In a new initiative from the Development Office, Hale presented the first of the ‘Seize the Day’ Breakfast Series. Old Boy Dr Stephen Van Mil presented to over 70 parents and students in the foyer of our magnificent new library. Stephen’s story was remarkable in that he has spent almost 30 years travelling in a huge circle!
At the age of five, Stephen told his parents that he wanted to be a vet. He fulfilled his childhood ambition and became a very successful vet in Sydney. He spent many years working at a frenetic pace, taking many new challenges in his stride.
Stephen spoke of the gratitude he felt for being afforded the opportunity of attending Hale School, the value and strength of the friendships made and the importance of grasping opportunities, giving it your best shot and being the best that you can be - whilst also not being afraid of failure. He firmly believes that he has just been lucky, has been in the right place at the right time and has had terrific support from some good people along the way; many of whom were good friends from school days.
“If you don’t fail at things during your life,” says Stephen, “you haven’t tried hard enough to make them work.”
The invitation to do a story on white lions, led to the start of documentary film-making. Even Stephen, realised that running three practices, fulfilling a weekly TV segment AND making documentaries was perhaps going to be a little difficult and so he sold off the practices deciding to concentrate on documentary film-making. His film The Last Trimate, which follows the incredible work of Dr Biruté Galdikas and her work with orang-utans in Indonesia, resulted in many international awards, introduced him to Mel Gibson and ultimately led to discussions with Robert Drewe about co-producing a multi-million dollar movie of his book The Drowner.
So starts the next chapter in Dr Stephen Van Mil’s life! Although he still retains his veterinary registration he feels as though he has travelled full circle and finds it almost ironic that he is now back utilising the creative side of his brain.
The next speaker in the ‘Seize the Day’ Breakfast Series is Old Haleian Andrew Forrest on Wednesday 22 July.
Bookings to Judy Greaney on judyg@hale.wa.edu.au or 9347 0169
