Frank Heaslip (1961-1977)
Heaslip, a farmer and grazier from Carrieton in South Australia’s mid north, was one of the founding fathers (known colloquially as ‘the Men of Westminster’) and original donors to Westminster. A former boarder at Prince Alfred College, Heaslip’s official involvement with the School began in 1959 as Chairman of the Appeals Committee, leading to his position of Chairman of the Council in 1961. One of the original School Houses, Heaslip, was named after him. Heaslip was a strong advocate for a Methodist boys’ only Boarding School, and when the School began earnest discussions on becoming co-educational, he declared he would resign from Council if indeed the School took this direction. The declaration was made without malice, and following his resignation he continued a close association with the School until his death.
Rev. Don Haydon (1978-1988)
Haydon, a Uniting Church minister, oversaw the School’s transition to co-education, coinciding with Headmaster Michael Murray’s vision of transforming the School to an independent school with a strong ethos of community. Enrolments, thanks to co-education, began climbing steadily, and preparations were made for the construction of the Performing Arts Centre, which opened in 1988. School Council during Haydon’s tenure comprised over twenty members, and there were frustrations in reaching compromise on many areas of the School’s life and direction. Haydon managed these issues with faith and humility, and is recognised within the School with the Council’s main meeting room named in his honour.
Brian Martin (1989-1996)
AO, KC
Martin, a former Justice of the Supreme Court and Westminster parent, presided during a time of rapid expansion of boarding facilities, with purchase of land for the new boys’ boarding precinct, and units for girls’ cottage care. The Cloisters were built during his tenure, whilst the School’s original ‘200 block’ was entirely redeveloped. At the retirement of Headmaster Michael Murray, Martin and Secretary of Council Robert Graham organised the method of selection of a new Principal, with the Council Executive overseeing the selection process. The Martin Library within the Forder Centre is named in his honour.
Robert Nelson (1997-2005)
Nelson, a retired career banker, considered it important and challenging to select council members with both the time and expertise to be of value to council. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Nelson served for thirteen years on the Board of the Westminster School Foundation. The Sports and Swimming Centre was opened during Nelson’s tenure, and the Robert Nelson wing is named after him following the significant expansion of Prep School facilities in his time.
Stephen P Mathwin (2006-2009)
LLB
Mathwin, a Foundation student in 1961, former School Captain and Dux, was the first old scholar to be appointed Chairman of Council. A lawyer by profession, Mathwin first joined Council in 1976, serving a total of twenty-seven years on Council. Mathwin also served on the Westminster School Foundation, and during the Global Financial Crisis was instrumental in formation of the Investment Committee, which ensured the financial stability of the School. He successfully oversaw the appointment and transition to Steve Bousfileld as Principal. The Mathwin Centre adjoining the Preparatory School oval is named in his honour.
Phillip W. Styles (2009 – 2023)
OAM
Styles, a student at Westminster from 1962 to 1966 and Past President of the Old Scholars Association, presided over a time of significant capital growth in School facilities. IT Central, the Boys Boarding Precinct, Mathwin Centre, Thomas Pavilion, Forder Centre and Worthley Foyer were all constructed during his tenure. With a planned reduction in council membership, Styles ensured that Council ran in an efficient manner. The Styles Centre is named in his honour.
Craig Need (2023- present)
Need, an old scholar and current parent, was previously Treasurer of Council for nine years, having taken over from his father Barry, who was Treasurer for 27 years. Craig’s grandfather, Colin, was the School’s first auditor. His unquestionable drive and passion for Westminster, combined with his considerable Council knowledge will be invaluable to the School in the years ahead.