Melbourne High School Old Boy, Sporting Legend, Statesman, and Community Champion
Melbourne High School honours the life and legacy of Brian James Dixon, a distinguished alumnus whose lifetime of service and achievement reflected the School’s deepest values: integrity, leadership, service, and contribution to the common good. Brian passed away peacefully on July 9, aged 89.
A proud member of the Class of 1953, Brian’s journey from the classrooms of Melbourne High to national prominence as both a sporting great and public servant exemplifies the School’s motto Honor the Work. He played 252 games for Melbourne Football Club between 1954 and 1968, achieving five premiership victories, Melbourne’s Best and Fairest in 1960, and becoming the first in club history to reach the 250-game milestone. His induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2010 recognised not only his achievements on the field, but also his enduring contribution to Australian football as coach, administrator, and international ambassador for the game.
While still playing VFL football, Brian entered public life as the Member for St Kilda in 1964, beginning an 18-year parliamentary career distinguished by principled leadership and practical reform. His maiden speech set the tone for a career focused on education, affordable housing, public health, and community wellbeing.
In Parliament, Brian held several significant portfolios:
- Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation (1973–1982)
- Minister of Social Welfare (1976–1979)
- Minister of Housing (1979–1981)
- Minister for Employment and Training (1981–1982)
- Assistant Minister of Education (1973–1976)
In each role, Brian sought tangible improvements in the lives of Victorians. He is perhaps best remembered for launching the Life. Be in it. campaign in 1975—a groundbreaking public health initiative encouraging Australians to lead more active, healthy lives. As Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister, he championed grassroots sport and community wellbeing long before these causes gained mainstream attention.
A passionate advocate for public safety, Brian chaired the Road Safety Committee when Victoria introduced the world’s first compulsory seatbelt legislation—a reform credited with saving thousands of lives. He served diligently on both the Road Safety Committee and the Legislative Assembly Standing Orders Committee across multiple terms.
Following his parliamentary career, Brian remained active in public life. His contributions to road safety advocacy, sports promotion, and community development continued for decades. His founding role in establishing the Melbourne Marathon Spartans—a community honouring endurance athletes—reflected his belief in personal challenge and collective effort.
His daughter, Judy Dixon, described her father as a “change maker”—a man never content to stand still, who believed passionately in improving the world around him, and who inspired those around him to join him on the journey. Whether leading on the field, in Parliament, or within his community, Brian Dixon embodied optimism, determination, and a deep commitment to service.
Brian’s life truly embodied Honor the Work: in every endeavour, he led with integrity, compassion, and a tireless desire to make a difference.
The Melbourne High School community extends its heartfelt condolences to Brian’s wife Carmal, his six children, eleven grandchildren, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.
Brian Dixon will be remembered with gratitude and pride—as a leader, as a champion, and as a true exemplar of Melbourne High School’s enduring spirit.
His was a life of service. His was a life well-lived.
May his memory continue to inspire generations of students to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service.
Dr Tony Mordini
Principal
