09/05/2026
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Max Duthie. Max was a wonderful community member who was very involved in the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre Mt Pleasant and Sebastopol History Walking Trail projects. His leaves us all with fond memories and a wonderful community legacy. Our condolences to his family. RIP Max. ๐
VALE MAX DUTHIE 1946-2026
We mourn the passing of John Maxwell (Max) Duthie, a former teacher at the College who was instrumental in the early days of the College as it began to offer the VCE. In time, Max taught across all secondary year levels and in later years added teaching primary classes to his ever-growing experience.
Max's journey to teaching started in Form 4 (Year 10) at Ballarat High School, a school he attended from 1958 to 1961. His Form 4 history teacher told him, "You should finish school, go to University, become a teacher and teach history".
Max decided that studying science at the School of Mines Ballarat was better suited to him, so he left school at the end of Form 4 and after completing studies at SMB, worked at Bendix Mintex as a quality control officer, and then at Timken. His teaching journey began in the late 1970s when he completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education.
In 1981 Max began working 2 days a week at Sebastopol Technical School (later to become Sebastopol Secondary College, now Phoenix P-12 Community College) while he finished his Dip Ed. This soon became 3 days a week when another staff member left the school, and he commenced full time there in 1982.
In 2001 Max left Sebastopol Secondary College, and in the following year commenced at Ballarat Christian College where he would stay until he retired from full-time teaching in 2013. Over the time he was at BalCC he carried out many roles - teaching, timetabling, reports coordinator and Librarian, among others. Max continued doing CRT work - first at BalCC, then to return to where his education journey began at Ballarat High School, where he did both CRT work and Year 12 exam supervision, until finally finishing up in 2023.
Some quotes from colleagues and parents both at BalCC and BHS:
"It has been a privilege to know Max for many years. I learned so much from Mr D and feel privileged to have shared an office with him 20 years ago. He was a man of wisdom, kindness and quiet strength, and I will always be grateful for the memories and the example he set. Love and prayers to the whole family at this very sad time." Dr Trent Loader
"What a guy! Always interested in, and encouraging of our family, our children, our mission work, and our welfare. Always up for a good, thoughtful chat." Mr Peter Bartlett
A Celebration of Life for Max will be held this Saturday, 9th May, 1:00pm at York Street Church of Christ, 410 York Street, Ballarat East. Live stream details will be available through York Street Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to York Street Church of Christ Missions for the Pot family serving in Cambodia.
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." Philippians 1:23
