Scotch College

2004 Perelberg Award

2004 Perelberg recipient Simon Illingworth, Gordon Donaldson and Harry Perelberg

At the recent Year 12 Speech Night, Simon Illingworth (’85) was presented with the 2004 Perelberg Award. The following is a transcript of the Principal’s announcement: ‘I spoke earlier of the importance of developing a set of principles for living, to enable one to tackle some of the difficult issues that life will inevitably bring. I am about to introduce someone who epitomises the concept of living according to principles – even in the face of very obvious personal cost.

‘To commemorate the life of Ashley Perelberg (’92), who died tragically aged 18 not long after leaving school, the Perelberg Family has endowed an award to be presented annually to a member of the Scotch Community who demonstrates the true Scotch spirit and who, by his deeds, brings honour to the School and service to the community. The award was perpetuated by this magnificent work of art in sterling silver that is displayed in the Lithgow Centre. A replica, also in silver, is presented to each year’s winner. The award is limited in alternate years to either a student of Scotch or an Old Boy. The inaugural award to an Old Boy went to Professor Hugh Taylor in ’94, and this was followed by awards to Ian Stapleton in ’96, Dr Rob Moodie, now of VicHealth in ’98, Professor David Pennington in ’00 and to astronomer Professor Colin Norman in ’02.

Simon catches up with mates from the class of 1985 earlier this year

‘This year we have received nominations for the next Old Boy recipient, and I am delighted to announce that the Perelberg Award winner for 2004 is Simon Illingworth of the class of ’85. Simon Illingworth is a 36-year-old Detective Sergeant with a remarkable record of achievements. He has received the Royal Humane Society of Australasia Bravery Award for entering a burning house and rescuing folk trapped inside. He has received the Chief Commissioner’s Certificate for excellent detective work in the Lorimer Task Force investigating the Moorabbin Police Murders; and the Chief Commissioner’s Commendation for the arrest of a corrupt federal policeman for drug trafficking.

‘But Simon’s nomination has been based on his action in attempting to deal with corruption within the police force. Early in his career he ran into signs of corruption and was faced with a difficult decision – to leave the force and pretend corruption didn’t exist or be true to his principles and, for the sake of the community at large, try to take effective action. His decision to follow the latter course led to him being bashed, isolated and threatened – not by crooks, but by other policemen. In spite of this he decided to make public his concerns and was the subject of a televised program on Australian Story. His courageous stand led to more than 2000 letters and messages of encouragement.

‘Once he reported his concerns to the Ethical Standards Group and his Australian Story was broadcast, life in the force changed. He has remained on task, working with the Ethical Standards Group, rooting out crooked officers. He has not allowed intimidation and threats on his life to deter him and he is faced with at least two years as a trial witness as the prosecutors go through the legal process. In his work he has developed a special system to enable debate within the police force on ethical matters, and he has developed an anti-corruption strategy. This work has led him to carry out international research on this matter, which is, unfortunately, a huge concern in police forces around the world.

‘Simon’s stand has led him away from working in a close-knit team of detectives, where he excelled, to working alone. He has good reason to believe his own and his family’s safety are in jeopardy. He faces, with courage and determination, daily uncertainty that the rest of us can scarcely imagine. All this because he has taken a courageous, open stand for what is right. His is an incredible true story of personal courage that literally changed his life forever, and hopefully will have a positive and lasting outcome for our community. One of his nominators wrote that Simon, the day after Australian Story went to air, said: “I really had no choice: this is what Scotch has taught me.”

‘Simon, we congratulate you on your remarkable stand for what you believe and know to be right, even in the face of enormous opposition. We commend and salute you, and I am proud to name you as a truly worthy recipient of the 2004 Perelberg Award.’

Dr Gordon Donaldson
Principal