Ray Darbritz, PLC’s Facilities Manager, plays a key role in maintaining a safe, well-managed and welcoming environment for the school community. His approach to facilities goes beyond technical skill—he brings warmth, resourcefulness, and a genuine care for the community.

Ray’s journey to PLC has been marked by diverse experiences. Originally a civil engineer, he ventured into building and construction before taking on facilities management roles in local government and even high-security environments. This wide-ranging experience has equipped him with the skills to effectively manage PLC’s sprawling ‘campus in a park’. Ray oversees building maintenance, upgrades, and event setups, ensuring that each aspect of PLC’s facilities runs smoothly and meets the highest standards of safety.

On any given day, Ray might be setting up marquees for the annual Twilight Picnic, planning backup power for the ELC, or cataloguing each room’s specifications for safety and efficiency. Ray has an eye for detail, demonstrated by the meticulous records he keeps, which were especially crucial when he adapted campus ventilation systems to meet COVID-19 guidelines. 

He also is very proud of the team of maintenance staff and contractors who help keep the college going day and night.

Beyond the technical, Ray takes small but meaningful actions that brighten the community. Every morning, he feeds the ducks that have made our school campus their home, shares homemade dried chicken treats with dogs Odin and Teddy, and checks the robotic lawn mower he calls Victor is working properly. 

Ray reflects on what it’s like to work at PLC. “You’ve never worked in a job where you get so much gratitude and appreciation. It’s my job to do these things, I don’t need thank you’s” he says.

Outside of work, Ray is an animal lover and dog trainer, the proud Grandfather to two boys and an active member of a tree-planting group named ‘Friends of Frog Hollow’. The volunteer group of friends met at their local football club for Auskick and have planted over 70,000 trees and counting, even winning state government environmental awards. 

Ray Darbritz’s dedication ensures that PLC Melbourne remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving environment for students and staff alike. His commitment to excellence and his ability to tackle the unexpected with grace and good humor have made him an indispensable part of the PLC family.