Celebrating the achievements of students and community
An evening of excitement and celebration unfolded as Community College Gippsland hosted its 2023 Award ceremony, shining a spotlight on the success achieved by the students at ECG Secondary College Warragul, Leongatha, Pakenham and Dandenong campuses, students of RTO and Learn Local as well as industry partners. This annual event was a testament to the power of collaboration between education and industry, fostering growth and community spirit.
The evening was dedicated to recognising and commending individuals and organisations who have made significant improvements to themselves and contributions to the community. Among the distinguished awards presented were 12 donor awards spanning Warragul, Leongatha, Pakenham and Dandenong campuses, three RTO awards, two Learn Local Awards, the Industry Partner Award, and the prestigious Community Builder Award.
The Industry Partner Award was rightfully bestowed upon Woorayl Lodge Inc. Leongatha, recognising their collaborative work done to enhance opportunities for learners to grow and achieve.
The Community Builder Award was presented to Tony Bundock, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to community development and spirit. The Community Builder Award recognises educators, students, community members and business leaders who understand the power of education in developing and sustaining social equity. This prestigious award was established to honour the memory of former Board Member Terrylene Marks. Terry, who passed away in 2021, will forever be remembered for her outstanding community-building work and tireless promotion of education for all in her community. Each year, the award will pay tribute to Terry’s contagious passion, continuous contribution to positive change and dedication to supporting her community.
The success of the 2023 Awards Ceremony was attributed to the generous support of Fonterra, Battery Zone Warragul, Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, TAFE Gippsland, BD Legal, Commonwealth Bank Warragul & Leongatha, Gippsland Water, Maree McPherson, McFarlane Criminal Lawyers, Saputo, Skillinvest, South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN, and Warragul City Motors.
Kim McFarlane from McFarlane Criminal Lawyers stated ‘as defence lawyers, we often see individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, so we find it encouraging to see people making the most of alternative education options. We could not be prouder to support this incredible organisation.’
The evening was filled with exceptional performances featuring a captivating musical by Mel Pollard, the jovial Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Deak ‘Deaksy’ from 3GG, the lens capturing the evening’s highlights by Lauren Murphy, and the hospitality extended by the Warragul Country Club, providing an outstanding venue for the event.
Shaun Donaldson, Warragul City Motors said, “It was a privilege to be a part of the evening and to see how the awards impacted the recipients and humbling to see how the whole school community supported one another. It was obvious to see that the strong staff and student relationships were an integral part of the college’s success supporting and encouraging academic and personal growth.”
Together with the Board of Community College Gippsland, staff, students dedicated parents and esteemed sponsors, the 2023 Awards celebrated the dynamic synergy between education and industry, emphasising the significance of collaboration in nurturing excellence, fostering growth, and promoting a robust spirit of community. Shaun Donaldson further stated ‘education is a journey taken together. With great support, hard work, and perseverance anything is possible.’
