08/03/1936 – 15/03/2026
Paul Guest (OW1957) was an esteemed Australian rower, family law barrister and art philanthropist. Paul’s rowing career began at Wesley, where he raced in the First VIII in 1956 and 1957. While Paul’s rowing started inauspiciously, it was in athletics that Paul excelled as a 400-metre runner. He won the APS title, becoming the first schoolboy to break 50 seconds for the distance.
He attended The University of Melbourne, became a Queen's Counsel in 1983 and served as a Family Court judge from 1998 to 2008. Paul presided over many high profile cases and made many defining judgements. His notable ruling in the Re Patrick case significantly impacted known sperm donor's rights under the Family Law Act.
Paul's achievements in rowing include competing in nine King's Cup eights for Victoria from 1960 to 1975, winning six national championships and representing Australia in three Olympic Games (1960, 1964 and 1968). He also won a gold medal at the 1962 Commonwealth Games and competed in several World Rowing Championships.
A highlight of the annual Boat Race Dinner is the presentation of the Paul Guest Medal, first awarded in 2019 in recognition of his significant contribution to both Wesley Rowing and the Alan Mitchell Club.
The medal is awarded to a member of the First VIII girls’ or boys’ crews, chosen by student vote, and recognises the student who best demonstrates the values of inspiration, leadership and humility.
Sadly, Paul passed away days before this year’s Head of the River, making the presentation of this year’s medal especially meaningful, with his daughter Alex (OW1987) and grandson Ryder (Year 11) in attendance.
Beyond law and rowing, Paul was a passionate art collector and philanthropist and had many friends in the art community. He founded the Paul Guest Prize for drawing to encourage artists to engage with drawing in contemporary art. He was also a benefactor of the Bendigo Art Gallery where he generously donated over 200 works of art. His contributions to sports, law and art have earned him life memberships at his rowing clubs, Rowing Victoria and Rowing Australia, as well as the Australian Sports Medal.
Paul's diverse career and contributions to multiple fields highlight his exceptional talent, dedication, and lasting impact on Australian society. He is survived by his partner Janette, brother Peter (OW1955), son Nick (OW1985), daughter Alex (OW1987), grandchildren Jade, Bianca, Rose and Ryder and great granddaughter Sunny.
