BA (Hons)(History), Grad Dip (Secondary Teaching)    

In the early hours of the morning and in the depths of a New Zealand winter, a young Cameron Wilson clung to the side of a truck as it drove across town delivering milk to sleeping residents. “That was my first job… and I loved it!” he muses. Far from taking the easy road, Mentone Grammar History Teacher, Cameron Wilson, has always chased adventure, pursued his passions and seized opportunity… even if it gave him frostbite!  

Growing up in a small farming town on New Zealand’s South Island, Cam developed a strong sense of community service and caring for those around him. “One of my favourite childhood memories was my sister and I going to my grandparents’ house on Sundays to play cards and hear stories about their lives. That was really special.” His close connection with his grandparents planted the seed for Cam’s lifelong interest in learning about the past. 

Cam spent much of his childhood in the great outdoors, riding bikes, camping and serving in the New Zealand Air Cadets. “I had my heart set on joining the Air Force at that stage, so I loved learning about all things flying.” After 11 years in Cadets, Cam learned that his hearing impairment would prevent him from joining the defence force. While it was a devastating blow, Cam immediately turned his attention to what he ‘could do’. In 2008, Cam achieved one of the greatest accomplishments of his life, his first solo flight. “I will never forget how amazing it felt to be in charge of a plane all by yourself. You just go through the routine you’ve been practising over and over, and suddenly, you’re in the air… on your own.” 

At school, Cam’s interest in military history was deepened by an inspirational teacher, Stu Gilpin. “He was both a multimedia and history teacher, so our class would do these incredible historical reenactments and make short films.” During this class, Cam found a new direction. “He was such an incredible teacher that I decided I wanted to be like him and inspire others to love history the way I do. Choosing teaching was the best decision I ever made. Those moments where you see it all connect for a kid, regardless of their challenges, and they instantly become more confident and empowered, there is no greater feeling.”   

After completing his studies, Cam was fortunate to land his first teaching placement back with his mentor, Mr Gilpin. Cam taught in New Zealand for five years before seeking a new adventure on the other side of the ditch. “I had just started looking for jobs in Australia when a Mentone Grammar position popped up. I saw it had a cadet unit and applied straight away.” After a successful interview process, Cam packed up his worldly possessions and joined us at Mentone Grammar.  

Since joining the school, Cam has applied his adventurous spirit to becoming a Cadet Quartermaster. “I am a strong advocate for the cadet program as it supports students to try things they never thought they would, develop important leadership skills and find a place of belonging.”  

Currently, over 380 students are part of the Mentone Grammar Army Cadet Unit (MGACU). The MGACU calendar is packed with activities, including promotion courses, training days, overnight hikes, voluntary parade nights, and an annual seven-day camp. Cam also plays a key role in coordinating MGACU’s involvement in commemorative services throughout the year, and their participation in the CyberTaipan cybersecurity competition, which trains and tests young people in skills surrounding cyber security, defensive countermeasures and securing virtual networks. Additionally, he ensures the successful completion of courses within the broader Australian Army Cadet organisation.

Cam’s favourite cadet activity is the Advanced Platoon Night Activity. “In this activity, half of the group hides in the bush while the other half stands on the road using night vision scopes to guide the staff in locating the hidden members. It’s a lot of fun as they confidently direct me, only to find out that I’m just a human-shaped tree!” 

In 2019, Cam became a Chelsea SES volunteer to help support his community. This connection has since become a highlight of the School’s Riviera program, with Year 6 students proudly raising thousands of dollars for the SES through their annual Entrepreneurship Market, inspired by the remarkable contributions SES volunteers make to the Victorian community.   

To his students, Cam offers this advice: “Get involved in everything you can. You’ll never regret the opportunities you take, only the ones you don’t.” Advice which Cam has certainly lived by. 

 By Deborah Callahan