Rae Keam Awards 2021

Published on 20 December 2021

Every year, Hindmarsh Shire Council presents the Rae Keam scholarship and award to a year 12student at each of the Shire’s Secondary Colleges (Nhill, Rainbow & Dimboola). The award provides a monetary award of $500 each.

Rae Keam was Shire Engineer for the Shire of Dimboola from 1955-1979. He was born and raised locally and was well respected in his role with Council. After his death, his wife would travel to each school presenting this award to students that demonstrated academic merit together with well rounded citizenship qualities. This criterion has evolved over time as schools have gained further sponsorships, scholarships and awards from other sources. It is still held in very high regard at each school.

Hindmarsh Shire Mayor, Cr Melanie Albrecht said “We are incredibly proud of the quality of students graduating from secondary colleges in our region and excited that Hindmarsh Shire Council has continued to present these awards in honor of Rae Keam”.

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College held their awards ceremony on Tuesday 14 December 2021. Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Ireland, was in attendance and presented the 2021 Rae Keam Award to Kaitlyn Beeton.

Both Nhill College and Rainbow P-12 College held their awards ceremonies on Thursday 16 December 2021. Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Nhill, Nhill College held a small ceremony where they presented the 2021 Rae Keam Award on behalf of Council. This was awarded to Jasper Croot.

Cr Brett Ireland was able to attend the Rainbow P-12 College award ceremony on Thursday 16 December and at this ceremony, Cr Ireland presented two scholarships of $250 each to Lachlan Staples and Gracie Hurlstone.

Cr Melanie Albrecht said “Congratulations to the 2021 Rae Keam Award recipients, Kaitlyn Beeton, Jasper Croot, Lachlan Staples and Gracie Hurlstone. You have been recognised by your school as exceptional students and you should be very proud.”

“On behalf of Council I would like to extend our congratulations to all Year 12 graduates. You have closed a momentous chapter in your life and the opportunities that you can explore in further studies and employment are endless. We wish you all the best with your future endeavours.”

Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer