Bishop Hale Medal

Bishop Hale Medal
The Bishop Hale Medal was inaugurated in 2008, the School's 150th year and is awarded to an Old Haleian who displays unselfish, voluntary devotion to duty.

It acknowledges personal commitment – exemplifying Bishop Hale’s philosophy of voluntary service to one’s community, be it locally, nationally or internationally. To be awarded annually, we are looking to our community of Old Haleians for potential candidates.Should you be aware of a fellow Old Boy who you believe is befitting of consideration of such an honour, please notify us at oldhale@hale.wa.edu.au

2022 (PRESENTED IN 2023) NEVILLE EASTMAN (1959)

Neville-Eastman-BHM-2022.jpgA graduate of Hale in 1959 with 3 sons, each of whom attended Hale, Neville has spent most of his life in the port town of Bunbury, where he has made a significant impact as an active and highly respected member of the community.

From a young age, Neville's passion for making a difference in his community has been evident to all those who know him. His commitment to improving the lives of others is demonstrated through his involvement in various community groups, sports clubs, and charitable organizations in the Bunbury area.


His contributions to local sports clubs are particularly noteworthy. He has held several office-bearer roles in the South Bunbury Football Club and the Colts Cricket Club and has been awarded two life memberships for his dedication to the clubs. In addition to his sporting achievements, Neville has been an active member of the Bunbury Leschenault Rotary Club since 1980 and has received Rotary's highest individual honour, the "service above self" award.

Sport aside, other significant community touchpoints include Neville’s involvement in community programmes such as Hands up 4 Kids, the In Town Lunch Centre, the Dolphin Discovery Centre and planning for Bunbury’s 150th celebrations, which were enjoyed by thousands in the community. 

Neville's contribution to his community has been far-reaching and has touched the lives of many. His selfless dedication to improving the lives of others personifies the Hale School motto of 'Duty' and is an inspiration to us all.

2020 (PRESENTED IN 2021) HARRY GARLAND (2007-09)


Harry started at Hale in Year 10 in 2007 as a scholarship recipient.  He quickly immersed himself in the Hale way. Just 2 years later he was appointed as a House Captain, and a School Prefect. 

Harry was a very keen swimmer and was part of the Hale swimming squad in each of the 3 years he attended Hale, culminating in him captaining the swimming team in 2009.  He also played in the firsts team for water polo and football and was a keen artist.
Mr Stuart Meade, his headmaster, recalls Harry as ‘leading by example rather than motivational speechmaking.  This, coupled with his humility and enthusiasm, made him a student who was always a positive role model’.  

Harry credits Hale School for providing a welcoming environment where he and others could develop genuine lifelong relationships and understand the true meaning of mateship. After finishing at Hale, Harry decided to pursue his love of football and played colts and reserves for Claremont. In 2011 one of Harry's best mates and fellow aspiring footballer, Warrick Proudlove, was involved in a tragic accident that shaped his life forever.  The car Warrick was a passenger in, hit a stray horse and subsequently crashed into a tree.  The car crash sent shockwaves through the community and exposed a loophole in the insurance system since there was no one at fault for the crash and hence, no insurance could be claimed for the accident. Warrick’s family covers the cost of his ongoing rehabilitation.


Warrick's accident had a big impact on Harry, who struggled to process the reality of the situation. “I felt helpless and didn’t know how I could support my friend”.

In 2015, Harry decided to swim to Rottnest solo and the idea for the “Swim for Proudie” was born. Doing a solo crossing was a bucket list item for Harry and he thought it would be a great opportunity to use the swim as a platform to raise awareness and funds for Warrick and his ongoing care.

Since then, Harry, has completed the Rottnest Channel swim every year, along with hundreds of others as a fundraiser for the Warrick Proudlove Foundation. Thanks to Harry’s unselfish, voluntary devotion to duty, he has helped to raise over $200,000 for the Foundation.

“I never thought the swim would have been this successful. It isn’t the size or grandeur of your actions that count, it is the meaning and the thought behind it. I think that we often don’t appreciate the impact that even a small act can have.”

Harry was recently recognized for his hard work, dedication and leadership, winning the prestigious 2019 West Australian Youth Award. This award recognises and celebrates excellence in leadership, positively impacting the lives of Western Australians. Humble in his response to receiving the award, Harry said “it’s such an honour to receive this award, but I accept it on behalf of everyone who has contributed to the “Swim for Proudie” group over the past years. It has been a real team and community effort”.

The Hale school motto of Duty and ethos of service learning certainly does personify Harry’s commitment to his friend Warrick and to his life to date. 

**Harry was awarded the Bishop Hale Medal in 2020, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not presented until Old Boys' Day 2021.

See Harry's acceptance speech HERE
 

2019 PROFESSOR JOHN ROSENTHAL, OAM (1956-62)


Professor John Rosenthal’s OAM contribution to the community through his professional career and voluntary service is nothing short of outstanding.
 
He lives life with a quiet, dignified and selfless commitment to others, inspired by the proverb he first came across during his time at Hale School - I pass this way but once.  Any good therefore that I may do, let me do it now for I may not pass this way again.
 
On graduating from Hale, John studied medicine at UWA. The initial phase of his medical career was general practice and anaesthetics. From the mid 1980’s he began to pursue his interest in the fields of pain-management and legal medicine.  And over his career, John was a leading advocate for change in pain medicine, in particular, the over-use of opiates for pain management.  This wasn’t an easy task as he challenged the establishment, but ultimately, his position and advocacy were validified. John was passionate about fair and just outcomes for the genuinely injured, and this desired outcome motivated him through his 30 years as a specialist medico-legal physician.

Outside of medicine, John has pursued several diverse interests. He served on the Perth Zoological Gardens Board and was the founding Chairman of the Great Zoo Appeal Committee. He has also been a significant participant in the Western Australian Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry and served as an elected committee member of the Western Australian Turf Club.  John has always been involved in post-graduate medical teaching and in more recent years, he has been in undergraduate teaching and curriculum planning at the Curtin University Medical School.

Notwithstanding, one of John’s greatest legacies has been his continued commitment and identification with Hale School. Evident with his son Jeremy (1987-91) and grandson’s Sam Whyte (2015-18) and Harry Whyte (Year 10) also attending Hale School.

His acceptance speech at the Old Boys' Day assembly provided insight into the life and history of Bishop Hale and his work at building a cohesive and connected society. John refers to the “Bishop Hale Paradigm” – the correlation between better social outcomes following an educative process.

“The paradigm is a major social reform initiative and demonstrates that Bishop Hale was a man of foresight, prescience, morality and courage. A paradigm that has stead the test of time and remains valid, vital and relevant. Hale School, by virtue of its excellence, applies education to the betterment of the individual and to the benefits of society. It is a prestigious seat of collegiate learning.  Hale School has produced men from boys who have served this community, state and nation, including the ultimate sacrifice in times of war and conflict. A school can only be as consistently good as the individuals it produces. 
… perhaps the most important outcome is that in our democratic way of life, the Hale graduate knows there are obligations as well as privileges that need to be fulfilled.”
 
A sentiment no doubt echoed by many Hale School Alumni. 

2018 ANDREW FORREST, AO (1977-78)


Andrew Forrest AO (1978-79) is well known for his exceptional business and philanthropic ventures and in honour of his unselfish, voluntary devotion to duty, this much respected Old Haleian has been awarded the 2018 Bishop Hale Medal.
 
At the Old Boys’ Day assembly in April, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mark Foster, outlined Andrew’s history, from growing up on Minderoo station, where he herded sheep on horseback from as young as six years of age, to running Fortescue Metals, steering the Minderoo Foundation with wife Nicola and all the amazing things between.  He noted how Andrew and Nicola have committed $645 million to charitable initiatives and showcased their work in the fight against modern slavery, achieving parity for Indigenous Australians, supporting research into treating cancer and driving breakthrough research in higher education.
 
Andrew’s acceptance speech was an insight into his youth and what made him the man he is today. He spoke of his move to Hale School, where he felt accepted for who he was, and how the School believed in him and that allowed him to be challenged. He reflected upon how close his peer year of 1979 is and how they won the Head of the River that year “and we shall win again tomorrow!” (right he was). His message centred on the importance of determination to challenge and then channel any injustices one may experience. He mentioned Antarctic explorer and Old Haleian Syd Kirkby (1944-50) and how his words about finding frontiers were aligned with his and his wife’s drive to cure cancer.
 
To see the speech in full, go to YouTube 

2017 ERIC ISAACHSEN (1964-68)


Eric Isaachsen (1964-68) was Captain of School, on the sports council and a cadet under officer. He received Colours for swimming, life saving and hockey and won the Guy Ward Memorial Prize and the CP & AE Williams trophy for athletics. He gave his all to the School as a student.
This year he was awarded the Bishop Hale Medal for his continued commitment and contribution to Hale School. Some would say it is legendary and that he is largely responsible for the way Hale School operates today.
 
There are three bodies in particular which drive support for the School: The Board of Governors, The Old Haleians’ Association and the Hale Foundation. Eric has been an integral part of all three: on the Board of Governors from1995-03 and Chairman from 1998-02; OHA Committee member from 1991 to 2015 and President in 1994/95 and 2010; a member of the Hale School Foundation since its inception in 1988 and Chairman from 2006-12.

At a strategic level as a member of the Board, he understood the need to adopt a broader approach to education. During the 1990s, together with fellow Governors he called for and supported the many significant changes that occurred at Hale under the direction and vision of the then Headmaster, Mr John Inverarity.
Later, as Chairman he went on to lead the Board of Governors through the process of selecting the next Headmaster, Mr Stuart Meade. He is owed a great debt of gratitude for the support and vision he shared with those two extraordinary Headmasters as they changed and built the Hale of today.

2016 JOHN GARLAND, AM (1945-50)


John is a fine representative of the values of Bishop Hale and a staunch supporter of Hale School.

John left school after Year 9 and went straight to work in the sales yards at Elders. He worked hard and earnt respect from a very young age and developed a strong affinity to rural Australia where he was embraced by the farming community. He worked as a stockman, sheep classer, bought and sold livestock, organised the state’s first 2nd hand farm machinery auction - finally moving into real estate, again focussing on rural WA. He has sold over 3000 rural properties.

His contribution to the community grew rapidly from the early 80s. He has been involved in numerous charities and industry bodies including Celebrate WA, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Authority and Future Directions International to name but a few.

His contribution to the Real Estate industry and to the community were recognised in 2007 when he was awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Since that time he continues to mentor young professionals through his involvement with the Rotary Club of Perth. He currently serves on the Board of Path of Hope, a program tackling the issues of domestic violence and mentors new police officers at the Joondalup academy.
 

2015 JOHN ROSSER (1951-55)


The Rosser name is synonymous with rowing at Hale School. John has two Head of the River wins to his name; went on to stroke the winning Kings Cup crew in 1960 and the second placed crew at the Rome Olympics of the same year.

It is John’s passion and commitment to sailing however which sees him named Bishop Hale Medal winner for 2015.

John has been involved in State and World Championships and was part of the 1997 and 1980 America’s Cup campaign. In 1980, he worked with Ben Lexen to build the infamous bendy mast for that year’s challenge: recognised as one of the greatest achievements in sailing technology for that time.

He became a regular race official in the mid-1980s and was heavily involved in the restoration of the Walpole Yacht Club. He played a significant role in the smooth management of the 2011 ISAF World Cup held in Perth by utilising his engineering skills to implement an automated starting system. As a volunteer during the 2006 Disabled World Championships, John created a rotating skippers seat. He continues to be a consistent and valuable contributor to the disabled racing community – having also designed the ‘Rolls Royce’ of helmsman chairs, and is still an accredited official.

John was judged Volunteer of the Year by Yachting Australia in 2015 and was also awarded the Ron Tough Yachting Foundation’s Gold Medal for outstanding service to yachting – so it is of little surprise that he now adds the Bishop Hale Medal to his collection.

2014 LLOYD CHRYSTAL, AM (1947-50)


This year's recipient was announced and presented with his medal at Old Boys' Day, in front of many of his peers as well as the boys in the Senior School.

Lloyd is an outstanding role model of the term "selfless devotion to duty".

Among a long list of involvement spanning his life, Lloyd: spent 13 years as a volunteer with APEX and 14 years with Rotary; served on the Board of HBF for 15 years, was chairman for 6 and served on the Board of Silver Chain for over 20 years; and served on two fundraising campaign committees at Hale School.

His influence in many areas of community life has been significant and long-lasting.

2013 ROBERT DEVENISH, OAM (1952-59)


On leaving school, Robert attended night school to study accounting and by day worked with Coopers and Lybrand. In 1965 he took a posting in Port Moresby, PNG: eye-opening years which developed his acceptance and appreciation for peoples of differing backgrounds and cultures. He returned to Perth and continued in accounting until 1977 when his desire to ‘make a difference’ came to the fore. As a result, he enrolled in a Chaplaincy course offered by the Anglican Church which led to his appointment as Chaplain at the Casuarina Maximum Security Prison. Over a ten-year period, Robert not only gave counsel but also became an advocate for prisoners whom he felt the system had failed. He never judged or differentiated. He treated everyone as human beings regardless of their offences and worked tirelessly to improve the situation for many, many prisoners.

Sadly, in March 2010 Robert died as a result of an inoperable brain tumour. Just six months later he was awarded an OAM for his services to inmates as Chaplain.

2012 ROB BARBOUR, (1978-82)

 
Rob completed a medical degree, joined the Army as an undergraduate and went on to complete a Masters Degree in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He spent time on active service with the UN peace keeping missions in Western Sahara and after two years living and working as a volunteer in Tanzania Rob founded AfrikaAfrika, a socially responsible and community based safari operation and Kisampa, where he now lives with his family. 

Rob's mission - to help poor communities move out of poverty by assisting them to use their own resources to generate income and employment. He teaches sustainability by implementing community development initiatives through conservation and  tourism. He now operates four conservation and tourism projects around Tanzania and continues to investigate further vulnerable areas in Tanzania.

2011 HARRY LODGE, OBE (1938-41)


The Second World War began in 1939 and continued until 1945 – so the boys leaving school in 1941 faced the prospect of going to war.

Like so many others at the time, Harry joined the RAAF as soon as he was 18 and was trained as a pilot. He flew 63 combat sorties in the SW Pacific and survived over 650 hours of flying Beaufort Bombers.

Following the war, Henry completed a degree in Law and practised in Harvey for 10 years, relocating to Perth in 1962 when he became a partner in the firm of Parker and Parker.

In 1981, Harry’s selfless devotion to duty was recognised when he was awarded and OBE for service to the community.

2010 JOHN FAWCETT, AM (1946-48)


John Fawcett, ceramicist, educationalist and Acting Deputy Director of Perth Technical College has been living continuously in Bali since 1983, after relocating there to recover from a life-threatening medical condition - which kept him hospitalised for nearly three years.

He quickly recognised the great medical need on the island and, with assistance from Rotary Australia and Rotary International began his humanitarian work: establishing a Cleft Lip and Palate Programme in 1989 followed by the Mobile Clinic for Cataract Surgery in 1991. He went on to establish the John Fawcett Foundation in 2000 and since John’s work first started over 28,000 blind Indonesians have received the gift of sight.

John has received many awards for his humanitarian work including an AM in 2004.   

2009 MICHAEL BEECH, OAM (1949-56)


Michael’s time at Hale School was successful and rewarding. He was Captain of Wilson House, Captain of the 1st XVIII and the 1st XI, the Cadets Shooting Team and Captain of School in his final year.

He went on to help many people in his journey through life through his involvement with Apex and his participation on the boards of the Schools Commission State Planning Committee, the Autism Trust and the Speech and Hearing Centre. He has also helped Anglican and Catholic Religious groups including the Sisters of Mercy, St Louis School, John XXIII and Trinity Colleges as well as St Anne’s Mercy Hospital.

He was awarded Life Membership of the University Football Club and the North Cottesloe Surf Club and in 2007. Michael’s lifetime commitment to many sporting communities was recognised more widely when he was awarded an OAM for his years of community support with education, church, service and sporting organisations.

2008 DAVID ROBERTS, OAM (1948-52)


The inaugural Bishop Hale Medal was presented on Founder’s Day 2008 to the family of Mr David Roberts, who was posthumously honoured as the first recipient of this prestigious award.

The late David Roberts attended Hale School from 1948-1952 as a boarder at Havelock Street. A farmer from Dandaragan, David had a great love of the land and contributed to the community across a broad sphere of interests - including rural development, Apex, the Anglican Church, school leadership, sporting, conservation and heritage, health and charity, culminating in being awarded an OAM in 2006 for his service to the community. David was a remarkable man and a fitting recipient of the inaugural medal.