The College reconnected recently with David Murphy (SPC 1971-77) who has jumped at what life has to offer, working for the past two decades as an adviser and security manager for some of Australia’s major defence submarine and frigate programs.
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
Life’s journey has tracked not as I envisaged, but I have achieved more than I expected. From university to bookmaking and form analyst, international airline operations, and for the past two decades I have been working as a Protective Security Adviser and Program Security Manager for major Australian Defence Programs including the Future Submarine Program stationed in France, and now with the SEA 5000 Hunter Class Frigate program.
I married a Swiss-French girl (should have kept up French at school) and have two children and now one granddaughter.
Do you have family ties with SPC?
I was one of seven brothers with two sisters. Six of us attended SPC.
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
I definitely enjoyed the sport as well as being a member of such a large community where I was guaranteed to find friends and appreciate the diverse range of interests of others.
Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
I can’t single out one teacher because it took six years and multiple teachers who were instrumental in my education and experiences. If I had to call out a few it would be:
- Br Peter Noonan for his common sense and sincerity
- Vicki Richards for her professionalism and strength
- Br “RA” – well he was an institution, as large and solid as the “ooga-dooga” tree.
- Br Trevor Parton for his unique style, humility and humour.
How has your education shaped your professional life?
Although I didn’t recognise it at the time, the education was not just schoolwork, understanding what was required to succeed in class and on the field, it included working through the challenges that I faced and observing and noting how others responded to theirs as individuals or as a group.
I learned a lot from the boarders for their solidarity and commitment to work and live as a team; success followed them.
How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
Again, I reflect back on the broad community and the eclectic nature of successful individuals and groups. The most important team in anyone’s life is family, whatever I takes! My son is an engineer – pray for me!
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Define a vision, establish a plan, and when events do not go your way – Reset, Adapt and Go again.
