Mr Chris Bombolas

Media Professional

Chris Bombolas  (class of 1978) is currently the media manager for the Office of Industrial Relations.  Since attending Cannon Hill State School and then BSHS, his life and professional journey have taken him far and wide. Chris went to QUT (which was QIT back then) and gained a Bachelor of Business Communications, majoring in journalism and public relations.

Chris worked at Channel 9 Brisbane as a reporter/presenter for almost 25 years mostly in sport and another five years as a freelancer at Channel 7 Brisbane. He also had radio stints at 4BK, Triple M and 4BC, was the State Member for Chatsworth and Parliamentary Secretary for Police, Corrective Services and Sport. He also had short stints at GVK Hancock Coal and the Tatts Group.

Chris felt extremely lucky to be chairman of the Brisbane Roar Football Club when they created history, winning their inaugural A League title in 2010/11.  He recalls his very first job was a grocery boy at an IGA while still attending State High and then later he became a clerk in public service while studying journalism part-time before getting his first media job at Triple M Brisbane as a budding journalist.

Chris felt fortunate to gain entry to Brisbane State High through his academic achievements at Cannon Hill State School. His current tie to the school is through his youngest son Mitchell, a Year 10 student in 2021 and a Junior Student Leader last year.

"Considering I'm on the way to a possible 50 year school reunion, my memory is a little hazy! However, Jim Lucy inspired me back in the day, not just because of his sporting prowess (especially rugby), but because he encouraged us to be better people, better versions of ourselves. I also had great respect for the Principal Ray Fitzgerald and Deputy Principal Rita Barrett, who were both harsh but fair. Sadly, names have escaped me, but I do remember my German teacher pushed me hard and encouraged me to strive for excellence in a language that was part of my heritage (mum was Garman and dad, Greek).

I will cherish forever the amazing atmosphere and passion on the oval when State High took on all challengers and usually won! We screamed our lungs out to support our mighty athletes and repelled the offerings from opposing schools. It was like an amphitheatre, with competitors and supporters giving it their all. I will never forget driving an HG Holden station wagon to school for the last 18 months, my first day on the 'farm' (the lower part of the school made up of old rickety demountables where the Grade 8s were herded), watching a Muhammad Ali world title fight on the colour TV in the window of the Phillips building next door and dissecting my first cane toad in the name of science (yuk!). Sadly, it was over in the blink of an eye.

I was not an honours student and certainly not a gifted or talented athlete. However, I had a go, tried my best and encouraged those around me to give it their all! As the unfit kid struggling with his weight, I knew my limitations and often worked to them. I recall some very speedy 200m efforts on the oval, leading the pack. Unfortunately there were normally three or more laps to go when I greeted the judge first, only to ultimately run a long last!!!!"

For Chris these days, it's all about living life to the fullest in work and play.  Heading towards retirement, work/life balance is important. "Don't let life pass you by worrying too much about the future, live in the moment and believe that things will work out! I had an amazing career in the media after State High provided me with a very solid foundation".

Chris has advice to current students (including his son Mitchell): "Don't stress, enjoy it, do your best and make sure you have fun along the way! Life is to be lived, not saved for a rainy day!".