Mentor Support Network (MSN) has appointed Dr Bernie Curran AM as their patron, announced at a breakfast amongst fellow members last week.
Bernie played a central role in the University of Newcastle’s community for more than 40 years. He’s been a student, rugby player, academic and teacher, community leader, mentor, donor and researcher. A boy from the bush, he also established Evatt House, a residential college for country students.
Bernie was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2018 for significant service to tertiary education, particularly through higher learning opportunities for young people in rural areas.
As patron of the Mentor Support Network, Bernie will play an integral part in the encouragement and reinforcement of the importance of mentors, as well as the development of connections within the community.
Bernie said mentoring plays a pivotal part in the journey of students.
“Scholarships for disadvantaged students and support for refugees, these are things that need financial support as well as moral support and genuine interest, and my job is to lead from the front,” Bernie said.
“It was when the University asked me to establish Evatt House that I realised my passion for mentoring. Of course, I didn’t call it that then…but supporting and guiding students through these early stages of their lives is so important… the students are calling for some personal interest and support, some guidance and encouragement during such a foundational stage in their life’s.
“When I was asked to be patron of Mentor Support Network, it was like asking me to be patron of something I know so well, but on the other hand, something I know nothing about. I know the art or mentoring. I know the importance of mentoring. But what I’m learning is just how dedicated these members are, working in the community to make remarkable differences in the lives of young.”
Established in 2005, Mentor Support Network supports youth development organisations in the Hunter by providing regular networking events, annual forums, scholarship programs and youth mentor training.
IMAGE | Dr Bernie Curran AM has been appointed patron of Mentor Support Network.
