Charles Darwin University’s School of Trades remembered tradesman Patrick “Paddy” Bird at a student awards ceremony last night.
Former employer Australian Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services honoured the Irish fridge mechanic by sponsoring the inaugural Paddy Bird Memorial Prize for Best Final Year Air Conditioning Apprentice. Mr Bird was killed in an accident in Darwin in December 2011.
Australian Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services representative Simon Peters presented the award to CDU student Joseph Hay.
Certificate III in Automotive Vehicle Body – Vehicle Painting student Billy Baker received a letter of congratulations from the NT Administrator, Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas AM acknowledging his recent win at the PPG Industries’ annual Colour Matching Competition in Melbourne.
CDU Lecturers in Residential Drafting Luis Espinoza and Lisa Jeffrey presented a further 44 awards to students who had shown outstanding performance throughout the year.
Special guest speaker Rod Cryer, Director of Training Services at the Department of Business, addressed the audience to congratulate the award recipients.
To conclude the evening’s formalities, Head of CDU’s School of Trades Justin Busse presented the sponsors with Certificates of Appreciation.
Mr Busse said the night was an occasion to celebrate the achievements of students, and to encourage high standards of work in industry.
“The trades awards night is also about recognising and publicly thanking employers and donors for their contributions and support throughout the year,” Mr Busse said.
Works by Residential Drafting and Electro technology students were displayed at the awards ceremony, which was held in the Mal Nairn Auditorium on CDU’s Casuarina campus.