Sport House History

Brian William Bannister was born 11 July 1952 at Waverley. At the age of 3 his family moved from Bondi to the Manly area where he lived for 27 years. He went to school at St Augustine’s Boy’s College at Brookvale across the road from his beloved Brookvale Oval. Mr Bannister is one of four boys who all loved to play all kinds of sports, in particular his passion has followed sports such as Volleyball, Pickleball & Cricket. He soon realised that this field of study was not for him and had a break from uni. He worked in many fields of work, met his wife, and started a family. In 1979 Mr Bannister and his family moved to the Central Coast where he started up his own business in designing and creating fiberglass moulds. He stayed in this business until 1988 and decided on a career change and went back to university to pursue a career in teaching and PE. Mr Bannister achieved very good results at Uni which enabled him to be a “Targeted Student”. This meant he was given a permanent position of teaching at a new school being built at Narara Valley.

Throughout his time at Narara Valley High School, spanning three decades, Mr. Bannister has been a cornerstone of the school's sporting programs. His coaching prowess has been nothing short of extraordinary, this extends outside school grounds as he achieved accolades such as becoming a Life Member to the Brisbane Water Zone Secondary Schools Sports Association for his contribution as BWZSSSA Treasurer. Progressing his involvement in representative sport, he has consistently guided students to compete at the school zone and regional levels. Under his guidance thousands of students have attended numerous championships, reflecting not only his dedication but also his ability to instill a positive mindset in his students.

Mr. Bannister's contributions extend far beyond the playing field and classroom. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the school's sports culture, fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel encouraged to participate in physical activities and understand the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle has inspired countless students to embrace fitness and well-being as integral aspects of their lives.

His coaching achievements, contributions to the school's sports culture, and his role as the backbone of the PDHPE faculty have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and benefit students for generations to come.

The original house of ‘Kenny’ was led and supported by Mr Bannister from the very beginning of his career and has been a driving force since 1991. As a sign of respect and appreciation by the staff body, he was recognised for his dedication to the cultural pursuit of House Kenny by the school with the renaming of the house to be called House ‘Bannister’ in 2021.

Wayne Gardner was born in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. He began his racing career in 1977 at the age of 18.Hailing from the working-class town, Wayne quickly excels in local motorcycle racing. After dropping out of high school and being fired from his tube-making apprenticeship, Wayne must rely on his dogged determination to fulfil his dream.

Wayne’s bare-knuckle riding style catches the attention of Mamoru Moriwaki, leader of a Japanese team and engineer of almost mythical status. Never one to let an opportunity slide, Wayne accepts Moriwaki’s invitation to race in England and beyond.

Against all odds, Wayne wins his first race and permanently stamps his name on international motorcycle racing. Wayne fulfiled his lifelong dream of becoming 500cc World Champion in 1987.

Heather Pamela McKay (née Blundell) AO, MBE (born 31 July 1941) is a retired Australian squash player, who is considered by many to be the greatest female player in the history of the game, and possibly also Australia's greatest-ever sportswoman.

Heather dominated the women's squash game in the 1960s and 1970s, winning 16 consecutive British Open titles from 1962 to 1977, and capturing the inaugural women's World Open title in 1976, while remaining undefeated during that period. She was also a top-level player of other sports, including field hockey and racquetball.

Kerry-Anne Saxby-Junna, born Kerry Saxby AM (born 2 June 1961) is a retired Australian race walker. She was born in Young, New South Wales and grew up in Ballina, New South Wales.

She began her athletics career as a runner but very quickly switched to walking which found her representing Australia 27 times in international competitions and set 32 world records or world bests. She won 27 Australian Championships and 13 individual international medals.

"The highlight of my career was probably when I got a telegram to say I had been selected to compete in Italy as a young athlete, and that drove me to push for the 1987 World Championships. I didn't expect to do half the things I did and I am honestly amazed at how much I have done," Saxby-Junna said. She retired from the sport in 2001.