Arthur Roden Cutler

By any measure, Sir Roden Cutler was a great Australian.

He was Governor of NSW, 1966-1982, the longest serving holder of that office in the history of this State.

He was also a diplomat, serving as Consul-general in New York (1961-1965) and the Australian delegate to the United Nations General Assembly (1963-1964).

His lasting fame, however, arose from his actions in the Syrian Campaign in 1941 for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery.

Roden Cutler had a special relationship with Sydney Boys’ High School, dating from his enrolment as a boy in 1932. He became a champion swimmer, a prefect and the captain of the Rifle team. He achieved a legendary status even in those formative years, as Sir Alan Renouf recalled:

“I remember Cutler well for an exploit which made him an object of awe amongst his fellow students. As well as being an outstanding swimmer, Cutler was a first-class marksman. At the time, the magpies which perched in the enormous Moreton Bay fig trees at the entrance to the school were nesting and constantly swooped down to attack anyone who came near. Cutler was attacked one day when carrying his rifle to school and retaliated by blasting one of the assailants in full flight.”

His association with the school continued long after he left. On his return to Australia in 1942 he addressed the boys of his old school on the value of cadet training. He attended numerous functions as guest of honour during his term as Governor. He also became the patron of the Old Boys’ Union, a position he held until his death.

His special relationship with the school was recognised in the 1970s when the drive that passes the main entrance of the school in Moore Park was named the Cutler Drive. The Cutler Memorial Gates, located on Anzac Parade, were dedicated by the Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffrey on 24 May 2007.