Spotlight On...

Peter Brown

I was born in Charleville, west Queensland, and grew up on a remote sheep property north-west of Quilpie. I had an idyllic life in that adventure filled environment, being the first of the third generation born there and with family on other properties “nearby”. My primary schooling was by correspondence and my mother was a very committed home supervisor (for me and of the 5 children who followed). My large extended family has a commitment to education and this provided me with a terrific start to life and an enduring interest in study and life-long learning, which I have fostered in my own children.

The best advice my parents gave me was – well, here are just three of the dozens from which I could choose:
o If you can’t say anything kind, it’s best to say keep your mouth shut (paraphrased) (Mum)
o Keep your speech and writing as brief and to the point as possible (Dad)
o Loads always work forward (Dad).

My secret talent is my knowledge of classical Greek obtained during one of my uni degrees. Actually, it hasn’t really been that secret because I’ve put the knowledge to good effect in whatever job I’ve had, especially the present one, believe it or not.

Here are the last three that impressed me! They are:
o Hearts Grown Brutal: Roger Cohen
o Tito and the Rise and Fall of Yugoslavia: Richard West
o A History of Europe: J.M. Roberts

In my spare time, some of it at least, I must finally admit that I regularly consort with other, like-minded, consenting, minimally clothed adults of both genders. Meaning of course that I like to swim - laps, distance, triathlons, whatever. In my distant youth I was a pool and surf competitor but also swam in marathons like the Magnetic Island swim, and I am still reasonably fast, which is important to me.

The RIC supports me in my role by fostering learning in students. In 1972, the Kangan Report dramatically changed the way technical education in Australia would operate. TAFE’s would now not just be there for technical education (e.g. apprenticeships) but also for adults, the community and also for groups of people who struggle because of various reasons. In other words, second chance education. It’s a tough environment out there nowadays. Money is short, but we are all aware that TAFE is still about helping people to get ahead in life by gaining important skills and knowledge. In other words, TAFE is about people and it is the staff of the RIC, much more than the facilities themselves could, who fill the gap by being friendly, people centred, and connecting staff, students and resources. That is what is most important to me about the RIC.