The AAGPS, since its foundation in 1892, has produced six Prime Ministers of Australia. Sydney Grammar has contributed three, with Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview, Shore and Sydney Boys High School each contributing one.

While Scots’ contribution to Australian political life has not been insignificant, the College has yet to produce a head of state. Still, a number of Scots Old Boys are distinguishing themselves in global political and diplomatic spheres — among them, Rennier Gadabu (’04).

A Nauruan student, Rennier joined Scots in Year 9 in 2001, boarding in Aspinall House and embracing the opportunities, particularly in sport. He played for the 2nds Basketball team and 1st XV Rugby team. He recalls his school years fondly, especially Glengarry and the mentorship of the late Dr Ian Boyle, who he credits as instrumental in shaping his character and development.

Unlike most Nauruan students who gravitate toward Melbourne or Brisbane — where larger Nauruan communities are based — Rennier made the bold choice to attend Scots in Sydney, determined to step outside his comfort zone. “I loved the atmosphere there, the facilities — and I felt on day one that I’d enjoy it,” he recalls. “It felt welcoming and I was right! I did the orientation and I just knew — Scots is the right place for me.”

After graduating, he received an Australian Government scholarship to study at the University of the South Pacific (Samoa campus), where he completed a Bachelor of Agriculture. In 2013, he was awarded a European Union scholarship for a postgraduate diploma in climate change, followed by a fellowship through the Alliance of Small Island States, which led to a position at the Permanent Mission of Nauru reporting to the United Nations in New York.

Returning home in 2019, Rennier stood in the Nauru General Election and was elected as a Member of Parliament for the district of Aiwo, later serving as Minister for Infrastructure, Climate Change, Environment and Agriculture. In October 2023, after a change in government, he became Leader of the Nauru Opposition Group. Now, more than a decade into public service, Rennier remains committed to uplifting the people of Nauru: “The inspiration behind pursuing a career in public service is simply to help my people of Nauru achieve a better and higher quality lifestyle,” he explains. “All of this, I learnt from being a Scots boy.”