Tim North KC has today been recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List having been awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport and his significant impact on the community.
The Order of Australia Medal is one of the highest civilian honours in the country and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in various fields. Tim’s tireless commitment to the growth and development of rugby in Victoria has been exemplary, and this recognition is a testament to his remarkable achievements.
In addition to an illustrious career in law, Tim’s rugby related experience is exhaustive and longstanding. Tim became the President of the Scotch College “Scrum Club” in 2007, whilst his sons were playing rugby at school. However, this soon expanded into becoming a Director of Australian Junior Rugby Union Limited, an affiliated member of the Australian Rugby Union from 2007 until 2010.
Tim began his tenure on the then Victorian Rugby Union (VRU) Board in 2006 before becoming President in 2010. Tim held the Presidency for 5 consecutive two-year terms; a period in which he also provided invaluable counsel to the Melbourne Rebels, having also been a Board Member at various times over the decade and continuously since 2017. It was during such time that saw Tim’s legal expertise, passion and perseverance ensure the future of the Melbourne Rebels’ in the Super Rugby competition, leading the license transfer from private owners to the Victorian Rugby Union.
Tim has also held the role of Chair of the Weary Dunlop Rugby Foundation Limited, an initiative which supports young players with funding to assist the pursuit of education alongside rugby, since 2012. He also spearheaded numerous other initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity within the rugby community. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to supporting grassroots rugby and nurturing young talent has been widely acknowledged. Under his guidance, Rugby Victoria also witnessed unprecedented growth, in both participation numbers and the profile of the game in our State. Tim was bestowed with Life Membership of the Victorian Rugby Union, in 2021.
The Order of Australia medal is a testament to his remarkable achievements, outstanding leadership, passion and enduring commitment to rugby and the community. Rugby Victoria President, Neil Hay, expresses his congratulations.
“His visionary approach, coupled with his tireless efforts to foster grassroots participation, has left an indelible mark on the rugby community, inspiring generations of players and administrators.
This esteemed recognition not only celebrates Tim's remarkable contributions to the sport but also acknowledges his wider impact as a respected community leader. His dedication to fostering positive change and social cohesion, has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives, including The Quilt Program, that have enriched the lives of many Victorians.” Melbourne Rebels Chairman, Paul Docherty said the Rebels were a “better club because of his leadership”.
“Tim’s contribution extends much further than our Club. He has used his legal expertise to play a part in initiating positive changes to the governance of Australian Rugby, and he continues to be a role model for both men and women with leadership aspirations”. “We are so grateful to have Tim on the Melbourne Rebels’ Board, and we’re so proud that he’s been honoured in this way.”
Rugby Victoria and the Melbourne Rebels extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tim North KC on this well-deserved honour.
