Adult Learners' Week award winners announced

7/9/99
A Derby woman who volunteered in the early stages of the Robert Bogucki search and rescue mission, a Derby lecturer who successfully commercialised the work of local Aboriginal artists and a senior who runs belly dancing classes for over-50s are among this year's Adult Learners' Week award winners.
Employment and Training Minister Graham Kierath said at the awards presentation last night that Adult Learners' Week provided inspiration and role models to all adults and demonstrated the benefits of lifelong learning.
Shirley Travis (63) of Derby, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of one, won the Outstanding Older Learner award in recognition of her dedication to furthering her education and extraordinary service to her community.
Shirley is a volunteer with the State Emergency Service, does extensive charity work and is studying Information Technology at Kimberley College of TAFE.
At the time TAFE College Manager Tony Holland was preparing Shirley's nomination, this active senior was among a group of trackers searching for the American adventurer near Sandfire Roadhouse, 300km south of Broome.
A lecturer with Kimberley College at Derby, Mark Norval (40) won the Outstanding Tutor Award for his achievements in teaching and promoting the work of local Aboriginal artists from the Mowanjum community.
Mark, an artist in his own right, escorted his students on a national tour that saw them realise sales of $100,000 for their work. He is currently negotiating with US art dealers for a tour of America.
Helen Kippin, (67), of Melville, took up belly dancing classes at Applecross TAFE Centre six years ago after the death of her husband.
This graceful form of dance gave Helen renewed self-esteem, health and wellbeing, and she persuaded the manager of the centre to let her start up a belly dancing class expressly for seniors.
Belly Dance Magic for Seniors has become one of the most popular courses at the centre and a performing troupe, Desert Embers, has come together to entertain in the local community. The course has been named Outstanding Program for 1999.
Mr Kierath said that the Department of Training and Employment, which supported Adult Learners Week, had recognised the achievements of hundreds of adult learners and learning organisations around the State.
"This year's special category of Outstanding Older Learner, introduced in recognition of the International Year of Older Persons, has highlighted the indomitable spirit of seniors who are committed to lifelong learning as an essential part of positive ageing," he said.
Other winners announced last night were:
Augusta Telecentre Outstanding Provider - Community Managed
Boyup Brook Telecentre Outstanding Provider - Community Managed (Highly Commended)
C Y O'Connor College of TAFE, Narrogin -Outstanding Provider - Public or Private
Peta Lowe of Armadale Outstanding Learner
Ron Balaam of Orelia Outstanding Learner - Encouragement Award
Jennifer Brown of Orelia Outstanding Tutor - (Highly Commended).
Adult Learners' Week is an Australia-wide event organised nationally by Adult Learning Australia.
Local events will be held at learning centres around the State. For further information contact Marcia van Zeller, 0418 949 784.
Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400