The Bill Kennedy Medal was initiated at the 2008 NSW SPC Annual Conference and is awarded to a member of the NSWSPC or a Life Member of the NSWSPC who has given significant service to the organisation over a sustained period of time.

The 2016 awardee is Chris Bonnor AM, a former President of the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council who has given significant service to the organisation over a sustained period of time. Chris has given service of distinction and merit that has invigorated, supported and inspired principals of NSW public schools. He has continued to be a fearless advocate for public education as a Life Member of the SPC. Indeed, he represents everything a public school educator should be: a passionate educator and an inspirational leader committed to advancing public education.

Chris is highly regarded for his nuanced and sophisticated analysis and research about education funding and outcomes in Australian schools. He contributes frequently to debates on education issues and is an important, articulate and well researched voice within the Australian media. He has co-authored two books dealing with policy and quality of schooling and continues to advocate for the importance and necessity of the Gonski school funding model. Chris continues to be a formidable asset to the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council and his support and commitment to the equitable and fair funding of schools in NSW is to be commended.

For these reasons, and for many more, we are proud to award Chris Bonnor the 2016 Bill Kennedy Medal. Chris embodies the spirit of the Bill Kennedy Medal. He has clearly and consistently displayed vision, integrity, compassion, energy and conviction. Chris is a worthy winner of this award in recognition of his outstanding service to the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council