We posted a page for Michael here. http://www.ghostbikes.org/sydney/michael-bate

Mr. Bate was a very good teacher. He tought me only for one year but he was one of the best teachers I ever had. Ashu Pandey Cumberland High School

When Mike came to France with his students, at the Chambon-Feugerolles, I shared intense moments with him, I realized then I had met a friend. We were about to see each other again in Australia and I was hoping to meet you, his children, his family, and his friends. Today I would like to let you know that I share your grief and stand beside you in this terrible hardship. I send to Ainsley, Dominic et Elison and to all of you my deepest feelings. Yours sincerely. Lorsque Mike est venu en France avec ses élèves, au Chambon-Feugerolles, j'ai partagé des moments forts avec lui, j'avais rencontré un ami. Nous devions nous revoir en Australie, j'espérais faire votre connaissance, vous ses enfants, sa famille et rencontrer ses amis. Aujourd'hui je veux vous accompagner dans cette terrible épreuve, partager votre immense douleur, être simplement avec vous. Recevez, Ainsley, Dominic et Elison et vous tous, mes sentiments les plus sincères.

The terrible news of our beloved colleague Mike’s premature departure came as a shock. We cannot express the pain we feel. We wanted to convey our sincere condolences. Mike, our Australian friend, also French by heart, was always eager for a scientific project, exchanges, communicating with people, in English, French, German or even Chinese … or just for a smile. Pupils and teachers were delighted to work with him. Pupils would learn from his sharing of knowledge, of culture, which would enrich anyone who approached him, and always with modesty. He was always attentive to people around him and his kind gestures should stay in our hearts. Mike was gifted with this sense of sharing with people. We’ve been knowing him only for four years and saw him only for a few days but he became a very close friend of ours. When we thought about Australia, it was about Mike we thought first, he gave us the will to visit his country and meet his people. He made the Cumberland High School/ Collège Massenet-Fourneyron exchange possible and we are all in mourning today. This tragic loss has affected us deeply and we will remember him as a unique and wonderful person we shall never replace. We cannot believe we will not have the chance to hear or see him again, and we will miss him a lot, as all the people who knew him. Mike will stay in our hearts. Sincerely, The students, lab assistant and teachers from the French scientific workshop, Student's parents who met him and the Board of Collège Massenet Fourneyron

This message is from Brigitte Mondon alone. Mike was the real best friend I never had.We spoke both together every two or three weeks by phone. We spoke about every things, we shared the same sight of our profession and a lot of ideas in politic or simply about life, . I'm complitly shattered by his loss. I lost more than a friend, I lost the alone person who understood me so well. He was so sensible, thoughtful, kind, attentive to people around him. He was a part of my life and I miss him so much already. I know, I would like so much can call him again during long time. He was the best man I never meet and I'm very happy and proud to meet him, even if, it was for four years only. I share your pain and I feel close to you all. Sincerely. Brigitte I'm sorry for my English.

The terrible news of our beloved colleague Mike’s premature departure came as a shock. We cannot express the pain we feel. We wanted to convey our sincere condolences to his family and relatives on this sudden loss. Mike, our Australian friend, also French by heart, was always eager for a scientific project, exchanges, communicating with people, in English, French, German or even Chinese … or just for a smile. Pupils and teachers were delighted to work with him. Pupils would learn from his sharing of knowledge, of culture, which would enrich anyone who approached him, and always with modesty. He was always attentive to people around him and his kind gestures should stay in our hearts. Mike was gifted with this sense of sharing with people. We’ve been knowing him only for four years and saw him only for a few days but he became a very close friend of ours. When we thought about Australia, it was about Mike we thought first, he gave us the will to visit his country and meet his people. This tragic loss has affected us deeply and we will remember him as a unique and wonderful person we shall never replace,we are all in mourning today. We cannot believe we will not have the chance to hear or see him again, and we will miss him a lot, as all the people who knew him. Mike will stay in our hearts. Sincerely, The students, lab assistant and teachers from the French scientific workshop, Student's parents who met him and the Board of Collège Massenet Fourneyron Rue Thomas 42500 Le Chambon-Feugerolles France