Victoria’s Longest-Serving Educators Recognised

More than 400 teachers and staff from the Department of Education and Training have been recognised for their long careers in public education at a ceremony for employees who have reached 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service in 2019.

Minister for Education, James Merlino, congratulated teachers, principals, school administrative and department staff at the Department of Education and Training’s Recognition of Service ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.

Among those recognised are:

• Allan Robinson, principal at Montmorency Secondary College who is being recognised for 50 years of service. During his time at this school Robinson established a basketball club that saw many students compete at state level championships.
• Maureen Spencer-Gardner, sporting careers counsellor at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, who is being recognised for 50 years of service. She taught at four Victorian public secondary schools over five decades, working with students who have gone on to be Olympians.
• Adele Meren, a teacher-librarian at Elwood Primary School, who is being recognised for 50 years of service.

The total of 408 recipients have devoted more than 17,000 combined years to teaching. During this time, they have led progress in education and helped young people to thrive through learning and educational opportunities.