Higher education milestone marked

AN academic procession that began at The Capital and concluded at Bendigo TAFE’s MacGillivray Hall took place last week to mark one hundred and fifty years of tertiary education in Bendigo.

The procession included alumni from La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE as well as forerunner institutions.

The procession was led by La Trobe chancellor, former State Premier, and Federal Member for Bendigo, John Brumby, who said he was thrilled to be part of the celebrations.

“It’s super exciting to see everybody here today,” he said. “There are about 300 in the procession.

“It’s a very proud history and it’s just wonderful for me to be here as chancellor of Latrobe, given my history in Bendigo.”

Mr Brumby said the event was a celebration for all of Bendigo and its relationship with education and learning.

“It’s a sensational story for the city of Bendigo, and I’m so proud of it and what’s been achieved,” he said.

“It’s about celebrating knowledge and the thirst for knowledge, the creation of knowledge and researching and disseminating of knowledge.

“It’s also about celebrating the training, skilling, building of capabilities and the building of the economic and social performance of the region.”

Bendigo TAFE board chair Margaret O’Rourke said she was proud of the part her institution had played in the region’s educational history and was excited about the future.

“For 150 years our two institutions and predecessors, have created educational and career opportunities for the region and we are still committed today,” she said.

“This is a fitting tribute to our staff and students, both past and present, as we look towards the next 150 years.”

A commemorative book was also launched as part of the event.

Titled Memories and Milestones, it reflects Bendigo’s education journey which started with the School of Mines in 1873.

Other tertiary education institutions that have been a part of Bendigo’s history include Bendigo Teachers’ College, Northern School of Nursing and the Bendigo College of Advanced Education.