The John Laing Award by the Principals Australia Institute recognises a commitment to education and consistent demonstration of outstanding leadership. 

Eight other principals were awarded a John Laing Award at the Melbourne School of Graduate Education on November 16. 

Mr Richmond said he was humbled by the award. 

“Somebody thinks I’m doing a good job,” he said. 

The award is peer-nominated. 

Mr Richmond said principals across the Wimmera and Mallee were supporting and cohesive. 

He said the group of principals in the area – the West Grampians Network – ensured students received the best possible education. 

Mr Richmond has worked at the Birchip P-12 school for 40 years in 2017 and started there as a young teacher. He said he had fallen in love with the community. 

“The community is engaging, supportive and safe,” he said. 

“I got involved and I stayed.” 

Mr Richmond said he was proud of his staff. 

“I am proud to lead highly experienced teachers who share the same passion for teaching and learning children,” he said. 

“It’s great to have the staff, parents and students all on the same page.” 

Mr Richmond grew up at Warracknabeal and attended Warracknabeal High School before studying at Melbourne University. 

He taught at Ballarat Grammar before being placed at the Birchip P-12 School. 

“It’s easy to fall in love with (Birchip),” he said. 

“It’s a progressive and beneficial community. It might be a long way from Melbourne but there is a lot to do in Birchip.” 

Mr Richmond was a mathematics, physics and IT teacher before taking on the top job.