The official MHSOBA

Vale - The Honourable Brian James Dixon
20 May 1936 – 9 July 2025
(MHS 1950 – 1953)
Melbourne High School Old Boy, Sporting Legend, Statesman, and Community Champion
Melbourne High School Old Boys’ Association honours the life and legacy of the Honourable Brian James Dixon, a distinguished Old Boy whose lifetime of service and achievement reflected the School’s deepest values: integrity, leadership, service, and contribution to the common good.
Brian passed away peacefully on July 9, aged 89.
A proud member of the Class of 1953, Brian’s journey from the classrooms of Melbourne High School to national prominence as both a sporting great and public servant exemplifies the School’s motto Honour the Work. He played 252 games for the Melbourne Football Club between 1954 and 1968, achieving five premiership victories, Melbourne’s Best and Fairest award in 1960, and becoming the first in club history to reach the 250-game milestone. His induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2010 recognised not only his achievements on the field, but also his enduring contribution to Australian football as coach, administrator, and international ambassador for the game.
While still playing VFL football, Brian entered public life as the Member for St Kilda in 1964, beginning an 18-year parliamentary career distinguished by principled leadership and practical reform. His maiden speech set the tone for a career focused on education, affordable housing, public health, and community wellbeing.
In Parliament, Brian held several significant portfolios:
- Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation (1973–1982)
- Minister of Social Welfare (1976–1979)
- Minister of Housing (1979–1981)
- Minister for Employment and Training (1981–1982)
- Assistant Minister of Education (1973–1976)
In each role, Brian sought tangible improvements in the lives of Victorians. He is perhaps best remembered for launching the Life. Be in it. campaign in 1975; a ground-breaking public health initiative encouraging Australians to lead more active, healthy lives. As Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister, he championed grassroots sport and community wellbeing long before these causes gained mainstream attention.
A passionate advocate for public safety, Brian chaired the Road Safety Committee when Victoria introduced the world’s first compulsory seatbelt legislation—a reform credited with saving thousands of lives. He served diligently on both the Road Safety Committee and the Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee across multiple terms.
Following his parliamentary career, Brian remained active in public life. His contributions to road safety advocacy, sports promotion, and community development continued for decades. His founding role in establishing the Melbourne Marathon Spartans-a community honouring endurance athletes-reflected his belief in personal challenge and collective effort.
His daughter, Judy Dixon, described her father as a “change maker”- a man never content to stand still, who believed passionately in improving the world around him, and who inspired those around him to join him on the journey. Whether leading on the field, in Parliament, or within his community, Brian Dixon embodied optimism, determination, and a deep commitment to service.
Brian’s life truly embodied Honour the Work: in every endeavour, he led with integrity, compassion, and a tireless desire to make a difference.
The Melbourne High School community extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Brian’s wife Carmal, his six children, eleven grandchildren, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
Brian Dixon will be remembered with gratitude and pride-as a leader, as a champion, and as a true exemplar of Melbourne High School’s enduring spirit.
His was a life of service. His was a life well-lived.

A State Funeral for the Honourable Brian James Dixon will be held tomorrow, Friday, July 25th at at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
A live stream will commence at 10:30am.
Please follow the link below for details of the live stream.

https://www.vic.gov.au/state-funeral-service-brian-dixon

VALE - Colin Charles Green OAM

It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Colin Green, a devoted figure in the Melbourne High School community whose relationship with the school spanned over six decades — as a student, educator, leader, and tireless advocate.

A funeral service for Colin will be held as follows:

9:30am - Wednesday 21 May
Boyd Chapel at Springvale Cemetery
Refreshments after the service at Springvale

The service can also be streamed via this link
https://www.lepinefunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals/379bm/

A fitting obituary will be shared with the MHS community as soon as it is available.

Honour The Work

VALE - Colin Green OAM

It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Colin Green, a devoted figure in the Melbourne High School community whose relationship with the school spanned over six decades — as a student, educator, leader, and tireless advocate.

The MHSOBA Committee extends condolences to Colin's wife Barbara and children Scott, Adam and Claire, along with extended family, friends, former colleagues and fellow Old Boys.

A funeral service for Colin will be held as follows:

9:30am - Wednesday 21 May
Boyd Chapel at Springvale Cemetery
Refreshments after the service at Springvale

The service can also be streamed via this link
https://www.lepinefunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals/379bm/

A fitting obituary will be shared with the MHS community as soon as it is available.

Honour The Work

Vale Petro Georgiou AO

With deep sadness MHS and MHSOBA acknowledges the passing of Old Boy and former Liberal MP for Kooyong, Petro Georgiou.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with his immediate and extended family and loved ones. Details of a funeral or memorial service are yet to be advised.

Read an obituary for Petro here https://mhsoba.asn.au/vale-petro-georgiou/ and an ABC News article about his life and achievements here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-04/petro-georgiou-dies-former-liberal-mp-kooyong/105138552

Honour The Work

Vale Ronald "Ron" Seaman

MHS and MHSOBA mourns the passing of a giant of our community - Ronald "Ron" Seaman - and sends condolences to his family and loved ones.

An obituary for Ron can be viewed here https://mhsoba.asn.au/vale-ronald-crisp-seaman/ and a funeral service celebrating his life will be held next Tuesday. Details are:

Date - Tuesday 8 April 2025
Venue - St Thomas Aquinas Church, 43 Bromby Street, South Yarra
Time - 10:30am

Honour The Work

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Ronald Crisp “Ron” Seaman, B.A., LL.B.

14 July 1936 – 28 March 2025
MHS 1950-1953

Melbourne High School is saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed Patron, Ronald Seaman, former President of the School Council. A loyal supporter of Melbourne High School, Ron was deeply involved in the Old Boys’ Association and had an enduring passion for hockey. His contributions to the sport and the school community were profound, and we are proud that the MHS hockey field bears his name—a lasting tribute to his dedication and legacy.

Those who wish to pay their respects to Ronald Seaman are invited to attend his funeral on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at 10:30 am at Saint Thomas Aquinas, South Yarra.

Ron was born in Calcutta, India, the son of Thomas and Esme, both of whom were also born in India. His great-grandfather, born in Norfolk, UK, in the 1840s, had migrated to India. In 1947, Ron, his family, and their extended family migrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne on 15 August—the day of partition. He attended East Oakleigh Central School before joining Melbourne High School in 1950.

At MHS, Ron was an active and engaged student. He played hockey for both the School (1952-1953) and the Old Boys’ Hockey Club, built model aeroplanes, participated in the Cadets and the Geology Club, and sang in the Junior Choir. An excellent student, he completed his Matriculation with Honours in English Literature, British History, and Social Studies and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship. He went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Law at Melbourne University and was also a part-time Teaching Fellow at Monash University.

Ron began his professional career as a teacher with the Education Department in 1959, teaching at Altona High School near his family home in Maidstone. In 1960, he transitioned to law, practicing as a solicitor with Frederick Owen and Associates, where he specialized in commercial law.

Even after leaving school, Ron remained passionate about hockey. In 1963, he became Secretary of the MHSOB Hockey Club, later serving as President and then Coach, while continuing to play in the A Grade competition until his retirement in 1978. Known as “Twinkletoes” for his footwork, he was a formidable presence on the field. His legal expertise also proved invaluable as Chairman of the Victorian Hockey Association Investigation Committee (1963-1966). He went on to serve as an Executive Councillor on the Australian Hockey Association, representing Queensland and chairing the Coaching and Junior Committee. In 1973, he was awarded Life Membership of the MHSOB Hockey Club—only the second time this honor was bestowed.

Beyond hockey, Ron was deeply involved with the MHS Old Boys’ Association. He served as Vice-President in 1970 before being elected President in 1975, working closely with the new Principal, Lou Barberis. He completed his term in 1977, a year marked by the grand Jubilee of Forrest Hill celebrations. In recognition of his contributions, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the MHSOBA in 1983.

From 1975, Ron also played a pivotal role on the School Council during a time when the Department of Education was shifting more responsibilities to schools. In 1985, he succeeded his friend John Elden as President of the MHS School Council. During his tenure, the Flag Courts were opened, and new racing boats were launched, including a Racing Four named in his honor. He provided critical legal guidance to the School and played a key role in overseeing the transition from Lou Barberis to Neville Drohan as Principal. John Elden once described Ron’s leadership as embodying "the Seaman style"—marked by dignity, gentlemanly persuasiveness, professional thoroughness, unfailing dedication, and absolute commitment. In 1991, he was appointed a Patron of the MHSOBA, and in 1999, a Patron of the School.

Hockey also forged a close connection between Ron and Neville Drohan’s successor, Ray Willis, when he became Principal in 1992. Their shared childhood experiences in India further strengthened their bond. In 1996, MHS honored Ron’s contributions to the sport by naming the new synthetic hockey field after him—a significant upgrade from the bumpy and often flooded grass field where he and Ray had played as students.

For many years, Ron, Lou Barberis, and John Elden maintained a close friendship, meeting regularly for long lunches until Lou’s passing in 2005 and John’s in 2010. Each of them had excelled in their respective fields and dedicated themselves to giving back to the School that had shaped them.

Ron was always impeccably dressed and carried himself with the manners of a true gentleman. He never married and lived in his family home for many decades before moving to Kilmore, where he had space for his extensive library. Though his health often prevented him from attending School, Old Boy, and Hockey events in later years, his passion for MHS never waned.

Ron Seaman truly Honoured the Work.

Luke Savage, Honorary School Archivist

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Hello to gentlemen from MHS 1994 who could to attend your 30-Year Reunion last Friday. It was great to see you all.

With around 75 Old Boys in The Unicorn Club, the atmosphere was electric. Former music teacher Bruce MacRae led a particularly rousing rendition of "Honour the Work". As far as we could see and hear, everyone remembered the lyrics of both verses...some things are never forgotten...!

We heard from MHSOBA President Colin Axup (MHS 1984) and Principal Tony Mordini. Past teacher John McMahon also made an appearance to catch up with you.

If you're able to support the work of MHSOBA in assisting current students and our wider community, please join us https://mhsoba.asn.au/membership/ - a couple of you have already - thank you.

If you missed it - Ruth Willis (wife of Ray) published a book about him. Entitled "MHS Ray: A Life", this softcover edition is full of images and is an easy page-turner. If you'd like to purchase a copy, please order here https://mhsoba.asn.au/mhs-ray/

To those who took the tour of MHS (some things change, some stay the same) and to all who joined us, our thanks again.

Keep in touch. Honour the Work

To Old Boys from MHS 1994

30-YEAR REUNION PROCEEDING!

We're chuffed to say your Reunion next week is GO! We now have 40 Old Boys who've registered to attend - thanks gentlemen.

Can you reach 50 Old Boys from MHS 1994? We think you can...

The Castle on the Hill is calling. Please purchase your ticket today - https://mhsoba.asn.au/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=118

Honour The Work

The MHSOBA Team

Calling Old Boys from the Class of 1994. Your 30-Year Reunion is next week!

At time of writing, 31 Old Boys have registered to attend - thanks gentlemen. For the event to be viable, our minimum number of guests is 40 - surely we can get there or better that? :)

If you plan to attend and haven't registered, please do so today. For crew and catering purposes, tickets close on Friday.
https://mhsoba.asn.au/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=118

Date
Friday 15 November 2024

MHS Tour (optional - highly recommended)
Meet in MHS foyer at 5:30pm

Reunion Time
6:30pm - 10:30pm - The Unicorn Club

Don't miss this great opportunity to rekindle old friendships, laugh and celebrate your shared MHS experience.

Honour The Work

Greetings to Old Boys from MHS Class of 1994

Tickets for your 30-Year Reunion are now available! Don't miss a great opportunity to join with fellow Old Boys for a night of laughter, networking and reminiscing. Grab some mates and buy your tickets today!

Date
Friday 15 November 2024

Time + Venue
5:30pm - tour of MHS (optional - recommended)
6:30pm - The Unicorn Club

Tickets include a substantial grazing table. Drinks @ bar prices
MHSOBA members $40
Non-members - $45

Purchase tickets here https://mhsoba.asn.au/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=118

We look forward to welcoming you back to The Castle on the Hill and The Unicorn Club.

Honour The Work

Hello Gentlemen

Our Annual Dinner is just over a week away. Tickets close on Tuesday.

If you plan to join us - and we hope you do - please buy your ticket(s) today. Full event details and ticket pricing can be viewed here https://mhsoba.asn.au/mhsoba-annual-dinner-2024/

Guest speaker James Zong (MHS 2014) will share his remarkable journey from MHS to the stage of Carnegie Hall and beyond. His world-class piano performance should not be missed!

A reminder partners are most welcome. Join us and celebrate MHS, the Old Boy community and our shared journey.