It is with deep gratitude and fond remembrance that the Sapere Aude Bequest Society acknowledges the passing of The Honourable Peter Nixon AO (OW1946) on the first of May this year.

During his years at Wesley College, Peter formed lifelong friendships, enjoyed rich experiences and developed a deep passion for the Richmond Football Club. A proud boarder, Peter followed a family tradition; his father Percival (OW1918) and his sons Mark (OW1977) and Christopher (OW1980) were also boarders and his daughter Joanne married fellow boarder, Peter Christie (OW1974).

After leaving Wesley, Peter pursued a successful career in the private sector alongside managing his farm in Gippsland. However, he is best remembered for his dedicated service to the community. Peter represented the Division of Gippsland in the Australian House of Representatives from 1961 to 1983 as a member of the National Country Party (NCP). During this time, he held several ministerial portfolios, including Minister for the Interior (1967-1971), Shipping and Transport (1971-1972), Postmaster-General (1975), Transport (1975-1979) and Primary Industry (1979-1983).

In recognition of his significant contributions to the Australian parliament and the wider community, Peter was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on 26 January 1993.

Peter’s connection to Wesley remained strong throughout his life. He was a loyal and dedicated member of the College community and served with distinction on the Wesley College Foundation. In 2015, he was honoured to act as one of the patrons of the campaign to fund our new boarding facility at the Glen Waverly Campus, Learning in Residence.

We are honoured that Peter chose to remember the College in his Will, leaving a bequest towards the Scholarship Fund which helps provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to attend Wesley College. This generous bequest is a testament to his belief in the power of education and community.

We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family. Sapere Aude, Peter Nixon - you will be remembered as a proud Old Wesley Collegian.

The College we know today owes much to the values and vision of our founders and importantly, inspiring acts of generosity through gifts and bequests over many generations. Thank you to all that have left a gift to the College in their Will.

The Sapere Aude Bequest Society (SABS) was established in 1996 to honour those that have remembered Wesley College in their Will. If you wish to notify us of your bequest to Wesley College, we would be honoured to welcome you as a member of SABS and to share with you our exciting calendar of events and functions. We are delighted that so many alumni, current and past parents and members of our wider community have experienced the breadth of our SABS events this year.

For a confidential discussion on leaving a Bequest to the College, please contact Prue Lowther, Bequest Manager at prue.lowther@wesleycollege.edu.au or +61 3 8102 6213.