Our People
9 June, 2026
Celebrating 45 years of dedication to education
AFTER nearly five decades of dedication to education, Beaufort Secondary College farewelled one of its most familiar faces when Robyn Sutherland retired at the end of Term 1.
Robyn's connection with the college stretches back an extraordinary forty-nine years.
A former student of Beaufort High School as Robyn Millar, she returned to the school community in October 1977 and began what would become a remarkable career of service.
While Robyn officially retires with forty-five years of service, her association with the college spans almost half a century.
Her extensive service was recognised by Education Minister and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll when he presented her with a Certificate of Service acknowledging her forty-five years with the Department of Education.
In the earlier part of her career, she met her husband Tony who was also a teacher at Beaufort Secondary College.
Having two children meant a two-year break to raise their children.
Along the way, Robyn and Tony took time out to pursue a two-year adventure living in Alberta, Canada on a teacher exchange program in Calgary and Grande Prairie. Despite these breaks, her commitment to the school never wavered.
For generations of students, parents and staff, Robyn was a constant and reassuring presence. Engaged in the science laboratory, Robyn’s role also included support in the general office. She set up countless practical experiments over the years. Her behind-the-scenes work helped bring classroom learning to life for so many students.
During the 1990s, Robyn's connection to the school became even more personal when her sons, Tim and Andrew, attended the college, further strengthening the family's ties to the Beaufort community.
Robyn has been described as dependable, hardworking and always willing to lend a hand. Her knowledge of the school, its people and its history has been invaluable, and her friendly nature has left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.
Outside of work, Robyn and her husband Tony have enjoyed travelling extensively, exploring destinations both within Australia and around the world.
With retirement now firmly in place, they are busily planning their travel adventures and ticking off even more destinations from their growing list. Naturally amongst that list are visits to Perth to visit their son Andrew and his family and time with son Tim and his family in Ballarat.
She is actively involved with the Lilyana CWA as its President, enjoys craft with Lilyana, loves cooking and is involved with her two sisters in running part of the original Millar family farm at Lake Goldsmith.
Robyn's contribution will be remembered for many years to come.
Her forty-five years of service represent an extraordinary commitment to public education and to the local community.
After a lifetime spent supporting others, it is now time for Robyn to enjoy some well-earned time for herself and her family and embrace the adventures that lie ahead.
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