Mr William O'Chee

Former Senator / Investment Banker

Bill O'Chee, Class of 1982, has realised many successes since his time at Brisbane State High School. Some of his greatest achievements include attending Oxford University, being a National Party member of the Australian Senate from 1990 to 1999, running his own consulting business, writing for the rowing magazine, Oxford Lightweight Blueboat, being a member of the Gallipoli research committee, being a record setting rower and competing in the sport, skeleton, in the World Cup for 13 years. He has been incredibly busy being an investment banker, serving the country through politics and being the president of the playfield Gimbal for nine years.

Although he has found much success, Bill stays humble and states that he never expected or knew what he would become. He gives advice, stating that "Nobody knows what's going to happen to them after school". This is inspirational and shows that anything could happen after graduating and nothing can be predicted.

With many jobs and achievements comes a need for perseverance. Bill's perseverance and good attitude was highly influenced by State High. He states that being heavily involved with sports such as rowing, swimming, athletics and rugby at Brisbane State High School, taught him how to come back from losing, stating that "you don't learn much from winning". 

He shared a realisation that he had when at high school:  "someone will always be as good as you". This pushed Bill to persevere and constantly strive for his best. The competitive nature of Brisbane State High School therefore influenced the attitude that Bill was able to carry through his careers, as he knew that that you can always lose or fail and that there are many other individuals working towards the same dreams.

Written by Hyemin Park*