30 Years at GippsTAFE!Paddy O’Dowd presented with a special 30 years service award By Eimear McNelis - 16th September 2002 - Back to News GippsTAFE’s Music Academy Coordinator, Paddy O’Dowd, was presented with a special 30 years service award at the annual staff conference, which was held recently.
The Recognition of Service Award was presented to Mr O’Dowd by CEO Jeff Gunningham for his 30 years of service and commitment to the Institute.
Mr O’Dowd began as a teacher in the Metal Fabrication Department 30 years ago, when GippsTAFE was known as the Yallourn Technical School.
He then worked his way up to become the Head of the Metal Fabrication Department before approaching management about starting up some music programs.
Mr O’Dowd’s love for music led to the formation of GippsTAFE’s Music Academy, with students entertaining audiences all around the Latrobe Valley.
General Manager of GippsTAFE, Joe Piper said, "Mr O’Dowd’s commitment and passion for Vocational Education and Training has always held him in high regard with staff and students alike."
GippsTAFE’s Music Academy offers Certificate IV and an Advanced Diploma in Music covering topics such as Use of Information Technology, Copyright, Rehearsing Skills, Performance, Composing and Recording.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Wellington Early Years Expo returns, offering free family fun, services and play-based activities for young children on 30 April 2026
The 2026 Wellington Early Years Expo returns to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday 30 April inviting families to enjoy an afternoon of learning and connection for children aged 0–5 years. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Offshore Theatre celebrates 30 Years with award-winning ‘Speaking in Tongues’ at Berninneit on 17 May 2026
Phillip Island’s Offshore Theatre presents AWGIE-winning Speaking in Tongues, exploring love, betrayal, and human connections. The 2026 Berninneit season celebrates 30 years, opening May 14 with special events. - Mallacoota water workers honoured after 80 years combined service supporting community through challenges
Three long-serving East Gippsland Water employees with 80 years combined service honoured after retirement, recognised for dedication, resilience and contributions to Mallacoota’s water services and community, especially during major emergencies. - Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis. - Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities.
| 
