VALE THE HONOURABLE DON WING AM

Scotch College Prefects 1955 – Don Wing AM, third from left

It is with great sadness that Scotch Oakburn College acknowledges the passing of The Honourable Don Wing AM (Scotch, ’55), one of the College’s most respected Collegians and enduring friends.

Don’s connection with the College began in the early 1950s, when he arrived at Scotch College as an 11-year-old boarder. Although those first days were marked by homesickness, he soon developed a deep sense of belonging. The friendships, experiences and values he encountered during his school years shaped him profoundly and began a relationship with the College that would continue throughout his life.

1954 football team (front, first on right)

As a student, Don embraced College life. He was a Prefect, Captain of St Andrews House and an active participant in football and cadets. He later reflected that his education was among the most important experiences of his life, instilling in him a belief that success should be measured not only by achievement, but by effort, character and contribution.

Those qualities remained evident throughout Don’s distinguished professional and public life. After studying law at the University of Tasmania, he established a successful career as a barrister. He later served as Mayor of Launceston before representing his community for almost three decades as an independent member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council, including six years as its President.

His contribution to Northern Tasmania was substantial, but Don’s connection with Scotch Oakburn remained one of the great constants of his life.

Across many decades, he gave generously of his time, experience and wisdom. He served as Secretary of the Parents and Friends Association, contributed as a member of College Council and held leadership roles within the Collegians community. In 2004, Don was appointed Patron of the Scotch Oakburn Collegians Association, later becoming Patron of Collegians.

In that role, Don became a steady and reassuring link between generations. He attended sporting matches, assemblies, concerts, productions and Collegians events, not for recognition, but because he cared deeply about the College and its people. He understood that the strength of a community rests in its relationships, and few people did more to sustain those relationships across generations.

At 2024 Commissioning of Principal Ross Patterson

Those who knew Don describe him in remarkably consistent terms: humble, thoughtful, generous and deeply committed to others.

His generosity was often quiet and unseen. On more than one occasion, Don provided support that enabled a young person to continue their education, seeking neither acknowledgement nor recognition. Such actions revealed the character behind his public achievements.

Don also helped build relationships extending well beyond the College, including international connections that created opportunities for students and enriched their experiences. He showed that meaningful leadership is not confined to position or title. It is expressed through service, presence, kindness and connection.

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Scotch Oakburn College has established the Don Wing Scholarship. The scholarship will create opportunities for young people whose character reflects the qualities Don embodied throughout his life: care for others, personal responsibility, generosity and a willingness to contribute.

It is a fitting and enduring expression of Don’s belief in education and his quiet commitment to helping others access its opportunities.

Don’s passing represents a profound loss to his family, friends, the College and the wider Tasmanian community. Yet his influence will continue through the institutions he served, the relationships he strengthened and the countless lives touched by his generosity and example.

The Scotch Oakburn College community extends its heartfelt condolences to Don’s family and those closest to him.

Don lived a life of purpose, service and quiet influence. We are enormously grateful that so much of that life was shared with us.

Ross Patterson
Principal