FEATURES
PORTRAIT OF FORMER SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
PORTRAIT OF HON DR DAVID KEMP AC TO HANG IN MEMORIAL HALL
Former School Council Chairman , Hon Dr David Kemp AC (’ 59 ) and his wife , Anne Marie , came to School Assembly on Wednesday 9 March to unveil a portrait of Dr Kemp , painted by noted Australian artist and sculptor , Robert Hannaford AM , and commissioned by OSCA . The portrait depicts Dr Kemp in a relaxed , thoughtful attitude .
Introducing Dr Kemp to the boys , Principal Tom Batty noted Dr Kemp attended Scotch from 1949-59 , following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather , his two grandfathers and his father . Dr Kemp ’ s own sons , William (’ 90 ), Andrew (’ 04 ) and Charles (’ 10 ) were also at Scotch . Charles was School Captain in 2011 .
In his final Scotch year , Dr Kemp was a School Prefect , Co-Editor of The Scotch Collegian and co-Dux of the School , gaining Exhibitions in Economics and Latin and a General Exhibition . Dr Kemp was elected as Member for Goldstein in the Parliament of Australia in 1990 , and retired at the 2004 election . In Parliament he held many ministerial posts , and has also had many Liberal Party appointments . He is an Honorary Life Member of the party .
Dr Kemp has also held senior postings at the University of Melbourne and Monash University , and he has published many papers and authored several books . In the 2017 Australia Day honours , Dr Kemp received a Companion of the Order of Australia ( AC ) award for his eminent service to the Parliament of Australia , and to the community .
A member of School Council from 2004-2021 , Dr Kemp had eight very successful years as Chairman . During his chairmanship , the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre for Science , the Spencer Centre for Design and Technology , the Keon-Cohen Dining Hall , and St Andrew ’ s Square , as well as the House Home rooms
and the new English Department area in the Lithgow Building were all built .
Mr Batty said Dr Kemp ’ s record of service to his School and his country is unparalleled . He felt privileged to have worked for nine years alongside Dr Kemp , and he had learned much from this experience .
After Dr and Mrs Kemp unveiled the portrait , Dr Kemp spoke to the boys , thanking the Council and Mr Batty for arranging to have the portrait painted , and also thanking the artist , Robert Hannaford , for his work and skill in creating such a good likeness .
He said : ‘ I should say that I have myself contributed to this portrait by sitting very still for several hours on each of six days , while Mr Hannaford noted every detail of the light and shadows in the room . He took a great deal of care to make sure that the light fell exactly where he wanted it to be . I have been fortunate to have had my portrait painted by someone who is definitely one of Australia ’ s great portraitists .’
He spoke of the expertise and dedication of the School Council , and of the love of Scotch which unites and inspires them . He said the Council had appreciated the opportunity to work with Mr Batty as he set out to improve the educational and other opportunities for all Scotch boys .
Dr Kemp told the boys they were very fortunate to attend a great school like Scotch . ‘ You all have an opportunity not only to learn and have wonderful experiences , but to work closely with each other , and your teachers , to gain the very most that the School has to offer . I give you every good wish for your time here .’
Dr Kemp ’ s portrait will hang in the Memorial Hall , along with portraits of other notable figures in Scotch ’ s history . www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 9