YOG News - October 2026

Welcome to our latest edition of YOG News.

We've got a question for you: what's next for YOG?

Last year, your feedback helped inspire new initiatives including YOG NextGen, YOG Connect and a range of new opportunities for YOGs to reconnect, engage and get involved.

Now we're asking again. Tell us what you'd like to see more of, what interests you and how you'd like to connect with fellow YOGs.

The survey takes just a couple of minutes to complete and, as a thank you, you'll go into the draw to win a dinner for two at Gimlet (RRP $390). 

The prize will be drawn at Carols@Yarra on Tuesday 1 December.

Help shape the future of YOG by sharing your thoughts at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026YOGSurvey

As part of Yarra Valley Grammar's 60th Anniversary celebrations, Yarra Old Grammarians are invited to join current and former staff, alongside the Senior Choir, for a special finale performance at Carols@Yarra on Tuesday 1 December.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply enjoy singing, all YOGs are encouraged to take part. Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday 18 November and Wednesday 25 November from 7.30am - 8.30am in the Drama Pod, followed by a final warm-up at 5.30pm on the evening of Carols.

It's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow YOGs, celebrate 60 years of Yarra and be part of a memorable community event.

Interested in joining the choir? Register HERE by Friday 6 November or email yog@yvg.vic.edu.au.

The start of 2027 is shaping up to be a busy one for YOGs, with plenty of opportunities to reconnect, give back and get involved.

• Yarra Foundation Day (YFD) - Monday 8 February: Join students, staff and special guests as we come together at a YFD Assembly to appreciate, celebrate and aspire. The day will also feature the annual YOG vs First XI Cricket Match from 12.00pm. All welcome - booking link to follow.
• Annual YOG Golf Day - Monday 15 March: Join fellow YOGs for the annual YOG Golf Day, which moves to Yarra Yarra Golf Club in 2027 for what promises to be another great day on the course.
• RCH Good Friday Appeal - Friday 26 March: Support the Royal Children's Hospital alongside fellow members of the Yarra community.
• Return to Yarra - Date TBC (likely to be a Friday afternoon in late April/early May): Inspired by the success of Return to the Patterson, this sport-themed event will give YOGs the chance to reconnect with teammates, classmates and Yarra's sporting traditions.
• YOG Pathways - Date TBC: Recent graduates are invited to share their experiences of university, TAFE, apprenticeships, employment, gap years and other post-school pathways with current Year 12 students.
• YOG Jog - Date TBC: Plans are underway for the inaugural YOG Jog in 2027, with a few fun twists and surprises under consideration.
• YOG NextGen Pub Trivia - Date TBC: Following a successful debut in 2026, YOG NextGen Pub Trivia will return in 2027. Stay tuned for details.

Keep an eye on YOG Connect and your inbox for further details or email us at yog@yvg.vic.edu.au. 

We look forward to seeing you at Yarra in 2027.

More than 1,100 Yarra Old Grammarians have now joined YOG Connect (yvg.alumnly.com), our online platform designed to help alumni connect, benefit and contribute.

Be sure to explore the Jobs section, where YOGs can browse vacancies shared by fellow alumni, advertise positions within their own organisations and view current opportunities at Yarra Valley Grammar.

While you're there, check out the News section for stories and updates from across the YOG community. Have a project, business, achievement or initiative you'd like to share? Email yog@yvg.vic.edu.au and we'll help spread the word via the News section of YOG Connect.

Next time you log in, take a moment to explore the latest news and opportunities. You never know what connections, collaborations or inspiration you might discover.

YOG NextGen brings together Yarra Old Grammarians who are approximately 10 years or less out of school to share ideas, build connections and help shape the future of the YOG community.

Over the past year, the group's ideas have led to our inaugural YOG Pub Trivia Night, the launch of a Music Group on YOG Connect, the development of YOG hoodies (watch this space!) and the creation of the YOG Young Achievers Award. Following its postponement this year, plans are also underway for an inaugural YOG Jog in 2027, potentially with some Amazing Race-inspired elements.

The recently launched Music Group on YOG Connect is open to all music-loving YOGs and will be used to share information about upcoming gigs, performances and other musical opportunities of interest.

YOG NextGen is always keen to welcome new voices and fresh ideas. If you'd like to get involved, please email yog@yvg.vic.edu.au.

A special thank you to Hannah, Noah, Cassidy, Harrison, Thomas, Ethan, Sarah-Louise, Patrick, Kit, Jessica, Alycia, Talisha, Elise, Will and Loki for their enthusiasm and contributions throughout the year.

Congratulations to Tiana Koehrer (YOG 2014), who has been named the inaugural recipient of the YOG Young Achievers Award.

Established this year, the award recognises Yarra Old Grammarians aged 18 - 30 who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contribution in their chosen fields and communities.

Tiana was recognised for her achievements in public policy, justice reform and community leadership. Since graduating from Yarra, she has held significant roles across the Victorian public sector and has made a meaningful contribution through her work with Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services and the Weenthunga Health Network.

The award attracted six exceptional nominations. Congratulations also to fellow finalists Zac Warton (2021), Aanya Chandra (2024), Hunter Hopkins (2022), Cameron Turner (2024) and Shakira Harding (2025). The strength of the inaugural field highlights the remarkable contributions young YOGs are making across a broad range of professions and pursuits.

On behalf of the YOG Association, congratulations to Tiana on this well-deserved recognition and thank you to all nominees for the positive impact they are making beyond Yarra.

The Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) Association was delighted to welcome the Class of 2026 into the alumni community at the annual YOG Year 12 Breakfast.

Held during the students' final weeks at Yarra, the breakfast gave Year 12s the opportunity to hear from YOG President Elise Olsen (YOG 2017) and Cassidy Coetzee (YOG 2025), who shared their experiences of staying connected and involved with the Yarra community after graduation.

To mark the occasion, students received a YOG drink bottle, phone charger and tote bag bearing the message "Stay Connected" - a simple reminder that their connection to Yarra doesn't end when they leave school.

The breakfast celebrated the students' transition from Yarra students to Yarra Old Grammarians and highlighted the many ways they can remain involved through reunions, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, sporting events and community initiatives.

We wish the Class of 2026 every success and look forward to following their achievements as members of the YOG community.

For 60 years, generations of students, staff, parents and YOGs have helped strengthen the Yarra Spirit.

As we celebrate Yarra Valley Grammar's 60th Anniversary, YOGs are invited to support the areas of school life that matter most to them through Yarra Giving 2026.

Whether you'd like to help create a place to belong through the Building Fund, open a door for someone through the Hearing Unit Scholarship Fund, give a voice to the stage through the James Simpson Performing Arts Fund, or spark a lifelong reader through the Library Fund, there are many ways to make an impact.

Every tax-deductible gift, regardless of size, helps support current and future students and demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our YOG community.

With only a few days remaining, we invite you to show your Yarra Spirit and make a difference.

Donate today at www.yvg.vic.edu.au/yarragiving

Preparations are gathering pace for Old Yarra Cobras’ landmark 2027 season - our first in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL). New player signings are already adding momentum, while the move to the EFNL has created a real buzz by bringing the club closer to the Yarra school community.

There has been plenty of interest from YOGs keen to reconnect with the club, and the new league provides an outstanding pathway for finishing students to move straight into the Cobras’ men’s and women’s programs. With opportunities across both programs, 2027 is shaping as an exciting new chapter for players, supporters and the wider YOG community.

Closer alignment with YOGs will be a key focus, including YOG-themed match-day events across both the men’s and women’s programs. These occasions will provide more opportunities for Yarra Old Grammarians to come together, support the teams and stay connected with the club.

A new club app and website are also being developed to streamline club administration and give YOGs an easier way to keep up to date, get involved and support the Cobras. Follow this link Clubspace Old Yarra link to register as a member.

The women’s program kicks off on Monday 9 November. For more information, including details of the men’s program kick-off, please email president@oycfc.com.au.