Salesian College Sunbury Hall of Fame recipient for 2024 is Arron Convery – an Alumni member who graduated in 1993.
Arron grew up in Sunbury and attended Salesian College Sunbury from Year 7 in 1988, graduating in 1993. His time at Salesian was unforgettable, and to this day, he cherishes the strong friendships formed with many of his classmates. Among his fondest memories are his days in the Battery, where he was part of the mounted section with his horse, Sambo. During school holidays, Arron often took on farming duties when the Agricultural students went home, a unique and rewarding experience. The camaraderie between boarders and day students, including those from Papua New Guinea, left a lasting impression.
As Naughton House Captain and President of the Public Speaking Team, Arron developed his leadership skills early. He also captained the swimming team in CSSA and CJSA competitions and represented the College in a wide array of sports, including AFL, cricket, athletics, cross country, and badminton. History and Geography were his favourite subjects, sparking a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
In 1990, a visit to the USS Nimitz, an American aircraft carrier docked in Melbourne, solidified Arron’s aspirations to join the Navy. Although his initial goal was to attend the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), he fell just short of the entrance requirements. Undeterred, he began his career as a sailor, training as a Signalman in 1994.
Over the years, Arron worked his way up through the ranks, eventually commissioning as an Officer in 2007. This marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to fully realise his potential. He completed the Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) course in 2012 and served on HMAS Melbourne as Operations Officer in the Middle East. Later, he joined the Fleet Sea Training Group, specialising in Communications and Information Warfare, and was introduced to amphibious operations as Operations Officer on HMAS Canberra.
A career highlight came during his tenure as Executive Officer on HMAS Choules, when he played a key role in the evacuation of Mallacoota during the 2019/20 bushfires, rescuing 1,400 residents. Following his promotion to Commander, Arron moved into a strategic role at Surface Force HQ before returning to Choules as Commanding Officer. Leading a team of 180 men and women aboard the 18,000-tonne amphibious ship has been the culmination of his 30 years of service.
Arron’s Command Philosophy—Pride, Passion, and Professionalism—reflects his commitment to excellence. He works alongside a dedicated crew, building strong ties in the South West Pacific through Regional Presence Deployments. Outside of his Navy career, Arron has been recognised in Navy Australian Rules Football, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player and coach. He also leads Navy Golf and remains deeply involved in community sports, coaching cricket and football while supporting his beloved Geelong Cats.
Salesian College laid the foundation for Arron’s journey, instilling values and experiences that continue to guide him. He remains grateful for those formative years and the opportunities that followed.
