a special tour of the College led by our Principal, Mr Smith, offering attendees a chance to explore the campus and relive cherished memories. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with former students, teachers, and even a Deputy Principal, making for a memorable celebration of the school’s rich history and community.







Following their dreams: Alumni from the Class of 2023 making their mark
Alannah Birch
Alannah wasn't sure what she wanted to do after leaving Pakenham Secondary College, so she applied for a mix of courses including Information Technology and Psychology. After exploring more options, she discovered Health Science, made it her top preference, and was accepted into RMIT University, where she’s now studying a degree that offers a wide range of areas to explore, such as biology, psychology, public health, and Indigenous studies. Alannah enjoys the flexibility of the course, particularly in biology, where she’s done dissections and learned about enzymes, and she’s one of the top students in her class. She believes Health Science can lead to many career paths, including research, psychology, or working in a hospital, and is particularly interested in maternal and child health. Her advice to Year 12 students is to keep their options open and not limit themselves to one path, as it’s always possible to change direction.
Layla McCrimmon
In late 2023, Layla McCrimmon dreamed of working in the funeral industry, and now that dream is a reality. After completing a six-month free TAFE course in aged care, Layla considered nursing to make her resume more appealing to funeral homes. However, she found an ad for an undertaker, reached out for advice, and was offered a position as an undertaker. Her mentor, a mortician, has guided her towards her goal of becoming an embalmer. Layla now collects deceased individuals from hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes, assisting with embalming after hours. While the job is emotionally challenging, especially when interacting with grieving families, she finds it rewarding to help them through a difficult time and to restore the deceased to their original appearance through embalming. Layla believes that success in the industry relies more on attitude and connections than formal qualifications. Although the pay is lower than in aged care, transport wages are good, especially for night shifts. Layla advises students to explore different pathways to their career goals, as her non-traditional route led her to her dream job quicker than expected. She’s a wonderful role model for others considering this unique career path.

Alannah Birch & Layla McCrimmon
Class of 2023
Snapshots of Success: Pakenham Secondary College Alumni

Brett Owen
Local Councilor
Brett was first elected to the Cardinia Shire Council in 2005 and served as Mayor in 2012 and 2016. Brett is a serving police officer and passionate about his community.

Brian Paynter
Politician and Businessman
A successful businessman and high profile fundraiser for several local community groups, Brian was a Liberal Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 2014 to 2018, representing the seat of Bass. Brian also chaired the College's School Council from 2012 to 2018.

Daniel Madhavan
CEO
After graduating from university, Daniel's first job was with investment firm JBWere. 12 years later, he became its CEO. Daniel is currently the CEO of Impact Investment Group.

Jamie Brady
Licensed Pilot
The former College Captain (Class of 2016), obtained her private pilot's licence in her first year of her Bachelor of Aviation at Swinburne University. Jamie's next step is her commercial pilot's licence and from there, reach her goal of aerial acrobatics.

Lachie Hansen
AFL Footballer
Lachie was selected as the Number 3 Draft pick in 2006 by the North Melbourne Football Club and has carved out a successful career at both ends of the ground.

Sabrina Kerber
Global Consultant
Completing an Honours in Geology, Sabrina's career has taken her to all parts of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and more recently, as an Environmental and OHS Consultant in Borneo, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia and PNG.

Tyson Goldsack
AFL Premier Footballer
Drafted from Gippsland Power to Collingwood Football Club in 2006, Tyson played in the Club's famous 2010 Premiership victory and kicked the first goal of the game.