By Jade Lawton
THE PB Ronald Trust awarded bursaries to four local agriculture and horticulture students last Tuesday night.
Matt Rice, studying Certificate III in Horticulture, Julie Ann Brockley, who is specialising in goat production in her Diploma of Agriculture, horticulture apprentice Jake Brown and Sally Pate, who is studying a double degree of Agriculture Science and Commerce at Melbourne University, were this year’s recipients.
The trust was established in 1991 in memory of Peter Bruce Ronald, a Pakenham farmer and former Shire of Berwick councillor was on the committees for the Pakenham Agricultural and Horticultural Society, and Pakenham Racing Club, for decades.
The Rotary Club of Pakenham, the Shire of Pakenham (Cardinia), Pakenham Racing Club and Pakenham and District Agricultural and Historical Society assisted in forming the trust, which aims to help local students further their studies in agriculture, horticulture and local government.
Jake Brown, of Pakenham, is a first-year apprentice at the Pakenham Golf Club. The 16-year-old said the funds would help him purchase textbooks when he started his TAFE studies later this year.
Julie Ann Brockley, 42, is among the first crop of students to specialise in goat production at ECG McMillan in Warragul. The former Iona resident, who now lives in Warragul, said the course covered goat meat, wool and milk production. She hopes to use her expertise to start her own goat hire business. She told the audience she “wasn’t kidding – thankyou very much.”
Matt Rice, 18, is a first-year apprentice landscaper with De La Rue Landscapes. The Pakenham resident, who is studying at Holmesglen TAFE, said he hoped to open his own landscaping business in the future.
He thanked the PB Ronald Trust and his employer for giving him a chance.
Sally Pate could not attend the dinner because of her exam schedule, but thanked the audience through a pre-prepared DVD. She said the funds would support her through her 12-week compulsory unpaid agriculture placement, and allow her to cut back on part-time work during her exams.
Ms Pate, who is also treasurer of the South Gippsland young farmers group, said she hoped to be a farm consultant.
Last year’s recipient Richard Kruithof congratulated the new awardees and said he had bought textbooks, which he referred to regularly, with his grant.
Pakenham Racing Club CEO Michael Hodge spoke on behalf of another past recipient, Brendan Short, who is track manager at the club.
Mr Hodge said since his award Mr Short had started a Diploma in Horticulture, which was beneficial for both Mr Short and the club.
Funeral Director David Bull was guest speaker and provided a humorous account of his work in the industry, which he described as one of the least understood professions.
The trust has provided financial assistance to more than 40 people since its inception.
Financial grants from the trust are open to residents or former residents of the Cardinia Shire studying Agriculture, Horticulture or local government. Applications generally close in February. For further information write to The Chairman, PB Ronald Trust, P O Box 55, Officer 3809.
