Vale Michael Robinson

From the Principal:

The Scotch community was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Bennett Robinson, former Chairman of the Scotch College Council, who died after a period of illness.

Michael was an Old Boy of the School, a member of the Class of 1955, who made a long and valuable contribution to the School, most recently in his role as President of the Scotch College Foundation, during which he chaired the very successful fundraising campaign for the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science.

A third generation Scotch Collegian, Michael was a boarder in McMeckan and later Arthur Robinson House. His three sons all attended Scotch. The Michael Robinson Boarding Scholarship was launched last year in Michael’s honour.

Michael studied Law, and had a distinguished legal career with interests in Australia and overseas. He headed several boards. Michael’s contribution to Australia was recognised in 2001 when he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

As a member (1986-95) and Chairman (1995-2006) of the School Council, Michael oversaw a significant building programme which included the Junior School redevelopment, and construction of the Cardinal Pavilion, Language Centre and James Forbes Academy. He had two very successful terms as President of the Scotch College Foundation, from 1993 to 1996, and from 2008 to 2017.

Michael was a member of the Old Scotch Collegians’ Association Council from 1981 to 1989, and was its President in 1989.

Michael had a lifelong interest in and a deep love for Scotch. His energy and drive have helped to develop the Scotch College we know today, and it can truly be said of Michael ‘If you wish to see his monument, look around you’.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s wife Judith, sons Charles, Will and Ed, daughter Alice and their families.  

A memorial service will be held on Thursday 28th March in the Scotch College Memorial Hall at 4.30pm, with light refreshments available in the Quadrangle afterwards. 

I Tom Batty

Principal