Our Patron
The Country Education Partnership nominated its inaugural Patron at its annual meeting in 2008. The Patron of CEP was Mr Baillieu Myer AC.
Baillieu Myer’s passion for the well-being of young people in rural and remote Australia was immediately obvious. Not only did Mr. Myer have a first-hand experience of the reality of learning in extremely remote bush locations, he also had a clear understanding of the need to improve the profile, through national advocacy, of these education communities.
Baillieu Myer studied at both Melbourne and Cambridge Universities.
He held a number of positions throughout his life including:
- Director of the Myer Emporium
- Deputy Director of Coles Myer
- Trustee of the Sidney Myer Fund
- Director of the Myer Foundation
- Board member of CSIRO
- Emeritus Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria
- Patron of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded a Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of Melbourne.
In 2007, Mr. Myer agreed to be the first patron of the Country Education Partnership.
Sadly in 2022 Mr Baillieu Myer passed away. He will be remembered for his generosity of interest and passion for seeking the best learning opportunities being provided to young rural people. Mr Baillieu Myer will always have an integral place in CEP history.