Scotch College

'OSCA presents portrait'

On Friday 31 May, at morning assembly, the President of OSCA, Mr Rob Logie Smith, presented to the school a portrait of Sir James Balderstone, painted by Mr Paul Fitzgerald.

In making the presentation Mr Logie Smith said:

Today is a very important and proud day for the Old Scotch Collegians Association as we acknowledge the significant contribution that Sir James Balderstone has made to our school and present the school with the wonderful portrait of Sir James, who is with us today.

Sir James Balderstone attended Scotch from 1930 to 1939. He was appointed a School Probationer in 1939 and was a member of the Satura editorial committee, the School Rugby Team and also played in the 2nd XVIII. He was an active member of the Cadet Corps.

Scotch College has always placed great emphasis on developing the leadership skills of all Scotch Collegians, so that they can subsequently contribute to our society and the community throughout their careers.

Sir James is an outstanding example of leadership to us all, in his wide ranging business and community activities.

After leaving Scotch, he served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1940 to 1945.

Sir James then embarked on a distinguished career in the rural and business world, where his undoubted leadership skills were recognized with numerous directorships including:

Chairman of the AMP Society, Chairman of BHP, Chairman of Chase AMP Bank, Deputy Chairman of Westpac Banking Corporation, Chairman of the Stanbroke Pastoral Company, Director of ICI Australia (Orica), Woodside Petroleum & the Pearl Group, Member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial, Patron of the British Chamber of Commerce and Commanders Cross Order of Merit of Germany.

Sir James was knighted in 1983 for his services to Primary Industry and Commerce and he was granted Australia's highest recognition when he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1992.

There is an old saying that if you want something done, give it to a busy person. Consequently Sir James joined our School Council in 1989.

He succeeded Mr Bruce Lithgow as chairman of the School Council in 1991, and handed over the reigns to our current Chairman, Mr Michael Robinson, at the end of 1995, having served with distinction.

Dr Donaldson, in reporting Sir James' retirement as Chairman, wrote in Great Scot:

'above all, Sir James Balderstone stands for integrity. He demands that the reality of any situation matches the rhetoric used to describe it. His style of leadership has been a constant challenge and encouragement to the school, which prides itself on the excellence of its educational offerings and achievements'.Sir James has always been a very pragmatic man. I can remember him telling me some four years ago that, 'Old Scotch Collegians have done well and will continue to do well, because they have a practical approach to life in the modern world and they were taught to keep their feet on the ground.'

It was fitting that in attendance at this memorable ceremony, were three Old Boys who were Chairman of the School Council: Sir Archibald Glenn, Mr. Bruce Lithgow, Sir James and the current Chairman, Mr. Michael Robinson. Between them they have given a total of forty-two years service to their old school.

Sir James was elected an Honorary Life Member of OSCA in 2001. He has made an outstanding contribution to our School and OSCA is proud to present this portrait to the school.'