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Dr Alex Bennett (Rowing 1945).
Dr 'Alex' Bennett of Point Lonsdale died on 4 September 2009. He was educated at the College as a boarder from 1939 to 1945 after attending Mirboo North Lower Elementary School. Both of his parents were doctors in Mirboo North. He was the cox of both the 1st VIII of 1944 and 1945 and was a CQMS in the College Cadet Corps. Under the guidance of Albert Bell, the 1944 crew were to become only the second victorious College team to win the Head of the River.
In 1946, Alex commenced studying medicine at Melbourne University where he continued as cox of both the Ormond College Crew and Melbourne University. As part of the University Crew they were runners up in the Kings Cup and winners of the Australian University Boat Race in 1950. After graduating in 1951 he practiced as a doctor in Mildura. Following his marriage to Janette Anderson in 1953 he moved back to Leongatha purchasing an existing medical practice in 1955 and carrying out general practice. Throughout these years Alex and Janette had a busy family life raising four children. Alex was actively involved in the establishment of the Leongatha Hospital which succeeded the original Bush Nursing Hospital and was particularly involved in securing equipment and specialist services for the community. He and Janette moved to Point Lonsdale after his retirement in 1995 where he was a keen golfer and Probus Club member. Despite his ‘retirement’ he continued as a locum in country towns until 2003.
Sources: Herald Sun 7 Sept 2009; Bill Bennett.