2015 ROTARY TAFE AWARDS

Vocational Services chair Gordon Curran introduced SW TAFE CEO Mark Fidge to assist with the presentations.

 

Each year the club makes a grant of $1,000 to a SW TAFE student demonstrating good academic progress, who is active in some form of community or student service, and who could benefit from some financial assistance. Previous winners have included 2014 Rebecca Kenny (nursing) and Dylan Murphy (hospitality) both of whom have gone on to do well in their studies.

 

This year’s winner was Melissa Murrihy, a VCAL Intermediate student with an interest in event management. In introducing Melissa to President Marie, TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said that prior to moving to Warrnambool to begin a new life,  Melissa had experienced some challenging life and school experiences.  As part of her studies, Melissa assisted with the development and implementation of the recent Teens on the Green project and really went the extra mile to make sure the project was a success.  Always positive and respectful, her teachers state that Melissa genuinely appreciates the opportunities TAFE has provided her. She has been selected to work on the Freeza committee where she will continue to be a voice for fellow young people in the South West and further develop her event management, communication and project planning skills. The Freeza program is an innovative youth development program that provides opportunities for young people aged 12-25 to enjoy live bands and other cultural, recreational and artistic events that are drug, alcohol and smoke-free in supervised and safe venues. President Marie presented Melissa with a framed certificate and cheque which Melissa said would enable her to pay off her TAFE fees.  Melissa thanked both Rotary and TAFE for the award, and said that everyone at TAFE has been so encouraging and in their support.

 

Gordon Curran then announced that a donation of $750 enabled two further awards to be made.

 

The first of these awards was presented to Jessica Prowd.  Jessica  is completing a Certificate III Business Administration, and is employed as a trainee at SW TAFE with the Off Campus/Business Industry Department. She is well on track to completing her course, and undertook volunteer work with Lyndoch, Mercy Place and with Emmanuel College whilst in Year 12 last year.  Jess is described as a bright and enthusiastic student with a good work ethic.  President Marie presented Jess with her award and cheque. Jessica thanked Rotary and TAFE for this award, and especially thanked her teachers for nominating her. She is looking forward to developing her skills through further study, and going on to enjoy a career in administration.

 

The final recipient of an award was Mollie Coghlan-West who is also completing Certificate Ill Business Administration. She is a trainee at Warrnambool City Council, and has been making good academic progress, with her quality of work being of a high standard.  Mollie is a courteous  and polite student who is keen to finish her studies and progress further either with university or other higher education options.  Mollie is involved in Koroit Netball Club and helps out with club activities including netball training sessions. In 2014 she coached the under 14 Netballers.  President Marie presented Mollie with a certificate and cheque and Mollie thanked Rotary and TAFE for her award.