On Wednesday 11 September, members of the Wesley College community gathered for the 17th Annual Wesley College Foundation Business Breakfast, an event that brings together alumni, donors and business leaders in the spirit of shared knowledge and opportunity.
Just as our supporters continue to gift future generations of Wesley students the power of education, the Foundation seeks to provide our community with thought-provoking conversations and practical insights.
This year’s theme - We’ve been hacked! Now what? tackled one of the most pressing issues of our time: cybersecurity and how organisations can prepare for the increasing possibility of an attack.
Moderated by Graeme Samuel AC (OW1963), the panel featured three experts with decades of experience across communications, risk and cyber resilience:
- Lahra Carey – Communications Strategist and Principal, narrative
- Adam McCarthy – Deloitte Australia, Defensive Cyber Operations Leader
- Shannon Sedgwick – Partner, National Cyber Security Practice, MinterEllison
Through a gripping real-world case study of a cyberattack, panellists unpacked what happens when a crisis strikes and what businesses, schools and organisations must do to respond.
Key takeaways included: be prepared, rehearse regularly, know your risks, show you’ve acted responsibly and focus on resilience rather than perfection.
These themes align closely with Wesley’s own commitment to preparing students as responsible digital citizens. Students and staff take part in simulations that help them recognise the warning signs of phishing attacks, building awareness through interactive exercises rather than passive instruction.
This practical approach ensures they are well-equipped to navigate the online world with confidence and care.
The morning left guests with a deeper appreciation of the complexities of cyber risk, but also practical guidance to take back to their organisations.
In many ways, the theme mirrored the mission of the Wesley College Foundation: preparing for the future, protecting what matters most and ensuring continuity for generations to come. By sharing knowledge and investing in education, our community helps safeguard not only the security of institutions but also the opportunities of Wesley students, today and tomorrow.
