Garry John Traynor, Founding Principal of Sydney Community College (SCC), has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the General Division for “services to adult education”.
Sydney Community College was previously known as Leichhardt-Marrickville Community College. Following Garry’s appointment as Principal in 1986, it became Sydney Community College under Garry’s leadership in 1988.
Garry Traynor has a long and eminent career in adult education, including:
- Member of the Board of Adult Learning Australia (ALA) from 1999-2008, and President of ALA 2005-2008;
- Member NSW TAFE Accreditation Council 2005-2014;
- Member and Deputy Chair, TAFE NSW, Sydney Institute Advisory Council 2005-2012; and
- Member, Education Advisory Committee, Innovations Business Skills Australia (ISBA) 2007-2013.
He is also the author of a number of papers on adult education and vocational training including many delivered at international forums. Garry maintains a strong interest in the social value of learning. He has spoken at conferences both national and international on education funding and policy and how government funding shapes and changes organisations.
“Community Colleges Australia congratulates Garry Traynor on receiving this eminent award,” said Dr Don Perlgut, CCA CEO. “Garry’s recognition is a mark of respect not only for his achievements, but for those of Sydney Community College – and reflects well on Australia’s adult and community education sector. He is well-deserving of this recognition.”
