Sprint Race Winner
15 June 2026
For Tom Campbell-Dick (‘06), the pathway since leaving Ivanhoe Grammar School has been anything but linear, shaped instead by curiosity, creativity and a readiness to embrace new experiences as they arise. After completing a gap year in Ireland, where he worked as a teacher’s aide in a boarding school and travelled throughout the UK and Europe, Tom returned to Melbourne to undertake a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. Initially without a clear career direction, he “fell into” a Zoology major, following sound advice to keep doors open while working out his next steps.
Music, however, remained a constant thread. Having played guitar since the age of eight, Tom pursued this passion more seriously, completing a Bachelor of Music and performing regularly at weddings, wineries and events. He also toured nationally with a contemporary folk band, gaining valuable experience on the road. While the reality of a full-time music career led him to reassess his direction, music continues to play a central role in his life, with Tom now writing and releasing his own original material.
A significant shift came with the opportunity to join Werribee Open Range Zoo, where Tom has now spent ten years in visitor experience roles. From delivering animal talks to guiding overnight safari programs, his work is focused on engaging audiences and creating memorable, educational encounters. Over time, this role has provided a strong sense of purpose and connection, allowing him to share his enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation with a wide and diverse audience.
Like many, Tom found the period of 2020 to be one of reflection and change. It was during this time that he began exploring new practices and interests, guided by a mindset of “leaning into discomfort” and remaining open to opportunity. What followed was a period of personal and professional growth, ice baths led to a Reiki qualification, winter ocean swims, theatre performances, yoga teacher training and ultimately certification as a breathwork facilitator. These experiences have since shaped an expanding aspect of his work, centered on wellbeing, connection and self-awareness.
Looking back, Tom describes his journey not through singular defining moments, but through a series of small conversations and influences that helped to guide his decisions. Whether it was encouragement from fellow musicians, advice from mentors or a timely book or idea, each step has contributed to a career that continues to evolve.
Today, Tom’s work spans multiple disciplines, from the zoo to music and wellbeing practices, each connected by a consistent focus on engaging with others and creating meaningful experiences. His story reflects the value of remaining open to change, trusting the process and allowing a career to develop over time, one step at a time.
