The Hon. Norman Henry Lacy lived an accomplished life as a principled, family man dedicated to improving lives through public service and education.
Born and raised in Richmond, Norman first served Victoria in the Australian Junior Basketball Championships, winning the Best and Fairest Player award in 1958.
He began his career in his family plumbing business in Richmond, before studying Theology at Ridley College and being ordained as an Anglican priest. Over the next ten years he served three parishes: Caulfield, Richmond and the joint parish of Healesville, Yarra Glen and Christmas Hill. He was committed to the ecumenical movement and active in pastoral care at numerous local aged care facilities.
Norman was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1973, proudly representing both Ringwood and Warrandyte, and was Secretary of the Parliamentary Liberal Party from 1976 to 1979.
Committed to his principles, he was a key figure in the debates that led to the permanent removal of the death penalty from Victorian law. He was also instrumental in ensuring adequate funding for the Foster Grandparents Scheme, Kew Cottages and agencies supporting children with intellectual disabilities.
As Minister for the Arts, he left an indelible mark on Victoria through the construction of the Victorian Arts Centre and its iconic spire, and the creation of Film Victoria (now VicScreen).
He also established both Heide Museum of Modern Art and the award-winning Australian Children's Television Foundation.
As Assistant Minister of Education and Minister of Educational Services, Norman was vocal in championing an education system that empowered school communities and councils, the introduction of paternity leave for teachers, compulsory physical education and measures to help children with learning difficulties.
After leaving Parliament in 1982, Norman built a successful career in management education and consulting.
He went on to shape the futures of managers in both Australia and China at the Australian Management College, before landing executive roles in the information technology industry as a new digital era dawned.
His leadership was well recognised, and from 2008 until 2018 he served as President of Self-Employed Australia, where he was appointed the first life member in recognition of his service.
Norman’s contributions to the arts, education and industry have left a legacy that will continue to endure across Victoria.
Date
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time
Doors open at 10am.
The State Funeral Service will commence at 11am.
Location
St Mark’s Anglican Church
1 Canterbury Road
Camberwell VIC 3126
View location on Google Maps
Tickets
Ticket registrations are not required to attend the State Funeral Service.
Live stream
The State Funeral Service will be live streamed on this page for those unable to attend.
A link to view the live stream will be available closer to the event.
How to get there
By car
There is no on-site parking available at St Mark’s Anglican Church.
Limited street parking is available in the area around St Mark’s Anglican Church.
By public transport
The closest train station is Camberwell Station, serviced by the Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein lines. St Mark’s Church is approximately an 11-minute walk from Camberwell Station.
The nearest tram stop is Stop 66 on the corner of Burke Rd and Rathmines Rd, serviced by tram no. 72.
Please check the Transport Victoria website for up-to-date information about public transport on the day.
Accessibility
St Mark’s Anglican Church is wheelchair accessible. There is a chair lift at the Vestry Entrance, and there is an accessible bathroom on site.
To ensure support is provided, please pre-register your attendance by emailing contact@dpc.vic.gov.au or calling 1300 366 356 between 8.30 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Closed captions will be available on the live stream of the service.
Condolences
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