- Autumn 2026
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- Commemorating Don Marles and his vision for Bulleen
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Commemorating Don Marles and his vision for Bulleen
Neil Williams (OTG 1964)
Neil Williams, Council Member 1976-2011 and Chair of Council 1992-1995 (pictured here with grandson, Blake), reflects on the leadership of former Headmaster Don Marles OAM and pivotal role he played in establishing Trintiy’s Bulleen Playing Fields.
I was a new member of the School Council in the years immediately before the acquisition of Bulleen in 1979.
The Council, chaired by Professor John Poynter AO, OBE (OTG 1947 and member of the Gallery of Achievement), recognised the school’s difficulties in scheduling sport practices and interschool competitions due to limited access to suitable facilities. Council considered several options and noted the developments undertaken by Carey Grammar School and Marcellin College in the Bulleen area. The latter was owned by a family with dairy interests and was progressively being sold off. Although low-lying, one substantial piece of land remained.
In 1979, as Council’s search for suitable playing fields gathered momentum, the school became aware of the Bulleen opportunity, widely regarded as wasteland and also being considered by two other schools. Newly appointed Headmaster, Don Marles, was instrumental in driving the project forward.
After lengthy negotiations, Trinity acquired the 24 hectares.
An energetic Bulleen Committee, headed by future Chair of Council, Judge Gordon Just (OTG 1941 and member of the Gallery of Achievement), together with Don Marles, oversaw the planning and construction of ovals, tennis courts and pavilions. They were assisted by Ross Worboys (Business Manager) and David Sanguinetti (Bulleen Grounds Manager). To address the flood-prone land, the site’s natural billabong was extended and planted with native grasses and reeds, while Trinity students planted a multitude of trees.
With the opening of the playing fields in 1983, buses connected the Kew campus to Bulleen. Soccer and rugby were introduced and a hockey pitch established. As Don Marles expressed in “The Mitre” of 1983:
“Through being involved in games boys should increase their level of fitness. They should be able to develop interests, some of which will carry on well after they have left school. They should experience the fun and enjoyment of physical activity. They should be involved in meeting other boys and teaching staff in circumstances that are different from normal classroom activity – an important part of their social development.”
The completed Bulleen project was fittingly named the Marles Playing Fields and the Just pavilion, acknowledging the dedication of the Just family. Don Marles and Judge Gordon Just would be pleased to see their vision continuing through the redevelopment of the pavilion and the Cohen room.
Don Marles joined Trinity with a breadth of experience in education, having served at Brighton Grammar School, English public schools and for over 20 years at Geelong Grammar School where he held a number of roles, including Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster.
As Ian Monro, a Senior Master at Trinity, observed, “Don Marles came to Trinity with a clear idea of what he wanted in a school and also how a school like Trinity should be shaped for the future. He retired knowing that the greater part of his vision had been realised.”
His approach was to strengthen Trinity’s academic results, preserve the Trinity style of individual student care and to harness the School Council and community in improving Trinity’s facilities.”
Following a review of the school’s finances and its building requirements, the “Trinity – Building a Future Appeal” was established. This funded a phased building program through the 1980 to early 1990s. The development of the playing fields at Bulleen was the first, and an example of the spirit of the Headmaster. Over the next 12 years, 10 major projects were completed
and recognised with several architectural awards. This owed much to the involvement of Professor Peter McIntyre, AO, (OTG 1943 and member of the Gallery of Achievement) and Chair of Council 1989 -1992.
Don Marles was a very reserved person but with strength of mind and a consistent approach. Issues were analysed with all views considered. Decisions were objective and dispassionate. As Philip Anthony, the Deputy Headmaster at the time, observed, Don was humble and had a healthy and self-deprecating sense of humour which “preserved him from any blind faith in his own infallibility”.
Beyond Trinity, Don Marles was involved in a plethora of committees within the independent school sector. Respected for his opinions, his propriety and amiability, Don contributed actively to discussions on the VCE. In 1992, he and I hosted a meeting of the independent boys’ schools on this subject with the State Minister for Education. In recognition of his service, Council established the “DM Marles Scholarship Fund”.
In 1992, as Chair of Council, I had the privilege of farewelling Don Marles at his last Presentation Night. I concluded by saying:
“Personally, I do not think in terms of how history will judge the leadership of Don Marles. I know from my own association with Trinity that in all ways the last 14 years have been a most creative and dynamic period. Trinity is not only indebted but indeed fortunate to have had a great Headmaster.”
Don Marles was the Headmaster of Trinity Grammar School from 1979 –1992. He died in 2017.
