Vale Tom Glazebrook AM RFD ED

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Tom Glazebrook, a mentor and dear friend of the Girton community. We offer our deepest condolences to his children Sue and David, and to their friends and families. 

Mr Tom Glazebrook was born in Rockhampton, Queensland in 1926. He moved to Victoria to attend Scotch College Melbourne, then studied Civil Engineering at the predecessor to RMIT University, graduating in 1948 and receiving the Municipal Engineers prize from the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Kernot Medal for Dux of Engineering School from RMIT. 

He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1950, and made his way up the ranks to Major. He received his Master of Engineering and retired from the OC 104 Construction Squadron RAW (SR) in 1975 after 25 years of service, after having been awarded medals of Efficiency Decoration ED, 1st clasp to ED, Reserve Force Decoration RFD, 1st clasp to RFD, National Medal and Defence Medal. 

Mr Glazebrook held a number of roles during his life, including Assistant City Engineer, Assistant Divisional Engineer, Divisional Engineer, Sunday School Teacher, Preacher and Scout Teacher. He spent the majority of his working career at the Country Roads Board (which eventually became VicRoads). 

Mr Glazebrook gave to his community. He designed an oval and Kindergarten for a technical school, sat on the Advisory Council of Bendigo Senior High School for 10 years, was made Commodore of the Bendigo Yacht Club, served three years as Deputy Chairman of the Regional Board of La Trobe University Bendigo, and was the Executive Secretary and Building Coordinator for the Greater Bendigo Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. 

In 1970, Mr Glazebrook became a member of the Rotary Club of Bendigo South, and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by the club in 1988. He worked tirelessly for youth programs in the club, and was integral in forming a scholarship for a Year 10-11 student at Girton Grammar School. This is named ‘The Rotary Club of Bendigo South – Tom Glazebrook Scholarship’ in honour of Mr Glazebrook and his work. 

In 1995, Mr Glazebrook was made a Fellow of the Institute of Municipal Engineers Australia, an Honorary Member of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, and was additionally granted a Fellow status with the Institution of Engineers Australia. 

In 2001, Mr Glazebrook made the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘service to the community, particularly through the greater Bendigo Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and service to the Engineering profession’. 

Mr Glazebrook was a stalwart in the Girton community. He took it upon himself to personally present the scholarship bearing his name at Speech night over 27 years. Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly shares the following about Mr Glazebrook: 

“The image of Tom standing at the podium, year after year, is one that so many of us will carry forward. He brought with him a quiet dignity, a gentle but infectious enthusiasm, and a spirit of encouragement that reached far beyond the recipient of the award. Each time he stepped onto the stage, Tom did more than present a scholarship; he offered hope, recognition, and the powerful gift of believing in a young person’s potential.” 

Mr Glazebrook’s involvement with Girton extended beyond the scholarship and Speech Night. He attended Foundation Day each year and supported the school’s events and development, and regularly checked in on the recipients of his scholarship, becoming an unofficial mentor and celebrating their successes. 

Girton Grammar School thanks Mr Glazebrook and his family for their support and his presence for so many years. We are grateful for having known him.