Northmead Alumni
Sophie Wisely (class of 2020)
Since graduating in 2020, Sophie Wisely has built an impressive career in sports media and journalism. While studying a double degree in Media and Arts at UNSW, she was selected for the FIA Girls on Track program at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which launched her writing career with Speedcafe and opportunities to cover major motorsport events including the Bathurst 1000. She gained further industry experience through an internship with GQ Australia and as a media and broadcast assistant at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sydney. Sophie also spent a semester abroad in Montréal, Canada, before graduating and joining Nine’s Wide World of Sports team. In 2025, she will represent Australia at the Young Reporters Programme for the Rhine-Ruhr Summer University Games in Germany.
Avigalle Mendoza (class of 2020)
Avigalle continued her CAPA journey through her studies at Brent Street, graduating with honours from the full-time musical theatre course. Since then, she has built an impressive performance career, appearing in productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where she understudied the role of Narrator originally performed by Paulini. Avigalle has also featured in major musicals including Moulin Rouge! The Musical Australia, Hamilton, and West Side Story. She is currently touring across Europe as part of the Moulin Rouge! The Musical world tour. In addition to her theatre work, Avigalle is a founding member of The Golden Five, a children’s entertainment group, where she performs as Luna, bringing joy and creativity to young audiences.
Brianna Head (class of 2020)
Brianna graduated from NCAPAHS in 2020 with Band 6 results across multiple subjects including Dance, English Advanced, English Extension 1 & 2, PDHPE, Mathematics, and Modern History. She has established herself as a dedicated student and a published writer. Brianna’s work has appeared in a variety of respected publications, including a feature in the 2023 Australian women-owned Mamamia Magazine, contributions to Compassiviste Publishing’s Annual Anthology Mental Health in the Modern World, and an Honourable Mention in Fountain Magazine’s 2024 International Essay Contest, with her essay published in their February 2025 print and online editions. Her creative portfolio spans personal essays, prose, and poetry, earning recognition for her honest and compelling storytelling. Brianna is currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Western Sydney University.
Mali Land-Strykowski (class of 2019)
After graduating from NCAPAHS in 2019, Mali went on to complete bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Sydney. He then completed an Honours degree in Astrophysics with First Class Honours, where he researched the dynamics of Milky Way-like galaxies. Mali is now a PhD student in Cosmology at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy and a CSIRO Space and Astronomy Postgraduate Student. His research focuses on using Bayesian statistics to investigate cosmological tensions—the differences between observations of our Universe and predictions from the standard concordance model of cosmology. Alongside his research, Mali regularly gives seminars and tutors at the University of Sydney, helping to train and inspire the next generation of young scientists. He also shares his passion for astronomy through outreach and public programs at Sydney Observatory and in the wider community.
Corey Dohmen (class of 2015)
Corey graduated from Northmead CAPAHS in 2015 with Band 6 results in Drama and Dance, and earned Dance Callback nominations for Core Performance, Core Composition, and Major Dance Film. He is now in his second season as a member of the Sydney Kings Dance Crew, the official hip hop team performing at all NBL Sydney Kings home games at Qudos Bank Arena. Corey has also performed as an actor with The Australian Ballet in major productions such as Swan Lake and Manon at the Sydney Opera House, and Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Capitol Theatre. On screen, he appeared in the feature film From All Sides, which premiered in 2025 and is touring the international festival circuit including Cannes, as well as in Season 1 of Ten Pound Poms (BBC/Stan). Alongside his performance career, Corey teaches dance at a full-time training school, mentoring pre-professional students as they prepare to enter the industry.
Luella Moore (class of 2014)
Luella Moore is the Games Festival Program Manager at SXSW Sydney (since April 2023), where she leads the programming of gaming showcases that highlight creators, developers and immersive experiences. Before that, she worked as an Astronomer at the Sydney Observatory and as a Science Educator & Programs Producer at the Powerhouse Museum / Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.
Luella has a strong academic background: she holds dual degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Physics (University of Sydney), Mechatronic Engineering and Astrophysics (Macquarie University), and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History with minors in Criminology, Sociology and Psychology. Her work bridges science, education, and creative arts—demonstrating her ability to bring diverse interests together in meaningful public events.
Megan Wilding (Class of 2008)
Megan Wilding, a proud Gamilaroi actress, writer, and director, has become one of Australia’s most exciting voices in theatre and screen. After graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), she quickly established herself with standout performances in productions such as Blackie Blackie Brown, Banging Denmark, Blithe Spirit with Sydney Theatre Company, and The Rover at Belvoir St Theatre.
Alongside her acting, Megan has achieved recognition as a writer. She won the 2017 Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award and later received the 2021 Griffin Award for her play Game. Set. Match., affirming her place as a leading contemporary storyteller. Her screen credits include Mystery Road: Origin, The Edge of the Bush, and the internationally recognised film We Are Still Here.
In 2024, Megan was named one of Casting Guild of Australia’s Rising Stars, celebrating her growing impact on the arts. Through her performances and writing, she continues to amplify Indigenous voices and bring powerful, entertaining stories to audiences across Australia and beyond.
Northmead Drama students were priviledged to watch Megan in Sydney Theatre Company's production of Stolen in 2024
Samantha May (early 2000's)
Samantha May is a former Australian netballer who represented the Sydney Swifts in the ANZ Championship before moving to England to play in the Netball Superleague. Across her career, she appeared in five grand finals and won three championships with teams including Wasps and Loughborough Lightning. In 2011, she also helped the NNSW Waratahs claim the Australian Netball League title. Alongside playing, Samantha has coached at schools and clubs in the UK, combining her experience on court with a passion for developing the next generation of players.
Hayden Foxe has built a remarkable career in soccer as both a player and a coach. After beginning his journey in Sydney and training at the Australian Institute of Sport, he signed with Dutch giants Ajax before playing professionally across Germany, Japan, Belgium, England, and Australia. His club career included stints with West Ham United, Portsmouth, Leeds United, Perth Glory, and Sydney FC. Between 1998 and 2003, Hayden represented the Socceroos 11 times, scoring twice on the international stage. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, working with A-League clubs including Melbourne Heart, Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory, and Western United. In 2024, he was appointed assistant coach of the Socceroos, continuing his commitment to the growth of Australian football at the highest level.
Greg Page, best known as the original Yellow Wiggle, helped transform children’s entertainment on a global scale. As a founding member of The Wiggles in 1991, he toured internationally for more than 15 years, performing to millions of children and families and creating music and shows that became household favourites. Alongside his success with The Wiggles, Greg also released solo music and authored books, showcasing his creativity beyond the group. After experiencing a serious health scare, he became a passionate advocate for heart health, establishing Heart of the Nation to raise awareness about CPR and defibrillator access in the community. Greg’s career reflects both his artistic impact and his dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.
Nathan Rees served as the 41st Premier of New South Wales from 2008 to 2009. Before entering politics, he worked as a horticulturalist at the Royal Botanic Gardens and completed an Arts degree with Honours in English literature. As Premier, he focused on community services and environmental issues, and after leaving office he has continued to contribute to public life in a range of roles.
Natalie Avellino is a former Australian netball international who represented the Diamonds from 1994 to 2006, winning a World Championship gold medal in 1995. She played over 100 domestic games in Australia and New Zealand, winning multiple titles, and has since become a respected coach, helping teams like the NSW Swifts to national championships. In 2022, she was inducted into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame for her outstanding contribution to the sport.
Greg Gibson (class of 1978)
Greg Gibson rose through the ranks as a young talent, representing the Australian Schoolboys (while at Northmead High) before going on to make his first-grade rugby league debut with the Penrith Panthers in 1986. He went on to play for both Penrith and Manly in the top-flight competition, featuring in key positions such as fullback and five-eighth. Greg is remembered for his versatility and contribution to his teams during a strong era in NSW rugby league.
Tony Melrose was captain of the Australian Schoolboys rugby team in 1977, leading their historic unbeaten tour of Great Britain. He went on to play six Test matches for the Wallabies before switching codes to rugby league, where he represented clubs including Parramatta, South Sydney, Manly, and Eastern Suburbs. After returning to rugby union, he continued to contribute at a high level for Gordon.
Brian Melrose played many seasons of first-grade rugby in Sydney, representing Parramatta, Western Suburbs and Eastwood as a skilful fly-half and inside centre. He went on to make his mark as a coach, guiding Sydney clubs, working overseas with Connacht in Ireland and London Irish in England, and coaching Australia’s Under-20s.
Gregg Melrose (1975)
Gregg Melrose was a long-serving player for Parramatta (now the Western Sydney Two Blues), where he made more than 200 first-grade appearances. A consistent and committed team member, Gregg helped to strengthen the proud rugby traditions of Western Sydney and remains a respected figure in the Two Blues’ history.