The Community Colleges Australia (CCA) Conference dinner recognised the achievements of eight member CEOs and senior staff who have recently departed or retired (or are about to retire) from the ACE sector. CCA Chair David Mackay (also CEO of TLK Community College, pictured with Patricia Carroll) provided certificates in recognition of exceptional service to the adult and community education sector to former leaders of St George and Sutherland Community College, Byron Community College, Camden Haven Community College, City East Community College, Parramatta Community College, WEA Illawarra, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College and South Coast Community College. Recognition recipients:
Patricia Carroll, long-time CEO of St George and Sutherland Community College (pictured with David Mackay), who retired from her role two years ago, but because of COVID never had the chance for a proper retirement dinner celebration. CCA values her long service to the NSW and national ACE community, including as one of the founders of Community Colleges Australia. She has left a strong legacy behind. CCA was pleased to see her successor, Bernadette Mills, at the Conference – and to note that Bernadette has recently joined the CCA Board of Directors.
Richard Vinycomb, Byron Community College – CCA celebrated his long service to the north coast and Rainbow region of New South Wales, including his ground-breaking and nationally significant work in education and training for environmental sustainability, permaculture and the other unique qualities his college has brought to the state and the nation.
Joneen Troup, Camden Haven Community College – In some ways, the College is “the little engine that could”, a small but very smart college embedded in the Laurieton, Taree and Manning regional communities, with a fabulous community garden. Joneen was a stalwart of the NSW ACE sector – including on the CCA Board – and CCA misses her steady hand and presence.
Angel Nunley, City East Community College – Her long service to the eastern suburbs of Sydney, most recently as College Principal, shows in the strong performance of the College, with its unique courses and professional migrant mentoring program. Her commitment and good humour will be much missed by the sector, however we are glad she remains in the post-secondary education space in Communities and Justice legal education.
Danielle Bensley, Parramatta Community College – As a former CEO of Parramatta College and former CCA Board Director, she served with grace and distinction. We are thrilled that she remains working within education and thank her again for your service.
Kerrie Smith, WEA Illawarra – has served with distinction for more than 20 years in her role as Training and Operations Manager and more recently as Director on the CCA Board. During her service, she has been an exemplary contributor to the VET and ACE sectors and a reliable mentor to many younger people working in the sector.
Ted Nabung, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College – With some six years at Hornsby Ku-ring gai Community College, he brought a high level of skills and training expertise to our sector, which also included great service to the CCA Board of Directors. Again, we are thrilled that he remains engaged with our sector in your current consulting work with CCNI.
Gary Watkins, South Coast Community College – Over just a short period of time at South Coast Community College, he was instrumental in ensuring the College’s sustainability and revival. Not only CCA, but we are sure the whole of the NSW South Coast thanks him for your professionalism, intelligence, steady hand and ability to withstand unique and unusual challenges.
Photos from the event are available on the CCA Facebook page.
