Movers and shakers at the 2025 AGM

A big congratulations to the movers and shakers announced at our AGM on Tuesday.

Our first announcement is a big one: the retirement of our president, Richard Broome.

We are incredibly grateful for Richard’s outstanding leadership over his 12 years on council, particularly the last 6 as president. Richard’s contributions as leader have been many — his ability to bridge the gap between the academy and the wider community has been a hallmark of his career as both historian and president.

Over the years, he has represented us brilliantly, from his public appearances in the media, fascinating lecture presentations to his unmatched success at both fundraising and increasing the academic standing of the organisation. His work as a historian of indigenous history has fostered meaningful connections within indigenous communities while bringing greater appreciation for these perspectives to mainstream history. His presence at our helm has shaped RHSV in unmistakable ways and we thank him for it.

With big shoes to fill, we embrace incoming president, Robert Pascoe, as the new leader of the organisation. Robert is Dean Laureate and Professor Emeritus of history at Victoria University. Welcome, Robert, we look forward to working with you!

We also farewell outgoing council Treasurer, Daniel Clements, and admit Mary Jones to the role. Additionally, we thank councillors Elizabeth Triarico and Nikita Vanderbyl, who are stepping down, and welcome Steven Campbell-Wright and Aaron Margo as new councillors.

The following awards were also announced:

Distinguished Service Award

  • Cathy Butcher
  • Daniel Clements
  • Sharon Betridge (2024)

Awards of Merit

  • Greg Buchanan – RHSV
  • Meyer Eidelson – Middle Park and Albert Park History Group
  • Maree Belyea – Camperdown and District Historical Society
  • Alison Cameron – RHSV
  • Brendon Smith OAM – Yarrambat Historical Society
  • Helen Stevens – Pyramid Hill and District Historical Society

Associate Fellows of the RHSV

  • Dr Anne Beggs-Sunter

Presentation of John Adams Prize
A biennial prize awarded by the Royal Historical Society Victoria for the best article on Victorian history published in the Victorian Historical Journal over two years.

  • David Harris for “Livingston: A One-Teacher School in the Gippsland Hills, 1913 – 1938)”

RHSV Hall of Fame

2024

  • William Barak (1824 – 1903)
  • Geoffrey Serle (1922 – 1998)
  • Marjorie Tipping (1917 – 2009)
  • Professor Geoffrey Blainey
  • Professor Janet McCalman

2025

  • Michael Cannon (1929–2022)
  • Margaret Kiddle (1914‒1958)
  • Professor Graeme Davison
  • Professor Patricia Grimshaw

The AGM was followed by our 2025 Weston Bates Oration.

Established in honour of the late Weston Bates, who was an esteemed historian, author, and twice president of the RHSV, these Orations are annual events delivered at the Society’s AGM. This year’s session, Melbourne from the Air, was presented by Graeme Davison AO, and was truly captivating.

We extend our appreciation to all involved in the 2025 AGM. It was fantastic to see everyone (in person or online!) and a great opportunity to reflect on everything we’ve achieved in the last year.