Southern Cross University recognises industry leaders

Three nationally recognised leaders in the fields of education, natural and complementary medicine and tourism management were recognised for their contribution to Southern Cross University at graduation ceremonies at the Lismore campus on Saturday, September 23.

Mr Neil Black, who recently retired as the director of the North Coast Institute of TAFE, received the award of Honorary Fellow of the University in recognition of his long-standing and distinguished career in the education sector and his valuable community service contribution to Southern Cross University.

The managing director of Global Tourism and Leisure Pty Ltd and chair of the Australian Tourism Export Council, Mr John King, was also made an Honorary Fellow for his significant contribution and leadership in the tourism industry.

Mr Marcus Blackmore AM, executive chairman of Blackmores Ltd., received an Honorary Doctorate – acknowledging his distinguished career in the natural and complementary medicine industry and his commitment to education.

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said the three recipients had made enormous contributions to the University, and in their respective fields.

Neil Black has had a long and successful career in the education sector, starting as a TAFE teacher in horticulture. He was appointed as director of the Western Institute of TAFE in 1991 and in 2000 he took up the position as director of the North Coast Institute of TAFE. He retired in April this year.

He has received a number of state and national awards, including the 2003 Australian AUSTAFE Award for Educational Leadership.

“Neil Black has played a significant role in linking vocational and tertiary education and the health sector in northern NSW. He has been instrumental in the partnership between Southern Cross University, the North Coast Area Health Service and the North Coast Institute of TAFE which aims to improve the health and well-being of people throughout the North Coast,” Professor Clark said.

“He has been a valued member of the University Council for the past four years and has been instrumental in promoting the strong links between the two organisations.”

John King has had a 30-year career in international tourism marketing and management, with positions including chairman of Tourism Tasmania and director of market services for the Australian Tourist Commission.

In May this year he was appointed as the independent chairman of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), recognised as one of the most active tourism industry bodies in Australia.

He is chairman of the Southern Cross University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Advisory Board and is a regular speaker, presenter and facilitator at tourism and marketing conferences around the world.

Professor Clark said Mr King had played a key role in the development of Australia’s tourism industry.

“Mr King has shown tremendous leadership and innovation throughout his career and has been a driving force in the tourism industry,” he said.

Marcus Blackmore, who received an Honorary Doctorate, has been at the forefront of the development of the natural and complementary medicine industry.

In 1974 Mr Blackmore took over the leadership of Blackmores, which was founded by his father Maurice Blackmore. Under his leadership, the company has become the leading Australian consumer brand in the field and a recognised champion for the industry at large.

Mr Blackmore founded the Complementary Healthcare Council and has been a constant advocate for the industry, placing a strong emphasis on professionalism, research, education and academic achievement.

Professor Clark said Blackmores was the first Australian company to support research in complementary medicine and one of the few companies with a dedicated budget and long-term commitment to research in this field.

“Mr Blackmore is considered to be the founding father of the consumer industry in complementary medicines and remains the industry’s elder statesman. He is committed to education and academic achievement, and has been a staunch advocate of the University’s research in the field of complementary medicine,” he said.

Mr Blackmore and Mr Black each gave an Occasional Address during the ceremonies.

Caption: From left: Award recipients Neil Black, Marcus Blackmore AM and John King.