John Stretch
John Stretch attended Salesian College Chadstone from 1957 to 1962. He was present on the very first day the College opened, and his father was the first President of the College Parents and Friends Association. John represented the College in Football, Cricket, Tennis, Basketball and Athletics. He was Captain of the College 1st XVIII Football Team, who were undefeated Premiers in 1962.John worked for 41 years in Financial Services (for 31 years at AMP, 10 years at AXA Australia, and 15 years in Executive Management roles).
Three years after leaving Salesian College, John was conscripted for National Service. After basic training in the Army, he graduated from the Australian School of Infantry.
He was posted to the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). He served and saw action as an infantry soldier in Vietnam, including during the 1968 Tet Offensive, which was one of the most hostile times of the war.
Since his retirement in 2004, John has worked to support Veterans of the Australian Defence Forces from WWII through to current conflicts. He has assisted and supported those personnel who served in our Peace Keeping Forces.
Accredited by the Veteran Affairs Department to undertake this work, John is a part of a small team of four specialists working from Pascoe Vale RSL. This team is highly skilled at what is often a very sensitive and demanding role.
John and his wife Carole have five children. John is an active contributor to the Passionist Community at Holy Cross monastery in Templestowe, where he has been part of a small team who run retreats for men.
He has continued to be a personal coach to a number of people, and has help the unemployed find careers. He values his connection with Salesian College, and has contributed to the development of our Past Pupils Association.
College Achievements
Year
Name
Achievement
1962
John Stretch
Football Captain
2010
John Stretch
Hall of Fame Inductee - Defence Force and Community Service
Gallery
