By Paul Dunlop
PB Ronald Trust members and award recipients (from left) Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald, Graeme Moore, Don Duffy, Paul Smith, Leigh Simpson (representing brother Craig), Elise Young, Lachlan Waite, Charlie Huyskens, George Blenkhorn and Tim Ahern. Picture:Graeme Vale.
FOUR young people with plenty of promise were given a career boost last week, courtesy of the PB Ronald Trust.
The Trust, 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.
About 50 people have been given financial assistance over the years.
The 15th annual trust dinner on Wednesday saw Paul Smith, Elise Young, Craig Simpson and Lachlan Waite become the latest recipients of financial support.
Paul is a former resident of Pakenham Upper, now living near Warragul, selling agricultural machinery and studying for a Bachelor of Agriculture by correspondence through the Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.
Elise completed VCE last year and is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science or Resource Management at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
She hopes to become a consultant in genetics and pasture management.
Craig is studying a Diploma of Agriculture at McMillan College, Leongatha and was unable to attend. His brother Leigh accepted his award.
Lachlan is a first year apprentice studying Landscaping and Horticulture at TAFE, Cranbourne with the aim of owning his own business.
The dinner, held at the Pakenham Football Club social rooms, was well attended by representatives from the Rotary clubs of Pakenham, KooWeeRup/Lang Lang and Bunyip/Garfield, Cardinia Shire, the Pakenham Show Society and the Pakenham Racing Club.
The Ronald family was represented by Peter’s sons Jason and Bill, who was also there as the mayor of Cardinia and as a recently appointed member of the Trust.
Rotarian Tim Ahern was chairman for the evening in the absence of Trust chairman Ian Thomas, who is still in hospital after a heart attack.
Mr Ahern reported that Mr Thomas was progressing well.
He also read a message from Mr Thomas, which was well received.
Trust treasurer Don Duffy reported on the progress of the Trust, which now has a capital base of $75,000. Over the 15 years, 50 students have been awarded funds totalling $43,500.
Two of last year’s recipients were at the dinner and gave brief reports on how they have used their award funds.
Michael Love is doing a wholesale nursery apprenticeship and was able to purchase much needed reference books.
Andrew Wood, who is doing an agricultural science degree at the Melbourne University, put his award funds towards a study trip to Thailand.
The others, Kellie Brain, David Merrigan and Matthew Trotter, were unable to attend, but all sent in letters, which were read by Mr Ahern.
All recipients expressed great appreciation for their awards and commended the work of the Trust.
Cr Ronald presented this year’s awards.
Elise Young said she was honoured to be a recipient and thanked Ian Thomas for his “inspiration” and support.
“I am very grateful to be given this chance to chase my dreams,” she said.
Guest speaker was Cranbourne businessman John Finning, who spoke of his experiences with Peter Ronald through their involvement in the racing industry.
Mr Finning said he was greatly influenced by Mr Ronald who always gave great support and encouragement, was able to convey skills and experience to others and showed great leadership.
Mr Finning commended the work of the Trust in perpetuating Mr Ronald’s memory.
The Pakenham Show Society again ran a raffle, which raised $750.
Cardinia Shire Council, Pakenham Racing Club and the Rotary Club of Pakenham all presented donations to the Trust.
Thanks also went to sponsors Alex Scott, Pakenham, CA Boon and Sons, Cardinia Veterinary Clinic, Gerard Collins Real Estate, Lazy Frog, LJ Hooker, Mama Rosa, Stockdale and Leggo, Pakenham Produce and Saddlery, Pakenham Mowers, Mitre 10, Meadow Hills Marketing, Camellia Lodge and Pakenham Tanks.
