VANRENEN, Donald Sutherland AO (1924-1992) Grazier, merino sheep breeder and sheep industry advocate, Don Vanrenen was a dedicated supporter of his industry and local community. His Parents were Henry Beaumgard Vanrenen and Winefride Alexandra nee Sutherland. Born near St Arnaud, ‘Don’ first attended Avoca State School from 1930 to 1936 and St Arnaud High School in 1937 before being sent to Melbourne Grammar School in 1938. He was then admitted as a boarder at Geelong College where he was educated from 1939 to 1942. He was a popular student at School, a prefect and vice-captain of Warrinn House, as well as stroke of the 1st Rowing VIII and a member of the 1st Football XVIII.
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Don Vanrenen.
A grazier and merino breeder on the family property established in 1882, Avoca Forest, he participated in a wide variety of farm and educational associations over many years. He was a member and committee member of many organisations and was most notably president of the World Merino Breeders Secretariat and Committee from 1982 to 1986 and president of the World Federation of Merino Breeders from 1986 to 1992. A Life Governor of the Australian Sheep Breeders’ Association, Councillor on the Wool Council of Australia, a council member for the Melbourne College of Textiles, a long standing member of the Graziers’ Association of Victoria and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation, he was an active proponent and advocate for the wool industry. In 1991, his service was recognized with an award of Officer of the Order of Australia
‘for service to the wool industry, particularly through sheep breeding’ . The Shire of Kara Kara further recognized him in 1992 by electing him their ‘Citizen of the Year’. A keen golfer, water skier, tennis player and football player he was also a State Landcare Award Winner in 1991. His son Peter was also a boarder at the School from 1964 to 1967.
Sources: Biographical Details La Trobe Library (Unpublished); Order of Service 29 August 1992.