Monash students receive memorial scholarship
Two health students received the Tim McArdle Memorial Bursary at a presentation in Warragul last week.
Both Monash University students, Lily Henderson-Carbery is studyinga bachelor of paramedicine, while Liane Egglestone is studying a bachelor of nursing.
The bursary is in honour of Warragul doctor Tim McArdle who was killed in a cycling accident in September 2002.
They were presented with their scholarships by Tim's sister Jacinta. Two brothers Stephen and Peter also attended the ceremony which was held at the Monash School of Rural Health in Warragul.
The bursary is the result of local fundraising following Tim's death. The fund is overseen by a local committee in conjunction with Monash University.
Committee chairman Cleo Sahhar congratulated the two recipients. The bursary is made available to Monash students medical/health degrees at Monash University.
Dr Sahhar described it as a fantastic bursary assisting students in need.
He thanked Monash University for assisting with the administration of the bursary over many years. It was the 19th presentation evening which occurs annually.
Monash University associate professor of the School of Rural Health Cathy Haigh said Monash Rural Health valued the relationship it had with the the bursary committee and the McArdle family.
She said the strength of the scholarship was indicated by the fact that scholarships had even been awarded during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
She said it was obvious that Dr McArdle was a much loved general practitioner who also specialised in obstetrics.
"It truly was the circle of life," she said. Dr Haigh said Dr McArdle was very much connected to the local community through his weekly Dr Kev medical columns published each week in the Warragul Gazette.
She said the Dr Kev medical booklet featuring many of his columns was a lasting legacy.
A special guest was 2006 recipient Jennifer Massey, currently working as a physiotherapist in Newborough.
Ms Massey said the scholarship had been a great help to her during her studies enabling her to buy a laptop.
Ms Massey has undertaken post graduate studies in pelvic health physiotherapy,
She said she shared Dr McArdle's passion for improving the health of the community.
Dr McArdle was also well known as a pianist (electric keyboard) and singer in the local popular band The Beatroots.
Former band member Alan Tatlow spoke fondly of a man with an enormous musical knowledge. A knowledge he was keen to impart to other band members, he said.
Alan said Tim worked hard to analyse notes and chords and worked on lyrics for the band which played at many weddings and other functions across West Gippsland.
"You must remember that this was all before YouTube," he said.
He said Tim's musical knowledge was extensive, but he had a special love for the Beatles.
Alan offered many song titles as examples of Tim's favourites ranging from Paul McCartney's melodic tones like Yesterday to Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World and Van Morrison's Have I told you Lately.
He said he would always remember Tim for his musical talents but also his easy going nature where he could set up his electric keyboard on an ironing table and play footy in Civic Park after rehearsals.
In presenting the scholarship, Jacinta said her family was proud of Tim and all his achievements and also proud of the bursaries.
She said her brother loved living and working in Warragul.
Liana said she was pleased to receive the bursary, particularly as Dr McArdle was the family doctor, but before she was born.
She hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Lily said the bursary would assist with her studies and she hoped to work in rural communities in the future.
Alan and Dave Pascoe provided musical entertainment before the presentation. They were joined at the end by Chris Fogarty in true jamming style for the former Beatroots players.
Members of the local bursary committee are Dr Sahhar, Nasia Sahhar, Des Williams, Mavis Gallienne, Cathy Haigh, Carolyn Turner, Ken Thomas, Chris Fogarty, Brett Forge.