A teacher who began working in Victoria’s public education system in 1966 has been recognised for six decades of service as the Allan Government honoured more than 300 long-serving school staff across the state.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll congratulated 307 teachers and support staff during the annual Recognition of Service awards, which acknowledged employees who had completed 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years in Victorian public education.
Among those recognised was John Mooney OAM PSM, Principal of Emerson School, who has spent 60 years working in education.
John has served as principal of Emerson School, a specialist school in Melbourne’s south-east, for 29 years. He also previously led specialist schools in Frankston and Ashwood. He received the Public Service Medal in 2014 for his work supporting students with disabilities and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2020.
“Today, we say thank you to those teachers and education support staff who have taught generations of young learners,” Mr Carroll said.
”Whenever I speak with our hard-working teachers, I’m struck by their dedication to making sure our children thrive.“
”I’m proud that Labor has made Victorian teachers the best paid in the nation – because they’re the best in the nation.”
The event also highlighted schools where multiple staff members were recognised for long service.
Balwyn High School had recipients recognised for 40, 45 and 50 years of service, while Bendigo Senior Secondary College recorded recipients across the same milestones.
Glen Waverley Secondary College had three staff members honoured for 40 years of service and another for 50 years, while Haddon Primary School had two staff members recognised for 45 years.
Greater Shepparton Secondary College and Portland Primary School each had staff members recognised for both 40 and 50 years of service.
The recognition event came days after the Victorian Government announced a new agreement aimed at making Victorian teachers the highest paid in the country.
The government also used the occasion to criticise Opposition education policies, with Mr Carroll claiming proposed cuts from the Liberals would affect schools and teachers across the state.
Meanwhile, Gabrielle Williams paid tribute to Mr Mooney in a public message marking his six decades in education.
“For 60 years, John Mooney has changed lives through compassion, leadership and an unwavering belief in young people,” she said.
“Many will know him as the Principal of Emerson School but the truth is, John’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom – he has challenged systems when they have needed challenging, and he’s mentored and encouraged others, across generations. An incredible leader, and an incredible 60 years of service.”
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