One of our Old Collegians has been seen in newspapers and on TV frequently of late due to his role in the Victorian Government. The Hon James Merlino MLA (pictured above with former Deputy Principal Mr Michael Johnston) is a former student of the College and has always supported the Old Collegians’ Association and has given back to the College many times. Most recently he came to the College to officially open the Mercy Learning Centre in 2019. He attributes his passion and love for politics to his senior years and teachers at the College.
HON JAMES MERLINO MLA
James Merlino (Class of 1990) attended the College from 1985 to 1990 and went on to study Arts (Political Science) at Melbourne University. In 1997 he served as a councillor on the Yarra Ranges Council, including a period as Deputy Mayor. He left this position when he was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2002 as the Member for Monbulk in the Legislative Assembly.
Following the 2006 state election he was appointed the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs in the Bracks Government as well as the Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs. In 2010, he served as the Minister for Police and the Minister for Corrections.
After the 2014 election, he was sworn in as the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education in the Andrews Government. James later became the Minister for Emergency Services but returned to the role of Minister for Education after the 2018 election. He was inducted into the MLMC Mercy Honour Roll in 2013.
Another former student, Lizzie Blandthorn (Class of 1995), was elected in 2014 as the Member for Pascoe Vale in the Legislative Assembly, while John Michael McLindon (Class of 2001) served for four years as Chief of Staff for Premier Daniel Andrews. John Michael has had a long connection with the Old Collegians’ Association and was inducted into the Mercy Honour Roll in 2016.
James Merlino (middle, second from left) in his final year at MLMC.
John Michael McLindon.
