Where are they now – Mark vanHamond (SPC 1992-97)
May 22, 2023
The College recently reconnected with Old Collegian Mark vanHamond (SPC 1992-97) who has recently committed to run this year’s Sydney marathon later this year with the aim of raising $38,000 for the incredible Shake It Up Australia, which represents the 38 Australians diagnosed with Parkinson’s each day, following his father’s recent diagnosis, and we urge you to support Mark in this cause.
Mark vanHamond.
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
Since leaving St Patrick’s College, life has taken me on many adventures. There was lots of travel, lots of work both interstate and overseas, and plenty of fun events celebrating life milestones. Speaking of life milestones, I’m also a husband to Tiarni (also an ex-Loreto girl) and father to three beautiful children. I’m really grateful for the life and family that we’ve built together.
On the professional front, I’m currently Managing Director for eQuality Support, which Tiarni and I founded three years ago. eQuality Support is a NDIS registered disability support service, with services across the Geelong, Surf Coast and Ballarat and Central Highlands regions. Our passion is in ensuring people with disability can live the life they choose. The support office is based in Torquay and we also have an office in Sebastopol. You can find out more about us at equalitysupport.com.au
Do you have family ties with SPC?
My first cousin Paul Speechley (SPC 1989-94) also attended St Pat’s. His son is also now in his first year, Liam Speechley.
Mark, pictured in Year 12, in 1997.
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
The friendships. My best mates are from friendships formed from St Patrick’s College. No matter how much time or distance separates us, my friends offer a place to return back to Ballarat too, and to laugh about all the crazy things we got up to.
Mark, pictured as a BPSA soccer representative, in 1997.
How has your education shaped your professional life?
Through education, I’ve learned hard work, persistence, determination and self-belief can lead to opportunities that I never knew could exist. It’s also shaped me to continually challenge myself at whatever I do and to never give up. It sounds cliché, but when you work hard, opportunity has a way of presenting itself, and you really never stop learning.
How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
Respect, inclusion, honesty, responsibility, and making a positive difference are really important personal values in my day to day life, and subsequently it’s really what we stand for at eQuality Support, including why we started the business. These values have really been shaped over time from my childhood, education and life experiences.
Mark was also a member of the Edmund Rice Day Committee, as published in the 1997 College Annual.
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Write your own life story with passion, integrity and determination, and be the inspiration rather than looking for one.
This photo of Mark and his father Han’s is close to Mark’s heart following Mark’s recent commitment to run this year’s Sydney marathon with the aim of raising $38,000 for the incredible Shake It Up Australia, which represents the 38 Australians diagnosed with Parkinson’s each day, following his father’s recent diagnosis with the disease. “I know this impacts so many other individuals and families. At the end of the day, I just want to make a positive difference,” said Mark.
To find out more about Mark’s mission and fundraising, we urge you to click on this link here