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Corey: “Once I realised I could lose my place at Daramalan, I saw the support and education Daramalan provides as a privilege.”

After talking to Corey Goodberg (2018) for half an hour, I quickly learned why he left a lasting impression on Daramalan staff and his classmates. Discover the inspiring journey of Corey, a former Daramalan College scholarship recipient, Arts and Culture Captain, devoted Lawson man, and soon-to-be father of two.

Can you share a bit about your time at Daramalan College? What were your favourite subjects or extracurricular activities?

I enjoyed many activities at Daramalan, but my favourites were the Theatre Company (DTC) with Joe Woodward and Lucy Cronan’s guidance. I’m also deeply grateful to Miss Carly Dwyer, Ms. Dunn, Mr. Bernard Kane, and many others who supported me.

When I first started, many of the buildings were still the original ones from the 1960s. As I progressed through school, I saw them being renovated, which excited me, even facilities for subjects I didn’t take, like Automotive or Graphic Design, because it meant every one of my peers had an area at school they could enjoy and excel in. i.e. one of my friends could struggle with their English essay, but then 3D print a motor, another could find history boring but play the piano like a pro. Showing me that every person has a purpose and something to learn from.

I found this increased school spirit and engagement, which I thrived on. The highlight of my Daramalan experience was bringing people together through leadership and testing out as many classes, clubs and roles as I could.

What inspired you to apply to Daramalan, and how did the scholarship make attending possible for you?

By Year 7, I had no interests, but I knew I wanted to attend a school with strong co-curricular programs and facilities, so I chose Daramalan and began without a scholarship.

In Year 8, we moved to Wagga Wagga, where I attended two schools, which were both massive contrasts to Daramalan. On my first day, I didn’t even have a single staff member or student to help me find my classes. After a few months, my parents separated, so we returned to Canberra, and Daramalan accepted me back without hesitation. However, being on a single income, Mum could no longer afford the fees. I didn’t want to leave—I had become extremely grateful for Daramalan. Mum went to the school office and discovered there was a scholarship opportunity for Year 9, but I would have to prove I would be a worthy recipient.

That moment changed everything.

How did the scholarship impact your education and overall experience at Daramalan College?

Once I realised I could lose my place at Daramalan, I saw the support and education Daramalan provides as a privilege. That’s when my school pride kicked in, and I understood I had two possible futures—one where I pushed to succeed and one where I gave up here and never tried at anything again. I threw myself into leadership roles and co-curricular activities, determined to make the most of my time there.

What did you do after leaving Daramalan?

After graduating, I have worked primarily in two industries: events management and trade work. My experience with the Daramalan Theatre Company led me into event management—I started managing concerts, art galleries and private events at the ANU.

When COVID shut down live events, I started working as a roof plumber doing residential installs and then specialising in roof and balcony repairs. Although my passion lies in events, I prefer the lifestyle that trade work provides, especially once I met my wonderful Fiancée and realised, above all else, I want a family.

Since the arrival of my Son, I changed to facility management for a better work-life balance.

I still dabble in event management from time to time, but my main goal is to learn enough aspects of construction and real estate to own a coastal property for my family, with an event space and tiny house accommodation on-site for retreats and weddings, etc.

How did the scholarship influence your future goals or career path?

If I had attended my local public school without strong pastoral care or adequately funded extracurriculars, I wouldn’t have stayed engaged with school and would have had no other space to develop my management/hands-on skills.

“Without Daramalan’s support system, it’s easy for students like me to feel discouraged, especially if they’re only measured by grades without consideration for their strengths beyond academics.”

Every teacher at Daramalan knew I wasn’t academically focused, but they still supported me and helped me excel in ways that mattered. Rather than just pushing A+ grades and test results, my closest teachers understood that I wanted to develop social skills, management skills, work ethic, and hands-on experience.

They encouraged me to stay engaged academically to at least learn time management and work ethic, but also allowed me to focus on extracurricular activities. They knew I wouldn’t be the kind of student who could sit down and ace an exam, but they saw my potential.

Are there specific skills or values you gained at Daramalan that you carry with you today?

Teamwork, everyone has a specialty, even if they haven’t found it yet. Daramalan let me be heavily involved in the organisation of whole school events, such as Chevalier Day and Assemblies.

I learnt how to communicate with different types of people, enlisting my peers to contribute to events in their special ways, from behind-the-scenes AV work, onstage Emcees, logistical set-ups, decoration, catering, etc.

What would you like to say to the donors and community who made the scholarship possible?

Daramalan’s pastoral care system is its greatest strength. It is so important to give extra support to students who have the potential to excel but need a little help to get there.

Looking back, I realise how drastically different my life could have been if I hadn’t been able to stay at Daramalan. Without the extracurricular and after-school support it provided, I would’ve had nowhere to direct my energy and might have been pulled into bad decisions.

One thing’s for sure—if I’m still living in Canberra when my kids reach school age, I will be sending them to Daramalan.

Are you still involved with the Daramalan community?

I try my best. Right after graduation, I kept my distance—I wanted to test myself outside my network. But eventually, I’ve felt the pull to stay connected because Daramalan played such a crucial role in my upbringing.

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If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would it be?

Hmm… the Dalai Lama.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being surrounded by loved ones—family, friends, and a happy, supportive local community. Knowing that I played even a small part in their happiness would mean everything. I could leave this world with nothing but that and still feel fulfilled.

What advice would you give to current students?

Stay curious. Ask questions. Build relationships with people you think you have nothing in common with—you might be surprised by the results.