Darren Sumich first encountered Andrew Fraser (now Griffith University's Chancellor) at the Griffith Law School's Halfway Dinner in 1996. Darren watched Andrew win the 'Who most likely to become a High Court Judge' award at Brisbane's Lennons Hotel. Both studying the same law subjects at the Nathan campus, the pair were opposite each other in a moot a few months later, where Darren says Andrew 'wiped the floor' with him. Andrew took him to the pub afterwards.
'I discovered that not only was Andrew the smartest guy in the room and also from North Queensland, he was bloody funny as well.' Darren recalls.
Darren and Andrew have been best of friends ever since, hanging out on campus, living together in Brisbane share houses and travelling together. After they both graduated from their respective Griffith degrees in 1999, Darren went into private practice and Andrew went into politics, forging a career in state government. Darren lived and worked overseas in London and Dubai, so was far removed from the day-to-day exposure of Andrew as MP, Minister, Treasurer and then Deputy Premier.
'So when we did catch up, it was really no different to hanging out during our Griffith days, although he now had a driver!'
The two were always in touch despite their distance and would catch up during Andrew's travels overseas or when Darren would visit home. Darren was best man at Andrew's wedding to his wife Therese in 2002, Andrew is godfather to Darren's daughter.
'After all of these years, Andrew is still my best mate and he is still as funny and down to earth as he always was. He just has happened to have achieved some extraordinary things along the journey (although he still hasn't made it to the High Court….yet).'
Stay connected
Keep in touch with your alumni community.
