Our founders.

(1924 - 2019)

As Foundation Chairman, Director and Patron of our organisation, Mr. Morris worked tirelessly to promote and support the objectives of vocational education and training in Australia. Mr. Morris was instrumental in the design and implementation of group training, supporting school leavers and job seekers who looked for rewarding careers and training opportunities through vocational education.

The former NSW Minister for Transport devoted his life to serving his community, raising thousands of dollars through business and industry connections to establish disadvantaged youth training and employment programs which provided significant outcomes and benefits to regional communities. Mr. Morris was highly respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, serving as an inspiration to his colleagues as well as our students and employees.

Mrs. Sharp started her career as a stenographer with Maitland City Council before running her own secretarial bureau and accepting a position as Mr. Morris’s electoral secretary.

She retired from the political arena in 1981, joining Mr. Morris in the establishment of our organisation and becoming the founding CEO. Mrs Sharp later took up a position as Executive Director in 2002,where she served until retiring in 2019.

Mrs. Sharp has since been recognised for her contributions to vocational education and training in Australia, being presented with the National Apprentice Employment Network Life Member Award in 2022.