NEW ROLE FOR ROD

In May, Rod Scurrah (SVC 1956-63) became the first Tasmanian to be appointed Grand Prior of the Order of St Lazarus in Australia.

Formally known as The Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus in Jerusalem, this ancient order of chivalry dates back to the Middle Ages, founded by Crusaders to care for those suffering from leprosy.

Today, the Order is non-denominational, with members committed to the Christian spirit of service, with 7000 members in 42 jurisdictions around the world, including about 30 in Tasmania.

Having joined the Order of St Lazarus some 15 years ago, Mr Scurrah said joining them has allowed him to participate with other Christians in undertaking good works in society.

To quote Rod - “The Order is, in part, a Hospitaller Order, so its objectives will always be that members serve to alleviate the plight of the sick and poor, whether they suffer a deficiency in spiritual or physical health or a poverty of means necessary to live with dignity.

“In Tasmania, the Order supports a number of projects related to palliative care, as well as smaller Community projects assisting Loui’s Van, Bethlehem House, and disadvantaged University students.”

Rod has had many roles. He had a very successful career in the Financial Planning sector. He is a past Chair of the Catholic Education Commission (2004-2011), past Chair and Governing Council member of Guilford Young College and a former Treasurer of the Tasmanian Liberal Party (2009-2019) and served as its President (2019-2022) and maintains his connection with the Party as a Trustee of the Gatenby Trust.

Rod’s two boys attended the College – Dean (SVC 1994-97) is an award-winning builder and Sam (SVC 1995-98) is a management consultant - he gained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Leadership, Organisational Change & Strategy at the University of Southern Queensland in 2012.  He spent some time on the Board of Guilford Young College as its Deputy Chair.

Whilst the two boys were at St Virgil’s, Rod and his wife, Libby, gave great support – Libby as President of the Parents & Friends Association whilst Rod gave his knowledge and time to coaching SVC hockey teams.

Rod’s older brother, Martin (SVC 1951-58) was inducted into the Heritage Role in 2022.