I take this opportunity to congratulate Philip Lynch, who recently received a Victorian Teachers Credit Union award for outstanding results in his bachelor of education. Mr Lynch began his tertiary education at the University of Ballarat, where he received outstanding results in his first year, and was subsequently awarded a scholarship by the former federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, for his tuition fees for the next three years.
Philip opted to move back to Hamilton to be close to home and help his father care for Philip’s mother, who was ill. He then enrolled to complete the remaining three years of his course at Deakin University, Warrnambool. Although Philip was required to travel approximately 90 minutes to and from university, he did not miss a single lecture or tutorial throughout his entire degree.
On 9 August Philip was named dux of the 2011 class in the bachelor of education degree at Deakin University, Warrnambool — an absolutely outstanding achievement. Lecturers spoke not only of Philip’s outstanding results as a student but also of Philip as a person. He is a very humble person with a great personality and the ability to work with, encourage and inspire others — qualities that will serve him and his future students very well in the future.
Under stressful circumstances and whilst studying to complete his degree Philip also worked two part-time jobs in Hamilton to help support his family. I again congratulate Mr Lynch on an outstanding achievement and wish him well for the future.