Two bursaries were presented for the Tim McArdle memorial bursary at an awards ceremony last Wednesday night.

Bursaries were presented to Maddison Wickes who is studying a bachelor of nursing and Rebekah Cranston who is studying a bachelor of biomedical science.

The event was also attended by last year’s winner Samara Amoroso who is studying a bachelor of nursing.  She was unable to receive the bursary at a formal presentation because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The event, held at Monash University’s training facility in Sargeant St, Warragul was chaired by bursary committee chairman Cleo Sahhar.

The bursary is in honour of Warragul doctor Tim McArdle who died in 2002 as the result of a bicycle accident.

The ceremony was attended by members of the McArdle family including Tim’s brothers Stephen, Peter and Patrick and sister Mary Castellani. Tim’s mother Patricia was unwell and unable to attend.

Committee chairman Cleo Sahhar said the bursary was initiated by Mavis Gallienne.

He said a committee was formed after an appeal raised more than $100,000 and since then 35 bursaries had been presented.

Dr Sahhar said it was significant that after $85,000 had been awarded to bursary recipients the fund had more than $127,000 thanks to investments through Monash.

“This ensures that the bursary will remain when we are no longer here,” he said.

Dr Sahhar said Tim had been a popular GP at West Gippsland Medical Clinic and he had an excellent reputation for his devotion and commitment to his patients and the need for public health education.

Gippsland Monash rural health director associate professor Cathy Haigh sad Monash valued the relationship with the committee and the community in administering the fund.

Dr Haigh said it was fitting that Tim was a Monash medicine alumnus.

“Tim was not only a graduate of the medical program, he was a highly regarded member of the West Gippsland community, who not only kept people well, he looked after them in illness and injury, and shared in highlights of their lives such as the births of their children.

“Tim was not only a doctor he was someone who shared his knowledge and expertise with the community through the local newspaper and on radio,” she said.

Tim’s school friend Andrew Nicholls described Tim as a humble gentle man who always valued his family and friends.

He said Tim developed a love of cycling even though his doctor father Frank discouraged it because of the injuries he had seen in hospital emergency departments.

Dr Nicholls described Tim as the “finest person I ever knew and ever will.”

He said Tim placed great value on friendships, loyalty and kindness.

He was very good at schoolwork, loved sport and was a popular kid at school.

“He did have a cheeky side. That came out when he played the organ at the magnificent Ballarat Cathedral and among the hymns you would hear MacArthur Park and Whiter Shade of Pale,” 

He said Tim loved everything about the Beatles and Paul McCartney and would often change people’s requests so he could play his favourites.

“He was a fine human being and a great doctor connected to community and friends and someone who always stayed in touch.,” he said.

Tim’s sister Mary Castellani presented the awards on behalf of her mother Patricia.

She said her family was pleased to be able to attend the annual awards.

She said it was a privilege that 17 years after Tim’s death he was still remembered by the community through a rural health bursary.

Rebekah, Madison and Samara said they were honoured to receive the $3000 bursaries that would assist with their studies.

They said learning of Tim’s life had been inspiring. 

Samara said the bursary has already assisted her, particularly with the difficult study situation last year because of the pandemic.

Former members of the Beatroots, of which Tim played keyboard and sang, Alan Tatlow and Dave Pascoe provided musical entertainment.