Morgan Wishney Class of 2000

When Dr Morgan Wishney reflects on his time at Newcastle Grammar School, he credits more than just academics for shaping his journey. It was the strong values instilled in him by his hard-working parents, camaraderie among his peers and a timely nudge toward self-belief that set the foundation for a life of dynamic purpose.

Now an orthodontist and the owner of Newcastle Orthodontics, Morgan admits he did not begin his school years as a model student. But by Year 9, something clicked. Surrounded by dedicated educators such as Mathematics teachers, Mr Merv Filby and the passionate Mr Mitchell Brain, Morgan was inspired to pursue aspirational ambitions. Together with a cohort that celebrated academic achievement, he started to apply himself with unrelenting focus. “I went from getting Cs and Ds to all the A classes,” he said. It marked a turning point in both attitude and trajectory.

Morgan began his tertiary education in forensic science combined with law, where fatefully, he met his wife, Erin. But during his honours year, a faulty chemistry machine gave him time to reassess. Observing friends in dentistry, whose hands-on work and fulfilling careers inspired him, he made the bold decision to enrol in dental school in Adelaide. That choice began a journey that took him to Launceston, Tasmania, where Morgan and Erin bought a home and a dental practice then started a family.

Morgan furthered his studies entering a highly selective orthodontics program in Sydney. Within a few years, the family was back in Newcastle where Morgan purchased and continues to grow Newcastle Orthodontics.

What distinguishes Morgan’s story is not just his professional success, but how consciously he has shaped a career around values of balance and introspection. His work is attentive and impactful: teaching at the University of Sydney, contributing to the cleft palate team at John Hunter Hospital and providing care through the public dental clinic. At the heart of it all is a genuine joy for helping people smile – quite literally.

“Orthodontics is the best job in the world. All I do is make people want to smile. It’s such a privilege.” 

Especially impactful is his work with cleft patients. Alongside a large team of dedicated professionals, Morgan has the opportunity to support many of these patients from infancy to early adulthood. “I’m meeting them at a time when there is a fundamental level of need and that gives my job a lot more meaning.”

In the early days of running a bustling practice while raising young children, Morgan struggled with burnout. A nearby Buddhist temple in Launceston offered meditation classes. Attending these profoundly reshaped his outlook. Now a regular practitioner and teacher of meditation, Morgan is developing workplace programs for healthcare professionals to support mental wellbeing, driven by a deep belief that ‘our greatest asset is our mind’.

His recommendations for current students and fellow alumni are both sincere and practical:

“You are allowed to change direction. What matters is your attitude and your effort. Take opportunities when they come – because you don’t know if they’ll come again."

Morgan’s journey, marked by reflection and a readiness to adapt, reminds us that success is less about having a fixed plan and more about being open to growth. Whether he’s fitting braces or helping other professionals, Morgan embodies the best of a life thoughtfully lived.