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 Mr Dave Reed – Director of Development at Hale School on 08 9347 9729, daver@hale.wa.edu.au

  2008 awarded posthumously to DAVID ROBERTS (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 1948-1952as 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.

  2009 awarded to 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.

  2010 awarded to 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.

  2011 awarded to 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.