Brisbane grammar school Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Grammar Giant Goes Global: Brisbane Grammar’s Rocco Zikarsky Takes Flight in the NBA

Photo Credit: Screenshot from ESPN video

Former Brisbane Grammar School student and Northside Wizards centre Rocco Zikarsky has made the leap to the NBA, drafted at pick #45 by the Chicago Bulls and immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Schoolyard to Show-court: From Brisbane Grammar to the Global Stage

Rocco attended Brisbane Grammar School in Spring Hill, juggling classrooms and intensive training — a balancing act familiar to student-athletes anywhere. His towering frame and raw timing soon set him apart and laid the groundwork for a professional pathway that his natural-born gifts, talent and hard work would soon make possible.

Elite Genes: Mum “Kozza” & Dad Björn

Mum Kylie “Kozza” Zikarsky (née Neuendorf) was a champion surf-lifesaving ironwoman on Queensland beaches during the 1990s, later becoming an AUSTSWIM-accredited coach and founder of Kozzaquatics on the Sunshine Coast. Her myriad accomplishments include elite surf carnivals, state titles and, more recently, community recognition for her work as a youth swimming coach.

Dad Björn Zikarsky brought Olympic prestige to the family, winning bronze for Germany in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. One of Europe’s top sprint freestylers of the 1990s, he also competed at multiple World Championships.

Together, the 6′1″ ironwoman and 6′10″ Olympian passed down more than just discipline. They gave their son a powerful athletic foundation. Rocco’s towering frame, agility, and elite mentality are proof of pedigree in motion.

Wizards Roots: Boondall Beginnings

Rocco cut his teeth with the Northside Wizards in Boondall, playing above his age group and anchoring junior teams with shot-blocking and rebounding.

His standout form earned him a place on the Queensland South U16 team and led to a scholarship with the NBA Global Academy—yet he remained committed to his Wizards home and returned each off-season to wear Wizards colours.

His highlight reel on the Wizards’ TikTok account shows glimpses of early versatility and athleticism, reinforcing his development as a local talent.

Watch Rocco’s junior Wizards highlights

NBL Fast-Track: Youngest Next Star in League History

In July 2023, Rocco signed with the Brisbane Bullets through the NBL’s Next Stars program—becoming the youngest player in league history to do so at age 16.

He made his professional debut in January 2024 with six points and four blocks in just 10 minutes against the Sydney Kings. Over two seasons, he played 45 games, averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and nearly a block per game, while shooting over 50% from the field. His breakout performance came in November 2024 when, in his first start, he posted 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks against Perth. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lrb_BgifCGc

Scouts were drawn to his size—7′3″ in bare feet, 257 lbs, with an impressive 9′7″ standing reach—alongside his mobility and developing skill set.

Draft Night: Bulls Pick, Wolves Future

On 26 June 2025, the Chicago Bulls selected Rocco with pick #45 in the NBA Draft. Minutes later, his rights were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a pre-arranged deal. He is expected to sign a two-way contract with Minnesota and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.

NBA analysts see him as a high-upside project: raw but with elite defensive potential and physical traits that are nearly impossible to teach.

Still Brisbane, Always

Whether he’s suiting up in Minneapolis or back home in the off-season, Rocco Zikarsky remains a Brisbane original. His rise—from Grammar schoolyards and Boondall courts to NBA arenas—reflects the power of local support, elite genes, and relentless effort. For young athletes with big dreams, his story is proof that the world stage isn’t as far away as it seems.

Published 28-06-2025

Brisbane Grammar School Wins National Award for Innovative STEAM Building

Photo Credit: Brisbane Grammar School

A Fortitude Valley school has been recognised nationally for its cutting-edge approach to education with a prestigious building award.

Brisbane Grammar School’s STEAM Building, designed and constructed by BESIX Watpac, won the National Education Facility Award at the 2024 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Hobart.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Master Builders Australia, brought together the best builders and construction firms from across the country to celebrate their achievements in residential, commercial, and civil construction.

A Hub for Innovation

The STEAM Building is a state-of-the-art facility that allows students to learn and explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. It boasts advanced laboratories, workshops, and collaborative spaces that foster creativity and problem-solving.

According to Brisbane Grammar School Headmaster Anthony Micallef, this innovative learning environment has significantly impacted the school community. Mr Micallef stated that the building has transformed how students learn and engage with STEAM subjects. He also noted that the building has become a valuable resource for the wider community, hosting events and workshops for students from other schools and the general public.

National Recognition

The National Education Facility Award is a major accomplishment for Brisbane Grammar School and BESIX Watpac. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn commended the project and highlighted the importance of recognising excellence in educational facilities. Ms. Wawn emphasised that these awards showcase the builders and subcontractors who contribute to creating spaces that shape the future of education.

The STEAM building was one of many impressive projects celebrated at the awards ceremony. Other notable winners included Billbergia (NSW) Pty Ltd, who received the National Construction Master Builder of the Year Award for their work on 88 Walker, North Sydney’s tallest tower.

Queensland builders were particularly successful, taking home 13 awards in total, including the National Residential Master Builder of the Year Award for Havendeen’s PALA home project.

Investing in the Future

The recognition of Brisbane Grammar School’s STEAM Building underscores the importance of investing in innovative educational facilities. By providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in STEAM fields, schools can help to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Published Date 02-December-2024

ANZAC Day: The Resilience of Cecily Lydia Fearnley, Brisbane Girls’ Grammar Alumna

Cecily Lydia Fearnley (nee Sandercock), a former Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School student, not only played a significant role during World War II by working in the classified security section of the US Army headquarters in Brisbane but also navigated the era’s fashion constraints with the innovative use of liquid nylon powder as a substitute for unavailable traditional stockings.

Early Years and War Contributions

Born in Brisbane in 1925, Cecily’s education at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. At 17, she briefly evacuated to Adelaide when Australia was at war with Japan but her career path unexpectedly prepared her for significant wartime contributions.

Cecily Lydia Fearnley at 17 — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Whilst her family members served in various capacities—her father as a Divisional Engineer and her brother in the RAAF—Cecily found her calling back home, using her skills in a vital yet less visible role.

Cecily and her brother, Kenneth — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

The Sandercock Family — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Cecily started working at the US Army headquarters in Brisbane. She was assigned the role of a tracer, which involved creating detailed maps. These maps were crucial for planning and executing military operations, including identifying the exact locations of aircraft crash sites. Cecily’s precise work ensured that recovery teams could quickly locate and retrieve bodies for burial. Her contributions to the Allied efforts during the war were invaluable, especially in carrying out the solemn duty of giving soldiers a proper burial.

Cecily’s diligence and skill were highly recognized, leading to her promotion to the classified security section at the young age of 19. This promotion was a testament to her exceptional capabilities and the trust placed in her by her superiors. In this highly sensitive role, she dealt with confidential information crucial to the security and success of military operations. Her promotion marked a significant achievement in her career and highlighted the critical roles women played in supporting wartime logistics and intelligence efforts.

Post-War Achievements and Personal Life

Following the war, Cecily continued to foster her passion for art, joining the Queensland Museum as an art assistant in 1947. Her contributions to natural history were recognized in 2001 when she received the Queensland Naturalist Award. Her personal life flourished alongside her career; she married James Phillip Raymond Fearnley in 1953.

Celily Lydia Fearnley and her husband James Raymond Phillips Fearnley — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Cecily also authored several personal histories, documenting her wartime experiences and those of her family and fellow citizens, including anecdotes of the stockings shortage during the war. These documents are now valuable resources at the John Oxley Library.

The Nylon Stockings Saga

Nylon stockings were first introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, and quickly became a popular choice among women due to their affordability and durability. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the military began requisitioning nylon for their own use, leading to a severe shortage of stockings for civilian women.

This shortage left many women in a difficult position, as stockings were considered a societal norm. To solve this problem, innovative products like liquid nylon powder were introduced. These products enabled women to maintain their appearance and adhere to societal expectations despite the shortages. One such woman who used this solution was Cecily Lydia Fearnley.

Cecily’s possession of a package of liquid nylon powder, currently on display at the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries, represents the creative and resourceful solutions women sought during the war. This product enabled Cecily and other women to replicate the look of traditional stockings, which helped them preserve their personal and social identities despite the challenges brought about by the war.

Women’s ability to innovate in the face of restrictions highlighted their resilience and role in sustaining morale and social norms during challenging times. Through her writings and the memories preserved in these artifacts, the legacy of Cecily Lydia Fearnley still inspires and educates, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of innovation in times of need.

Published 15-April-2024

Brisbane Grammar School Student Named 2023 Young Historian of the Year

Isaac Robinson, a Year 12 student at Brisbane Grammar School, has been named the 2023 Young Historian of the Year at the National History Challenge for his essay and video on “The Collapse of the USSR.”

Read: Brisbane Girls Grammar Student Honoured with Premier’s Anzac Prize

Robinson is the first BGS student to win the national competition, which assessed over 6,500 students across Australia on their historical research and critical thinking abilities. His 10-minute documentary on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev examined the topic “Democracy Matters” and the factors that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The student was presented with his Young Historian of the Year award by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh at a ceremony in Parliament House.

Robinson – fourth in front, with other BGS students who took part in the National History Challenge (Photo credit: Brisbane Grammar School/Facebook)

About the National History Challenge

The National History Challenge is run by the History Teachers’ Association of Australia (HTAA).

The contest motivates students across Australia to embrace research and critical thinking as they dive into the past. As young historians, participants can illuminate their local communities, delve into personal or family histories, and analyse ideas throughout history.

It promotes engagement with primary and secondary sources while allowing creativity through varied multimedia presentation options. Winners are rewarded with cash prizes and educational travel opportunities, but more importantly, all students gain valuable skills.

Students from primary through high school entered projects this year related to the theme of “Continuity and Change.”

Robinson’s work was chosen from a record number of entrants, over 700 schools, the highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Australian government provides over $500,000 in grants each year to the History Teachers Association of Australia to organise the challenge.

Minister for Education Jason Clare congratulated Robinson on his achievement, stating his USSR essay stood out as an exceptional demonstration of historical analysis and interpretation.

Read: Brisbane Girls Grammar School to Open Junior School, Accept Years 5 and 6 Students in 2026

A full list of 2023 winning entries can be found at historychallenge.org.au.

Published 15-December-2023