Life membership for Julia Ettery

Long-term volunteer and director on the board of Community College Gippsland Julia Ettery has been awarded life membership after 12 years’ voluntary service.

She was first appointed to the board in April 2005 and resigned earlier this year when her term expired at the annual general meeting in March.

Board co-chairman Des Williams recently presented Julia with her life membership at a luncheon with college volunteers, staff, board and family members held in July.

Mr Williams told the gathering that Julia’s meritorious service over many years had certainly earned her place as CCG’s 11th life member since its establishment in 1975.

“Julia had a key role in advocating with the State Government to secure CCG’s Korumburra Road Warragul Campus after Melbourne University withdrew,” he said.

“Working closely with another then director and life member, the late Graham Paynter, she successfully lobbied several state elected officials on CCG’s behalf.

“Julia’s links to government were critical in helping secure control of our Warragul Campus,” Mr Williams said.

“In 2005 CCG was granted tenancy of the Warragul campus and received a $1 million grant for repairs and upgrade to the facility.”

“Support Julia helped gain from the State government also assisted CCG in re-sizing its organisation in response to reduced VET funding in recent years,” he said.

“This was vital and allowed us to carry out the changes required to ensure our financial sustainability.”

“Through Julia’s extensive community and political networks she has been a strong promoter and advocate of CCG.

Over her 12 years as an active Board member, Julia carried out her duties as a Director with commitment and conviction,” he said.

Mrs Ettery’s vacant position on the board has been filled by

Board members Marianne Shearer, centre left and Jeanne Van Der Geest Dekker with chief executive Sue Geals, left, and quality and services director Kristen Theile.

Julia Ettery receiving CCG life membership with (from left): board co-chair Des Williams, and her family members, Kevin, Alicia, Ron and Marianne Ettery and Chris York, and CCG chief executive Sue Geals.

Members of the Yarragon Men’s Shed (from left): Ian Potter, David Jarman, Bob Seamons, Alan Pollett, and Ron Thomas are thanked by Gippsland Harness Training Centre’s Des Hughes, centre, and CCG board co-chair Des Williams.

Enjoying the dinner are (from left): reconnect program officer Helen Rabot, student enrolment officers Julie Knight and Mayoma De Abrew and cusomer service officer Tania McEvoy.