Proudly rewarding outstanding young achievers for 26 years.

 History of the Awards

The Riverland & Mallee Vocational Awards were developed in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Renmark as a way of recognising the outstanding achievements of young apprentices in the Riverland and Mallee.  The Club was mindful of the great contribution apprentices played in the region, many of whom would complete their training and go on to employ a whole new generation of apprentices. 

The Club started planning a way to identify, select and reward these young people.  It soon became apparent that this was going to be a huge project so the Rotary Club turned to local and national businesses seeking sponsorship to turn the idea into a reality.  The initial response was overwhelming and for more than 20 years the ongoing generosity of a diverse range of sponsors and supporters has enabled these awards to flourish and grow bigger and better each year. 

In 1991 the Rotary Club of Renmark expanded the awards to recognise the growing significance of traineeships across the Riverland & Mallee region.  Then in 2001 the Club developed the awards even further by presenting an award to the most outstanding Vocational Education Training student from the Riverland's high schools. 

Each year, the Club celebrates the achievements of young people from the Riverland and Mallee region and in doing so acknowledges their vital contributions to the region.  The Rotary Club of Renmark believes these awards are an important step in the development of apprentices and trainees and there is no doubt that participation alone equips them well as they follow their chosen career.   

The Riverland and Mallee Vocational Awards are the largest of their kind in regional Australia which is a fantastic achievement and underscores the hard work not only of apprentices, trainees and students, but also the dedication of the Rotary Club members and the generous and continuing support of both employers and sponsors. 

The awards give recognition to the success, endeavour and enthusiasm of young outstanding members of the Riverland & Mallee community. 

For vocational service, these awards truly epitomise Rotary in action.