This class photograph of the 1978 Higher School Certificate (HSC) cohort at Salesian College, Rupertswood, captures a defining moment in the educational journey of its senior students. Taken in the final year of their secondary schooling, the image reflects a time of transition, achievement, and anticipation as these young men prepared to step beyond the gates of Rupertswood and into the wider world. Set against the backdrop of the historic Rupertswood estate, the photograph is more than a record of faces—it is a snapshot of a community shaped by shared experiences, enduring friendships, and the values of the Salesian tradition. The students pictured here were part of a generation that embraced both academic challenge and personal growth, guided by the principles of faith, integrity, and service. As a historical artifact, this image offers future generations a glimpse into the life and spirit of the college in the late 1970s. It stands as a tribute to the legacy of Salesian education and the formative role it played in preparing students for life beyond school.This 1978 class photograph of the HSC cohort at Salesian College, Rupertswood, holds enduring historical and cultural value as a visual record of a pivotal moment in the lives of its students and the broader school community. Taken within the grounds of the historic Rupertswood estate, the image captures the final year of secondary education for a group of young men shaped by the Salesian tradition of holistic learning, spiritual growth, and community service. The photograph is significant not only for documenting the individuals who comprised the graduating class of 1978, but also for reflecting the values and spirit of the time. It represents a rite of passage—marking the transition from school life to adulthood—and embodies the camaraderie, resilience, and shared experiences that defined the Rupertswood journey. As a preserved artifact, this image contributes to the collective memory of the college. It offers future generations a tangible connection to the past, highlighting the enduring impact of Salesian education in preparing students to meet life’s challenges with integrity, compassion, and purpose.Colour photograph of HSC level students in a plastic wallet.salesian college, rupertswood, sunbury, hsc, 1978, philip donohue, vic lakey, berand graham, damien chrystie, kym stuart, tony scully, peter lowe, tony hill, geoff nation, chris butler, coridal mcguire, mark murrell, peter symons, tom quinn, bruce oswald, paul moody, michael taylor, brendon fallon, mick taylor, terry payne, mark whorlow, brian lynch., peter gallagher, michael fallon, joe harper, damien synott, michael mcconnell, peter summers, john torr, pat redman, robert dejong, russell dunon., rick dalbon, andy readman, liam leonard, steve millett, peter aggrawal, clinton welch, robert hughes, steve nash, brendan wilson., fr. t. jennings, john tesoriero

This bottle held a 1982 vintage port in commemoration of the Rupertswood Battery Horse Trials of 1990. The Rupertswood Battery was made up of students of Salesian College, Sunbury with the battery in existence for many years under the leadership of Tony Menhenett and members of the Salesian College. The Rupertswood Battery competed in many horse trials and other events over many years.A green glass bottle with a cream colour background with red printing label on the front. It has a loose cork inside the bottle.BATTERY OF HORSE ARTILLERY/The/ Rupertswood Battery/Horse Trials/1990/Limited Edition Portrupertswood battery, salesian college, wines, 1990s

This bottle held tawny port which was used at the commemoration of the 21st birthday of Rupertswood Battery. The battery was made up of students and members of Salesian College, Sunbury. This bottle was no. 16 in a limited edition of 40 bottles bottled in 1990 for this event. The battery participated in various events over the years.A empty green wine bottle with a black band around the neck of the bottle and a cork with a black plastic top in the neck of the bottle. There is a cream colour label with a coloured print of students and text on the front and a list of names of people on the back. RUPERTSWOOD BATTERY/21st Birthday/Commemorative Tawny Port/ LIMITED EDITION No. 16 OF 40 BOTTLES/...rupertswood battery, salesian college, wines, celebrations, 1990s, george evans collection

The coloured print features the bridge which spans the Rupertswood Cutting and is north of Sunbury station on the Bendigo line with the Rupertswood Mansion in the middle distance.A large coloured print of a railway bridge spanning a river with a mansion in the distance.rupertswood mansion, rupertswood cutting, railways

The gardens in the image are at Rupertswood and originally covered 99 acres. They were designed by William Sangster.A non-digital black and white photograph with a cream border, of extensive grounds set in a wide valley.sir william john clarke, janet lady clarke, rupertswood mansion, william sangster, gardens, salesian college

The gardens in the photograph are in the grounds at Rupertswood, the former summer residence of Sir William John and Lady Janet Clarke. Originally the gardens covered 99 acres and included a man-made lake in the shape of a map of Australia.A non-digital black and white photograph with a cream border of the lake and gardens in a spacious area with smaller buildings in the distanc.gardens, william sangster, sir william john clarke, lady janet clarke, trees, salesian college

The gardens in the photograph were designed by William Sangster. When they were first constructed a tennis court, croqued lawns and an underground fernery were included in the landscape.A non-digital black and white photograph with a cream border of a long winding pathway in a garden setting. gardens, trees, salesian college, rupertswood battery, sir william john clarke, lady janet clarke