Jack Sammann

“Yarra exposes students to different experiences and gives you confidence.”

Jack Sammann’s office is located in perhaps one of the most interesting and picturesque locations in Melbourne. As Senior Communications Advisor to the office of the Governor of Victoria, Jack works in Government House in the Botanic Gardens.

No two working days are the same and each week brings a parade of interesting visitors to meet and events to attend.

Jack manages the Governor’s social media channels, website and media relations. He also helps coordinate media attendance at events – from investiture ceremonies to dinners with visiting international dignitaries.

“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to organise diplomatic visits and different events at Government House. From knowing what titles to call people and cultural aspects to be aware of, it can be quite complicated, and it’s a privilege to be part of that process,” says Jack.

Jack joined Yarra in Year 7 and remembers being quite introverted and shy initially.

“I was the only person to arrive at Yarra from my primary school so I didn’t know anyone. But by the end of my journey at Yarra, I had a lot of friends,” he says.

Being part of the school soccer team was a key icebreaker and allowed Jack to make new friends. He even relished the frosty Saturday morning kick-offs.

“I made a core group of friends through soccer and our coach was a passionate man who taught us important values about enjoying what we did and supporting our team mates. After leaving Yarra I coached the Year 7 soccer team at the school for a few years and I saw those students developing new friendships as I had.”

Volunteering in the community during his days at Yarra also made a lasting impression on Jack.

“Those community engagement experiences allow you to meet people you wouldn’t normally meet – people of different ages and backgrounds. That has been very helpful for me in my role now,” he says.

Another useful skill learned at Yarra that serves Jack well today is having mastered the art of tying a double Windsor knot! The school motto also still inspires him.

“To me, the school motto means being ambitious and having faith in yourself to pursue things outside your comfort zone. When I took on my current role, initially, I felt I was out of my comfort zone but I hit a point where I felt confident that I was across everything. You just have to push yourself.”