Three Generations Through Flinders: The Brown Family

This year, Matthew Flinders Anglican College celebrates its 35th year of foundation since 1990; an opportunity to reflect and look to the future, grateful for those who have helped Flinders to grow and flourish. 

The Brown family is one of our foundation families; Malcolm Brown was one of the first on College campus in 1990, along with 160 students from Years 5 to 8 and 19 staff. To read more of our History, click here, where we share many stories from staff, leaders, alumni and parents.

In 2025, our numbers from Prep to Year 12 have grown to more than 1,400 students and 250 staff. 

Malcolm graduated in 1994 and wanted the quality education that he enjoyed for his daughters, Emily and Heather; they commenced at Flinders in 2018. Emily commenced in Year 7 and graduated with the Class of 2022, while Heather began in Year 6 and graduated with the Class of 2024. 

The Old Flinderian sisters now both reside at Women’s College on the University of Queensland campus—Heather as a first-year resident and Emily in her second year and as a member of the Student Leadership Team. Emily is studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and looking forward to working in the field with a Paediatric focus. Heather is pursuing a Bachelor of Communications with a focus on Public Relations at UQ. Though uncertain of her exact path, she is excited for the journey ahead.

We asked Malcolm to share his reflections as a foundation student, an Old Flinderian Graduate and a Parent (or rather, a now-past parent!) 

It was bittersweet for Malcolm when Heather graduated last year, in 2024, although we are sure the family’s connection with Flinders will continue through their alumni years and the next generations to follow. 

Malcolm, how did Flinders grow during your time as a student?

The foundation year grew with the school; we were the eldest students for every year. The school was a constant construction site, with new buildings appearing all the time.

Please share some highlights from your time as a student: 

• Favourite subjects: English, Geography and Sciences
• Favourite Teachers: Mr Jamie Dorrington, Mr Gerry Price and Mr Chris Bull
• …Flinders experiences: Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and a rugby grand final
• …Co-curricular activities: Rugby and Sailing
• …Campus environment: Fond memories of throwing mandarins at each other in the orchards during recess. 

How did a Flinders education prepare you for the world?

It helped me identify what I was good at and the best way to utilise it. 

Have you remained friends with many of your Flinders peers?

Yes, I still know about six people. 

Why did you decide to enrol your children in Flinders?

Simply, I think it is the best school on the Sunshine Coast and I knew it would be special for us all to have been in the same place. 

As an Old Flinderian parent, what do you notice of the College evolving?

I notice how the College is embracing technology and that some of the new facilities are second-to-none. 

What programs do you consider most valuable?

I think it is great how the school caters for children of all needs, be it through academic, sports or music. 

How has the College prepared your children for the world?

I think Flinders has embraced their talents, given them the confidence to use them and helped them to communicate well. 

What do you enjoy about the College community as a parent?

I think it’s great how the school involves parents, especially in the co-curricular activities.  

To learn more stories from our Old Flinderians, visit the OFA home page here.
 

Malcolm with daughters Heather and Emily
 

Malcolm with pals at the 30-Year Flinders Reunion in 2024
 

Malcolm with daughter Heather ringing the Flinders Bell on the final day of Year 12, 2024
 

L-R: Heather, Malcolm and Emily Brown at the final day of Year 12 at Flinders, 2024