OCOSA MM a g a z i n e Marcus Oldham College Old Students Association Volume 20 I Issue 1 I January 2013 Max Holmes, Student President of the first student group in 1962 proposes the Toast to Marcus Oldham College at the 50th anniversary Celebrations. Principal’s Perspective A Productivity Commission report there will always be opportunity last year identified that higher for such people, success now relies levels of education are estimated upon a greater emphasis on trained to be associated with significantly intelligence and technical skills. higher wages. People who hold Agriculture provides a plethora of a tertiary qualification can earn opportunities for our graduates. t the 2012 Ceremony, wages between 30 and 40 percent The National Farmers Federation is higher than people with otherwise 103 students graduated up-beat about agriculture’s future, similar characteristics, who have not promoting how farms underpin and celebrated both A completed Year 12 schooling. There $137 billion a year in production – 12 individually and collectively the are other benefits they will enjoy as per cent of GDP, and that our farms results of their own hard work tertiary graduates beyond increased directly employ 317,000 people and dedication. I explained income. These include higher levels and support 1.6 million jobs across to our graduates that I am of saving, increased personal/ the economy. Clearly agriculture confident their investment in professional mobility, improved in this country is big business. For tertiary education will prove quality of life for their children, better young people considering a career consumer decision-making, and to be a wise decision in their in the rural sector, the future must more hobbies and leisure activities. look very bright. future career development. A Carnegie Foundation study found Productivity Commission data I asked them to reflect on what non-monetary benefits of higher indicates that only 7 per cent they were doing, and where education include the tendency for of the agricultural workforce they were, prior to commencing tertiary graduates to become more hold a tertiary qualification. This their studies at Marcus Oldham. I open-minded, more cultured, more compares with approximately invited them to spend a moment rational and less authoritarian; 29 percent across other sectors. reflecting on the experience they these benefits are also passed on Clearly there are wonderful and have had at the College as a to succeeding generations. And so extensive opportunities for people student, opportunities which many to the 2012 graduates, with their who hold both practical experience others would dearly love to have tertiary qualification and practical and a tertiary qualification. had. I acknowledged that they experience – they are in the box The agricultural sector values have completed a challenging and seat – the world is their oyster. practical skills and experience and academically rigorous course and this is a given and prerequisite have every reason to feel proud of At this point in their life they do for most farming operations. their achievements. not know their full capabilities and Value adding the skill set through what they will be doing in their education becomes the challenge for For You to enjoy future career. However, one thing those wishing to move up the career is certain - situations will change path in agriculture and associated Principal’s Perspective......................... 2 and opportunities will present industries. To competently manage From the President’s Desk ................ 3 themselves. It will be up to our the complexities of business, now Marcus Minds ............................................. 3 graduates to decide which direction and into the future will require Graduates of Excellence .....................4 they wish to take. I explained agricultural leaders to deal with a Postgraduate Program ........................ 5 that the Marcus Oldham alumni myriad of issues and challenges. Rob Egerton-Warburton .................... 6 comprise many entrepreneurial Rest assured – the rewards are there men and women. Our alumni have Hamish Shannon ..................................... 7 for new entrants who are prepared developed personal characteristics Louisa Williams ........................................ 8 to acquire solid practical skills and such as creativity, self-reliance, Scott Glasser ............................................. 9 experience, complemented and an investigative mind and the supported by tertiary qualifications. Jim Maitland ............................................. 10 knowledge and understanding to If you know of young men and Wade Burridge .........................................11 identify and take advantage of Sam Pincott ...............................................12 women who would benefit from a opportunities. These are essential Marcus Oldham education, remind Lachie Seears ...........................................13 skills and values for life. In ten twenty, them of the support available Graduation 2012 ..........................14 & 15 or thirty years time, I am confident through the College’s extensive Prudence Myer Campus ................... 16 the College will look at our 2012 scholarship program. The College The Centre..................................................17 graduates’ careers with admiration. effectively manages, services 50th Celebrations ....................... 18 - 29 There are many graduate success and administers in excess of 20 Neil Inall’s Address ....................30 & 31 stories before them. scholarships and bursaries. It is Foundation News ....................... 33 - 35 In the past, entrepreneurs have also worth remembering that Scholarship Program ......................... 36 often succeeded through drive, students are able to receive FEE- Editor’s Memo ........................................ 36 initiative and natural intelligence, HELP which is similar to HECS. The Network ................................37 & 38 unsupported by high levels of Dr Simon Livingstone Need to Contact Someone? .......... 39 formal education. While it is likely Principal 2 MOCOSA January 2013 From the President’s Desk in the rural and equine sectors. I surrounding courtyards. A great job would like to again thank Neil for was done by all getting the Centre his ongoing support of Marcus, and in readiness and Lyn Cameron for the giving of his time, not only and her staff did a sensational job on the night but throughout the keeping the gathering “fed and whole weekend. watered”. Delicious treats flowed from the kitchen all evening as did I would also like to thank all of the the wine, beer and did someone people involved in the bringing say…Bundy? It is fair to say that to life of our history, “Daring to not too many brown fizzy drinks Differ”. To use a football term – needed to be consumed before the “There was support and input from stories became longer, larger and the Chairman to the boot studder”. louder! I would like to thank the College hat a sensational Council, the staff members, past A great day was held on the weekend we all had staff members, the crew from Sunday Recovery, where “battle Wlast September to MS&A, the History Committee and scars” were still being debated celebrate the 50th Anniversary especially, Mike Stephens. Those and denied. Attendees also had of Marcus Oldham College! who have read a copy of the book the opportunity to wander freely will agree that it is not just a history around the campus to enjoy all of Almost 350 past students and staff book, but more a story book of the the new developments which are enjoyed one of the largest social times, the characters, the events shaping the future of our College. functions ever held at the College. and the fabric which tied it all As my friend and Past President of The most anticipated weekend was together. I would also like to thank MOCOSA, Graeme Burnham, said, kicked off with the launch of Mike Rural Press for their very generous “It was a bloody great weekend”. Stephens’ history of the College, support and commitment to the ”Daring to Differ”. Great friend A few lines on a page cannot fully project. Thank you again to all who of the College, Neil Inall held the capture what a great time was had turned this book from an idea into audience captive as we listened nor can it express the thanks which a great publication of which we to his recollections of our great need be conveyed, but to all who can all be proud. Copies are still institution. The rural “Voice” as I attended and to all who helped to available at the office, and as Molly like to call Neil, also looked into the make the weekend such a success Meldrum used to say “do yourself “crystal ball” for Marcus Oldham – my sincere thanks. a favour and buy a copy straight and asked the gathering some away”. Good luck with your projects. challenging questions as to the direction we need to be heading, to The evening cocktail party was James P Bufton fully capture and service our market held in the Ivo Dean Centre and MOCOSA President Marcus Minds Weekend At Marcus, our graduates are professionally prepared Recent graduates and College staff present interesting and ready for business. Our community of dynamic topics covering the three courses. graduates are excelling as the next generation of well- educated, innovative and passionate industry leaders. This Marcus experience will help people plan their investment in their career. At no cost, the participants The inaugural ‘Marcus Minds Weekend’