The School Board and the wider school community warmly congratulates school founder and lifelong supporter of Goulburn Valley Grammar School, Mr Peter Charles Johnson OAM.

On Monday 10 June, Peter was named in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community of the Shepparton region.

Peter is a worthy recipient of this recognition. He has been truly committed to making a contribution to the Goulburn Valley Community for as long as people can remember. He embodies the ethos of philanthropic contribution to community.

The original concept for Goulburn Valley Grammar School was the brainchild of a casual Sunday lunch between friends in 1979. Peter Johnson, a Shepparton lawyer, was present at that lunch. A mere three years later the School officially opened in 1982. This launched Peter’s 40 year involvement with the School.

Along with a small number of other community members, Peter identified the importance of having a high performing independent school in a major regional centre. He believed such a school would provide an alternative to existing Government and Catholic schools, stop an exodus of students to Melbourne boarding schools and help attract professionals to the Goulburn Valley.

Peter was a member of the initial steering committee, the initial treasurer and on the initial school council. He prepared the constitution, met with potential Principals and assessed physical sites and the funding of the land purchase. He then was involved in matters such as fund raising, uniform development and bus routes.

His involvement and commitment continued for the next 40 years, in particular on the School’s Finance and Audit Committee, the Foundation, various fundraising appeals and underwriting an Artist -in-Residence from Turkey. He is a regular financial donor and Presentation Night sponsor.

Peter’s character is respected and admired throughout the Goulburn Valley. Whilst our particular connection with Peter has been through our School, his professional and community contributions extend across the Goulburn Valley and beyond.