After what appeared to be an endless search for De La Salle Alumni, scattered all over New South Wales, battling bureaucracies, rigid government rules on compulsory third party insurance and, after a rather long gestation period, the Australian Chapter was formally inaugurated. Untiring efforts by Joe Prieto, the first President of the Australian Chapter, duly guided by Legal Counsel Carlos Toda, produced and presented Articles of Incorporation and Documents of Registration. These were submitted to the Government of New South Wales who had no problems approving the De La Salle Alumni Association of New South Wales as a Certified Organization.

So it was that, on Tuesday evening, the 22nd of October, 2002, the DLSAAA was born. Guest of honour for the occasion was Bro. J. Benedict, the indefatigable VP Emeritus, Development and Alumni Affairs who flew down to Sydney (for what was to be his last trip Down Under) to officially establish the Association.  The inaugural dinner was made more meaningful by the attendance of three other De La Salle Brothers.  Special guests were Bro. Harry Reynolds, long time Manila resident who still makes Taft Avenue his home, was back in Sydney for his Diamond Jubilee, as was Bro. John Cleary, another Aussie Brother who has also spent many happy years in Manila. Bro. Martin Sellner, another De La Salle Christian Brother who taught at Taft Avenue came all the way from St. Paul, Minnesota and joined in the celebrations. Wine glasses were raised and toasts to the success of the newly formed association were made.  

We had arrived!