Our College Houses
At Trinity, the spirit of our community comes alive through our College House system. Designed to foster pastoral care, mentoring, sports, off-campus activities, and religious education, the House system brings together students from different year levels. Each student is assigned to one of our six College Houses, creating an opportunity to build connections and a sense of belonging.
Our College Houses and their corresponding colours are as follows:
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Rosborough House (Red)
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Hoffman House (Yellow)
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Petts House (Blue)
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Kelton House (Green)
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Kimball House (Orange)
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Lankester House (Purple)
The Story of the Soldier
Our College Houses are named in honour of local World War I veterans from the Thurgoona area. These brave individuals made significant contributions and sacrifices during the war.
Norman Geoffrey Rosborough
Regimental Number: 7234
Unit Name: 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 13th Battery
Norman Geoffrey Rosborough, a native of Thurgoona, was a young man with promising prospects. He attended Thurgoona Public School and earned a scholarship to Albury High School, displaying both intelligence and ambition. However, when duty called, Norman selflessly answered. In September 1915, at the tender age of 18, he joined the Australian Imperial Forces, ready to serve his country in its time of need.
Norman's enlistment papers revealed his journey from Australia to the far-reaching battlegrounds of Europe. He disembarked at Alexandria in Egypt, where he joined forces with the British troops. From there, he sailed to France, landing in Marseilles. Throughout his service, Norman served as a gunner, operating in various areas of conflict. Tragically, his courageous journey came to an untimely end when he was killed in action in the field south of Ypres on July 23, 1917.
In recognition of his invaluable service, Norman Geoffrey Rosborough was posthumously awarded the esteemed 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. His father received the Victory Medal on behalf of his fallen son, a poignant testament to Norman's bravery and sacrifice. Today, Norman's name is etched on the Menin Gate, a memorial honouring soldiers who remain without a known grave, forever commemorating his devotion and valour.
George Jacob Hoffman
Regimental Number: 771
Unit Name: 12th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron
George Jacob Hoffman, at the age of 34, answered the call to arms on February 5, 1915. Enlisting in the Australian Imperial Forces, he embarked on a path that would lead him to the heart of the conflict. While engaged in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula in late August 1915, George became part of the First Light Horse Regiment. Following the withdrawal from Gallipoli, he was transferred to the 12th Light Horse.
George's journey continued as he returned to Alexandria, Egypt, where he participated in a series of critical engagements against the Turks. From Moascar to Abasan, his service took him through the desert landscapes of Egypt and Palestine. Notably, George played a role in the historic Australian Cavalry charge on Beersheba, an event forever etched in military history.
After years of unwavering dedication, George Jacob Hoffman returned to Australia aboard the HT Morvada. His service concluded on August 29, 1919, when he was honourably discharged in Sydney. In recognition of his remarkable service, George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, tangible symbols of his commitment and valour.
George James Petts
Regimental Number: 3250
Unit: 8th Light Horse Regiment, 26th Reinforcement
George James Petts, hailing from Thurgoona, embarked on a unique path when he joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment on December 27, 1916, at the age of 37. His journey took him from Melbourne to Suez, where he disembarked in April 1917. As a trooper, George saw active service in the arid desert regions of Egypt and Palestine, engaging in conflicts at Moascar, Abasan, and Belah.
Following a period of hospitalisation, George's skills were recognized, and he was sent to the School of Farriers at Jericho. There, he trained as a shoeing smith, dedicating himself to the vital task of ensuring the horses of the Australian Light Horsemen were well-shod. For the remainder of his service, George carried out this crucial role, playing a part in supporting the cavalry's mobility and effectiveness.
With the cessation of hostilities, George embarked on the journey back to Australia, and on August 22, 1919, he was honourably discharged. Alongside the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, George James Petts carried with him the pride of serving his country, an experience that would inspire him to volunteer for active duty again at the outbreak of World War II, despite ultimately being deemed "too old" for service in 1940.
Kenneth Lowrie Kelton
Regimental Number: 7189
Unit: Field Artillery Brigade 5, 13th Battery
Kenneth Lowrie Kelton, a young man of 19, heeded the call to duty on August 14, 1915. Enlisting in the Australian Imperial Forces, he embarked on a remarkable journey that mirrored that of his comrade, Norman Rosborough. Both members of the 13th Battery, they embarked together for Suez and Marseilles, where they would be deployed to the Western Front for active service.
Kenneth's service records captured his courageous actions on the battlefields of France. Engaged in fighting at Rouelles in 1917, his valour and dedication did not go unnoticed. His commendable actions were gazetted, earning him a Meritorious Service Medal from King George VI in 1918. These accolades led to field promotions, first to Corporal and later to Sergeant, a testament to his exemplary service.
With the Armistice heralding the end of hostilities, Sergeant Kelton made his way back to Australia, arriving in April 1919. The conclusion of his journey came with his honourable discharge, marking the end of his remarkable service to his country.
Leslie Austin Kimball
Regimental Number: 21
Unit: 1st Light Horse Regiment, Headquarters
Leslie Austin Kimball, aged 22, took up the call to serve on August 24, 1914. Joining the 1st Light Horse Regiment, Headquarters, he embarked on a momentous journey that would lead him from Sydney to the battlefields of Gallipoli in May 1915. In January 1916, Leslie proceeded to join the Western Frontier Force, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the cause.
Throughout his service, Leslie displayed extraordinary courage and dedication, earning him esteemed accolades. Recognized for his exceptional bravery in the field, he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. Additionally, his records captured a remarkable feat of heroism at Kuwellfee Ridge. Despite heavy machine gun fire and dire circumstances, Leslie galloped through the danger, delivering ammunition, and ultimately rescuing a wounded comrade from beneath a fallen horse. Such valorous acts drew the highest praise and admiration.
In November 1918, Leslie embarked from Port Darwin, beginning his journey back from Suez. His service concluded in March 1919 when he was honourably discharged, returning home with a proud legacy of bravery and sacrifice.
William Sydney Lankester
Regimental Number: 3392
Unit: 5th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 8
William Sydney Lankester, at the age of 35, answered the call to duty in August 1916. Enlisting in the Australian Imperial Forces, he embarked on a profound journey that would take him from his homeland to the battlefields of France in July 1917. Holding the rank of Private, William saw active service throughout his three years of dedicated service, serving diligently both in England and France.
For his unwavering commitment and sacrifice, William was awarded the prestigious 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, tangible symbols of his valuor and devotion. His discharge in May 1920 marked the end of his military journey, a testament to his dedication and service to his country.
The Lone Pine: Honouring Sacrifice and Commemorating Gallipoli
Nestled within the grounds of our school, a symbol of remembrance stands tall—the Lone Pine. Planted in April 2004, this magnificent tree holds a profound significance as a direct descendant of the iconic Lone Pine of Gallipoli. With great reverence, our tree and the accompanying plaque pay tribute to those brave souls who lost their lives on the battlefields of Gallipoli during World War One.
The story of the Lone Pine dates back to a pivotal moment in history. On August 6, 1915, the 1st Australian Infantry Division launched a massive offensive at Plateau 400 on Gallipoli. The ridges, once adorned with Aleppo pines, had been cleared to provide cover for the Turkish trenches, leaving only a single pine standing defiantly. This area became known as Lone Pine Ridge.
In a fierce and gruelling battle that lasted three days, the Anzacs triumphed, capturing the enemy trenches. However, this victory came at a staggering cost, with 2,000 Australian lives lost. The Turks, too, suffered heavy casualties, estimated at 7,000. It was amidst the aftermath of this fierce struggle that Lance Corporal Benjamin Charles Smith, from the 3rd Battalion AIF, gathered pine cones from the branches that had concealed the Turkish trenches. He sent these cones back home to his mother, Jane McMullin, as a poignant reminder of his fallen brother, Mark, who perished in the fighting on that fateful August 6.
From one of these cones, Mrs. McMullin carefully sowed several seeds, nurturing two seedlings that sprouted and grew. One of these saplings found its place in Inverell, where both of her sons had enlisted. The other seedling was presented to the Australian War Memorial, where it would be planted within its hallowed grounds, serving as a living tribute to the sons who made the ultimate sacrifice at Lone Pine.
Today, our school proudly harbors the descendant of that revered tree, the Lone Pine. Its presence serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by those who fought and fell on the battlefields of Gallipoli. As we gaze upon its branches, we honour their memory and ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.
(Source: Adapted from the Australian War Memorial website)
