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AWARD CELEBRATES INNOVATOR IN RURAL EDUCATION - BRIAN CLARKE
The contribution of the late Brian Clarke to rural education in
Gippsland has been honoured with ECG (Education Centre
Gippsland) establishing an annual award to honour his memory.
ECG arboriculture graduate Steven Swarbrick is the inaugural
recipient of the Brian Clarke Award for Innovation in Rural
Studies. .
Horticulturalist and McMillan Advisory Board Chair, Helene
Armour, announced the award at ECG’s Graduation ceremony.
She said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the success
of students and the growth of the McMillan campus over the past
30 years.
“Brian Clarke, who passed away last year, was the Foundation
Principal of McMillan in 1976 heading the development of the
first rural studies centre of its type in Gippsland and the
first in the state for its approach in taking agriculture
training into communities and on to farms.
“Brian’s vision for rural education changed the nature of
institution-based courses developing programs to meet the needs
of practising farmers and industry. That legacy continues to be
a hallmark of McMillan programs today.”
She said while Brian left Gippsland in 1989, he came back into
the life of McMillan in 2005 assisting ECG when it took over
management of the campus providing staff with mentoring and
guidance.”
Presenting the award, Vivienne Clarke said the family were
honoured by the award and the tribute to her late husband.
“This award pays tribute to spirit, adventurism, and innovation
in rural studies, and Steven Swarbrick is an excellent recipient
for the award.”
Steven, who works at Benson’s Tree Services at Sale, has been in
the tree industry for some 20 years and has shown commitment to
improving his knowledge and skills through further education.
Steven completed a Certificate 4 in Arboriculture and also has a
Certificate in Horticulture.
A portrait drawing of Brian Clarke by ECG staff member Michele
Millane was also unveiled at the ceremony and will be hung at
ECG McMillan.
L-R :
ECG CEO Bernadette O’Connor, ECG Head of Rural Studies
Babis Lagos, Arboriculture graduate and Bran Clarke awardee
Steven Swarbrick, Vivienne Clarke, and McMillan Advisory Board
Chair Helen Armour with the portrait of Brian Clarke.
Media inquiries:
Bernadette O’Connor or Sharon Clements 5622 6000
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