The Gwydir Learning Region, and Bingara in particular, has lived up to its growing reputation of life long learning with two students taking out first places at the New England and North West Training Awards.
Vocational student of the year, Steve Adams, and School-based apprentice of the year, Jessica Heal, both from Bingara, will represent the region at the State level later this year.
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Touriandi Supervisor, Anne Withers, with award winning trainee, Jessica Heal. |
Jessica, who is planning a career as a paramedic, has completed a certificate III in community services (aged care) while working at Touriandi Lodge. She is undertaking Year 12 at Warialda High School and has completed her formal training in certificate III in aged care, including extension units in palliative care and assistance with medications.
Jessica has also completed a certificate II in business services and is currently undertaking a certificate III in business services as well as her HSC studies which include advanced maths and English, chemistry and personal development.
Mature aged student, Steve Adams has recently completed a diploma in agriculture, and was nominated for the title of Vocational student of the year by the New England Institute of TAFE.
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New England and North West Vocational student of the year, Steve Adams, with TAFE teacher from Armidale, Paddy Fagan. |
Steve, with a mechanical, defence force background, moved to Bingara with his wife, Elizabeth, when they bought Elizabeth’s family farm ‘Windi’ in 1995.
Since then, he has undertaken sustainable farming practices. He achieved his diploma by distance education in 12 months and has been innovative with his farming practices. Steve also sits on the Northern Slopes RLP Board, Border Rivers Gwydir Community Conservation Area Committee, North West Evergraze Steering Committee and Upper Gwydir Landcare Association.
He is also a keen tennis player, and a member of Bingara Lions.
