On Friday 1 April, Durack Institute of Technology celebrated the achievements of staff and students of the graduating class of 2010 at its gala awards evening held at Geraldton Grammar’s Batavia Hall.
Community and industry leaders mixed with staff, students and their guests while enjoying the catering provided by Durack’s Hospitality and Commercial Cookery students under the supervision of the Hospitality Lecturers.
Minister for Energy; Training & Workforce Development; Indigenous Affairs, Hon. Peter Collier delivered an occasional address which highlighted the increasingly important role of vocational training in the Western Australian labour market.
The Minister was followed by student speaker, Samuel McLachlan who after completing a Certificate IV in Information Technology (Multimedia) secured a job as a web developer with Market Creations.
One of the evening’s highlights was special guest speaker, WA Apprentice of the Year 2010, Emerson Lievense. At 17 he was the youngest person to gain employment as an offshore apprentice. Now 21, Emerson personifi ed the night’s theme of Aspire, Achieve with an inspirational address outlining an impressive list of academic, career and personal achievements, despite being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in February 2010.
The focus of the night was the presentation of Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications, and the outstanding achievement awards sponsored by 40 local businesses to recognise the excellence of Diploma to Certificate level students.
In 2010, Durack broadened its training options by offering post-graduate study through a partnership with Charles Sturt University’s Australian Graduate Management Consortium (AGMC). Graduates of the course were also presented their qualifications by AGMC Executive Director, Joanne Parker.
In his Welcome address, Durack Institute of Technology’s Managing Director, Bert Beevers spoke of community and industry desire to create a “Smart Midwest”.
“If this goal is to be achieved – this institution must lead the way, particularly in partnership with Geraldton Universities Centre and other regional Universities who better understand the student and employer requirements in regional and remote settings. If we do not – then our community’s brightest and best students will go elsewhere – as many already do,” said Mr Beevers.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the four Major Award winners:
- 2010 Aboriginal Student of the Year, Bevan Corbett, sponsored by Rio Tinto. Bevan studied Certifi cate I in Industrial Skills and Certifi cate I in Engineering.
- 2010 Trainee of the Year, Shane Brooker sponsored by Market Creations. Shane completed Certifi cate II in Engineering (Split System Air Conditioning) with his employer Cramer & Neill.
- 2010 Apprentice of the Year, Ashlee Rogers sponsored by the Geraldton Rotary Club. Ashlee is an apprentice hairdresser with Price Attack Geraldton.
- 2010 Vocational Student of the Year, Angela Barrett sponsored by the Mid West Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Angela completed a Diploma of Enrolled Nursing.
All major award winners will be encouraged to participate in the 2011 WA Training Awards, which are currently accepting applications.
Durack Institute of Technology staff were also recognised for their outstanding commitment to the Institute and students with the announcement of the staff quality awards.
- Elizabeth Gardner, Lecturer in Tourism, TAE, Horticulture and Retail at Exmouth Campus, was presented with the Lecturing Excellence Award.
- Chrissy Lyne, Lecturer in Mining, was announced as the Rising Star Lecturer.
- Ian Markham, Lecturer in Rural Skills at Wiluna campus was presented with the Client Service Award.
- Craig Jerrard, Manager, Physical Resources was presented with the Leadership Award.
- Exmouth Campus was announced as the High Performing Team.
High quality photos of graduates and award winners will be emailed upon request. Email marketing@durack.edu.au to order.