AN academic procession that began at The Capital and concluded at Bendigo TAFE\u2019s MacGillivray Hall took place last week to mark one hundred and fifty years of tertiary education in Bendigo.<\/p>\n
The procession included alumni from La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE as well as forerunner institutions.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s super exciting to see everybody here today,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are about 300 in the procession.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a very proud history and it’s just wonderful for me to be here as chancellor of Latrobe, given my history in Bendigo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Brumby said the event was a celebration for all of Bendigo and its relationship with education and learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a sensational story for the city of Bendigo, and I’m so proud of it and what’s been achieved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s about celebrating knowledge and the thirst for knowledge, the creation of knowledge and researching and disseminating of knowledge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also about celebrating the training, skilling, building of capabilities and the building of the economic and social performance of the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bendigo TAFE board chair Margaret O\u2019Rourke said she was proud of the part her institution had played in the region\u2019s educational history and was excited about the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 150 years our two institutions and predecessors, have created educational and career opportunities for the region and we are still committed today,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a fitting tribute to our staff and students, both past and present, as we look towards the next 150 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
A commemorative book was also launched as part of the event.<\/p>\n