C164/08
5 June 2008
Four Curtin University of Technology Viticulture and Oenology graduates were awarded top honours at the School’s annual student awards ceremony held at the Margaret River Education Campus recently.
Dux and final year student, Julian Grounds received the prestigious ‘Houghtons Medal’ for excellence in the Bachelor of Science (Viticulture and Oenology) program in 2007.
Associate Professor Mark Gibberd, Chair of Viticulture and Oenology at Muresk’s Centre for Wine Excellence, noted Julian’s exceptional attitude and work ethic.
“Julian was an outstanding student, who showed commitment and passion to his studies. He stands out as a person who is ‘work ready’, with an excellent knowledge of both the science of growing grapes and the science of producing wine,” Associate Professor Gibberd said.
Julian is also the 2007 winner of the prestigious Leeuwinn Talijancich Award which offers a trip to an overseas winery to participate in the vintage.
“In 2009 I plan to travel to the Burgundy district in France where I hope to gain valuable knowledge and skills by working with wine makers on the annual August to October vintage,” Julian said.
“Together with my previous part-time at West Cape Howe Winery and now full-time work at Leeuwin Estate Winery, I envisage this overseas experience will open opportunities for me to work throughout Australia’s wine growing regions.”
Although now a Margaret River resident, Julian has been determined to study Viticulture and Oenology since he was a student at Albany Senior High School.
“I could never imagine myself in an office environment. I gained some experience in a vineyard whilst in year 10 and immediately decided this was the type of job I wanted. The opportunity to work and study in one of Australia’s best wine growing regions is an obvious enticement,” Julian said.
Accompanying Julian on the awards podium were Dayna Reynolds, best student project in Viticulture/Oenology, Anthony Hester, best graduating student in the graduate diploma sponsored by Edwards Wines and Alex Coultas, best graduating student in viticulture units sponsored by Picardy Wines.
All students cited the lifestyle advantages of living, studying and working in the state’s largest wine growing region as a prominent reason for choosing to enrol in Viticulture and Oenology at the Margaret River Education Campus.
“During my studies I gained experience working with Evans and Tate and then finished the last vintage with Devils Lair. They were a great crew to work with, and the experience provided me with valuable hands-on experience,” Dayna explained.
“Working as a cellar hand on a part-time basis and now full-time with Moss Wood Wines has given me a unique experience. I hope to travel and work in many of the world’s wine growing regions to extend my knowledge and skills over the next few years,” Alex said.
Contact: Lisa Mayer, PR Coordinator, Curtin, 08 9266 1930, 0401 103 755 l.mayer@curtin.edu.au
CRICOS provider code: 00301J
Modified: 5 June 2008
