The Melbourne Cricket Club is saddened by the passing of former Committee member and long-time MCC member, The Honourable Anthony (Tony) Street.
After being nominated for membership on the day of his birth in February 1926, Tony was elected to membership in October 1932 at the age of six.At 96 years of age and as the Club’s longest serving member, Tony sadly passed just four days short of celebrating 90 years of MCC membership.
His involvement with the Club during his incredible tenure was extensive, including 14 years as a Committee member from 1985 until 1998, serving alongside Presidents Donald Cordner and John Mitchell.
Away from the Club, Tony’s professional career included nearly 20 years as a Federal Politician with the Liberal Party where he held several ministerial positions.
He served in the House of Representatives from 1966 to 1984 for the Division of Corangamite, a Shire in the Barwon South West region of Victoria.
His expertise gained in serving as minister for Labor and Immigration, Employment and Industrial Relations, Industrial Relations and Minister for Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser across his career was welcomed by the MCC Committee when he joined following his resignation from office in 1984.
MCC President Michael Happell said Tony’s contribution to the Club left an undeniable footprint.
“Tony’s expertise from his years of Government service was pivotal during his time on the MCC Committee,” said Mr Happell.
“His passion for sport was evident in his love for cricket and the Melbourne Football Club, and it was reflected in his work with the Club.
“Through a period of change in the 1980s and 1990s Tony’s dedication and knowledge of community were highly valued.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones at this time.”
Following his schooling at Melbourne Grammar School, Tony served in the Royal Australian Navy as an Able Seaman, serving on HMAS Norman, HMAS Queenborough and HMAS Shropshire.
Tony retired to Eildon, Lismore in the latter years of his life.
Our thoughts are with his wife Ricky, sons Geoffrey, Alan and Philip, extended family and friends.