Scotch College

The Lord Mayor holds court with former colleagues

WORDS: Mr Bruce Brown

He hadn’t seen many of his former colleagues for 17 years but when Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle joined 40 members of the Old Scotch Staff Club for their first anniversary lunch on 6 May 2009 at the Westin Hotel in Melbourne, it was like old times in the Common Room.

Renowned for his passion and prowess as an English teacher and Group Master (Head of Year) during his eight years at Scotch (1985–92), Robert somehow manages to lead the city while balancing other commitments as chair of Melbourne Health and a principal in the Nous Consulting group. The latter role complements being Mayor, as there is a need to build a consensus among councillors drawn from many different interest groups.

Robert was in top form as he reminisced with his former English department colleagues Pat Holdaway, Colin Christie and Laurie Humphries as well as talking sport with David Hosking and Don Davenport. Much to everyone’s delight, he took up Anne Colman’s challenge to don his mayoral robes.

The luncheon followed an interesting tour of the Town Hall including a ‘Beatles moment’ when members stood on the portico and looked down on Swanston Street. Later they were delighted to learn that Lesley Armstrong has joined the committee as secretary. GS