From left: P.B. Ronald trustees Frances Knaap and Don Duffy, awardee Belinda Dalziel, trust chairman Tim Ahern, awardees Macha Florisson and David Caldwell, trustee Graeme Moore, awardee Christopher Boon, trustees Bill Ronald, Charles Huyskens, and George Blenkhorn and awardee Brenton Huyskens.FIVE people were presented with a P.B. Ronald Trust Award on Tuesday, 6 March at the annual trust dinner.
The trust, set up to perpetuate the memory of former shire president and community icon the late Peter Ronald, was formed to assist young people furthering their education in agriculture, horticulture and local government.
It was established in 1991 with the support of the Rotary Club of Pakenham, Pakenham Racing Club and Pakenham Agricultural Society.
The 16th annual trust dinner, held at the Pakenham Football Club Social Rooms, saw Christopher Boon, Belinda Dalziel, David Caldwell, Mascha Florisson and Brenton Huyskens become the latest recipients of financial support.
Mr Boon from Officer is studying a Diploma in Horticulture.
He has completed a Certificate III in Horticulture and Floriculture at Swinburne University of Technology TAFE Wantirna and works for Boons Rose Farms.
Mr Boon wants to advance his skills and knowledge with the diploma study by learning to promote plant health, collect and classify plants and to be able to recommend plants and cultural practices.
Ms Dalziel from Caldermeade is studying an associate Degree in Agriculture at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus.
She began her training with a schoolbased apprenticeship and has studied Agricultural (Dairying) in Warragul.
At the completion of her studies Ms Dalziel hopes to teach agriculture and environmental science.
Pakenham resident David Caldwell is studying a Bachelor of Rural Business at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus.
After leaving school, Mr Caldwell started studying a Bachelor of Agriculture Science.
He deferred this course and went to work in remote areas of Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria as an agricultural contractor specialising in hay and silage production.
After gaining experience in the industry he realised the importance of qualifications.
On completing his course he hopes to work in the rural finance sector.
Emerald resident Mascha Florisson is studying her first year of a Diploma of Horticulture at Swinburne University of Technology.
She is studying part time and the course will take three years to complete.
Ms Florisson has been involved in the John Hill’s Landcare group, Karwarra Gardens and worked as a volunteer with the ranger at Emerald Lake Park.
Brenton Huyskens from Maryknoll is studying a Diploma in Horticulture.
He who works for Boons Rose Farms has opted to extend his apprenticeship after completing Certificate III in Horticulture and Floriculture.
The diploma is designed for small property owners, horticultural and agricultural grower and produces and people interested in setting up organically and environmentally friendly based enterprises.
About 135 people watched the recipients receive their awards and listen to speakers on the night.
Jason Ronald, son of Peter Ronald, was guest speaker, and talked about his father’s life and activities in the local community through to the age of 28.
Last year’s four awardees also spoke of their experiences in the past 12 months and of how the P.B. Ronald Trust had helped them with their studies.
Trust chairman Tim Ahern said much of the success of the night could be attributed to the support from the Pakenham Rotary Club, Cardinia Shire and the Pakenham Racing Club, which give a generous donation to the trust each year.
Mr Ahern also acknowledged the Pakenham Show Society and the Kooweerup Lang Lang Rotary Club for their attendance at the dinner each year.
“The Pakenham Show Society has to be thanked for organising a very successful raffle on the night with many quality prizes being donated,” Mr Ahern said.
The trust has now provided financial assistance to about 60 people over the past 16 years.
