Scotch College

Council leadership baton to change hands

Michael Robinson is a true giant of Scotch College, with a remarkable record of service to the school, to OSCA and to the Scotch Foundation. He joined the Council in 1986 and became its Chairman in 1996. After 11 distinguished years in that role he has announced his retirement at the end of 2006.

In numerous ways, the name Robinson could be thought of as being synonymous with Scotch College, with links going back to 1879. Sir Arthur Robinson, after whom one of our boarding houses is named, was Michael’s grandfather. He attended from 1884–87, and had a distinguished career in politics, the law and business. Sir Arthur chaired the Council of Scotch for 11 years and was instrumental in the school buying our present site, thereby securing magnificent opportunities for developing a campus of genuine excellence for generations to come.

Michael’s contribution to Scotch was probably inspired by, and certainly emulates, his illustrious grandfather. Michael holds the unique distinction of having served as President of OSCA (1989), President of the Foundation (1993–96) and Chairman of the School Council for 11 years – all substantial, important and demanding roles. He has filled each of these positions with distinction while leading a remarkably full professional life. Having boarded at Scotch from the age of seven, Michael studied law and has had a distinguished legal career, with interests in Australia and overseas. He has also headed several boards, including the Epworth Hospital and the Bionic Ear Institute and has served as a director of numerous companies and organisations.

Michael’s contribution to Australia was recognised in 2001 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. He is obviously a very substantial and significant Australian, both in his area of professional expertise and as a contributor to the wider community. Scotch has been fortunate to be the recipient of his abiding love and attention.

I wish to express my personal appreciation to Michael for the quality and quantity of his work for Scotch. He has been driven by an inextinguishable desire to find every possible way to improve the school, in every aspect. Michael also firmly believes that any new building or facility should be of the highest attainable quality, designed to endure for decades. His willingness to accept the challenge was critical to the creation of the James Forbes Academy, which we are frequently told by visitors is truly world class.

I have found Michael to be a true ally – especially in very difficult circumstances. One example was the threat of the freeway widening by Transurban/City Link, which saw him devote enormous time and energy as we strove to obtain the best possible outcome for Scotch.

Michael Robinson is a great Scotch Collegian. His work to strengthen the foundations of excellence, care, values and traditions of Scotch will endure and be remembered for generations.

At its October meeting, the Council appointed Mr David Crawford as its next Chairman. Like his predecessor, David has a long association with Scotch, having attended the school as a student, been the parent of a Scotch student, and served as President of OSCA in 1987, as had his father, Frank, in 1968. David joined the Council of Scotch College in 1991 and became Vice-Chairman in December 2003. He has qualifications in law and commerce, has had a very busy and productive professional life, and is still busily involved on the board of a number of major companies. In addition to his community activities through Scotch’s Council, David is also Chairman of the Australian Ballet and Treasurer of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

David Crawford has always displayed a passionate concern for Scotch and its well-being. The Council of Scotch has a very strong membership and, to use Michael Robinson’s words when speaking about David Crawford’s appointment as Chairman, ‘the school is in very good hands’.

The work of the Council is of critical importance to the enduring health and vitality of Scotch College. The School community is grateful for the enormous contribution of its members, particularly its Chairmen, and we express with gratitude our appreciation of what Michael Robinson has achieved and our anticipation of David Crawford’s leadership.

Dr F G Donaldson AM
Principal