The winner’s exemplary performance and innovative approach demonstrates exceptional learning and teaching practices, a commitment to positive school culture and sets a prime example of the work that helps make Victoria the Education State.
The Hon. Lindsay H.S. Thompson, AO, CMG
(1923–2008)
Lindsay Thompson’s career began as a teacher at Malvern Central School (1951–52), followed by the position of Master at Melbourne High School (1953–54), where he was described as ‘a very capable, stimulating teacher’.
At the beginning of 1955 he left the Education Department to commence what was to become a long and distinguished political career spanning three decades.
On 10 May 1967 he succeeded Sir John Bloomfield as Education Minister, a position he held with great distinction for 12 years. In doing so he became, and remains, Victoria’s longest-serving Education Minister. He was Deputy Premier between 1972 and 1981 and Premier between 1981 and 1982.
In addition to Lindsay Thompson’s qualities of integrity, dignity and patience that he brought to his role as Education Minister, he was also a man of vision. His book Looking Ahead in Education, published in 1969, listed some 65 recommendations regarding the future of education in Victoria. By the early 1990s, the majority of these had been implemented.
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