Long teaching service

Four West Gippsland school teachers have been recognised for more than 40 years’ service to education.

They were among hundreds of Victorian teachers recognised for their dedication to public education and acknowledged for 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service at the Recognition of Service to Victorian Education awards this week.

Among those recognised were Rosemary Allica (Warragul PS) for 45 years; Wilma Kimmenade Hurst (Trafalgar PS) for 45 years; Ted Lease (Bunyip PS) for 45 years; and. David Ridsdale (Warragul Regional College) for 40 years service.

Combined, the 398 teachers across Victoria had devoted more than 17,000 years to teaching.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing congratulated the teachers for their many years of service.

“Their commitment and dedication for education has been felt by generations of young students within the Gippsland community,” she said.

Education Minister James Merlino said “from blackboard, to whiteboard, to smartboard, these recipients have inspired curiosity and helped students thrive over many decades.”

“Whether they worked in front of a classroom or in an office supporting schools, everyone recognised in Recognition of Service to Victorian Education awards has helped deliver a great education to thousands of Victorian kids,” he said.