Vale Dr Donald Sidney Biddle
AM, BA, MEd, PhD, FRGS, FACE
12 March 1923 – 21 January 2022
The Board of the Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Donald Sidney Biddle and wish to extend their deepest sympathies to the Biddle family. Dr Biddle remains a leading light in geography education across Australia.
Dr Biddle was the founding President of AGTA, and although on paper his leadership term went from 1967 – 1969, his influence remains to this day. Don’s service to and advocacy for geography education was exemplary. We remain inspired by Don’s conviction about the importance and role of collaboration, demonstrated through his distinguished service to several professional associations for geography – the legacy of which continues to provide the glue which keeps us all connected across school, initial teacher education, and academic geography research contexts.
In recognition of the high esteem in which Don is held, AGTA established the Dr Don Biddle Friend of Geography Award in 2010. The Award recognises, through peer nomination, those who make a significant and sustained contribution to the work of the Association and in promoting geographical education across Australia. Read more about the Don Biddle Friend of Geography Award.
The immense contribution of Dr Don Biddle to AGTA and to geography education in Australia continues to inspire geography educators across career-stages and contexts. Don was a progressive educator who led by example and created a treasured legacy of collaboration, inclusion and scholarly endeavour.
To read more about the life of Dr Biddle and his contribution to geography education, please see the following:
- A paper written by Dr Susan Bliss based on an interview conducted with Dr Don Biddle
- A citation written by Dr Stephen Codrington when Dr Don Biddle was awarded Life Membership to the Geographical Society of NSW.
- A tribute written by Dr Susan Caldis and shared at his Celebration of Life Service on behalf of the AGTA Board and Past AGTA Chairpersons.