Alumni - Wall of Fame

Debbie Stockton's career is marked by her dedication to education, business development, and community service. She completed Year 12 at Barham High School in 1978, having grown up on a farm in Jimaringle and attended Burraboi, Barham Primary, and Barham High Schools. Debbie pursued a Bachelor of Education at Victoria University and furthered her studies with postgraduate qualifications in Business, Risk, and Governance. She also holds Diplomas in Business and Property Services and a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.
Debbie applies her expertise in Business Development and Education & Training to shape the future of EPIS into a dynamic and sustainable business. She is the Chair of the District Health Advisory Council, the remote region representative on the peak aged care body of WA ACSWA, and an active member of the Pilbara Interagency Forum.
Debbie's career transitioned from secondary teaching to working with TAFE NSW, where she reskilled women returning to the workforce and taught trade-related skills to unemployed mature-aged Aboriginal men. Her passion for working with diverse populations led her to roles as an Education and Training Consultant and Regional Business Development Manager for TAFE NSW in the Riverina.
Her innovative work in training systems for the Health Sector earned Debbie the Victorian State training award. She partnered with country health organizations to bring Divisional 2 Nursing training to regional areas in Victoria. Debbie also contributed to water projects with Murray Irrigation in Deniliquin.
In mid-2013, Debbie answered an advertisement for a licensed real estate agent in Newman, WA, marking a new phase in her life. As the mining sector declined, she transitioned to the role of CEO for EPIS, a regional Aboriginal Community Health Service. Debbie travels extensively through desert regions, ensuring that business and service delivery are sustainable and supportive of Aboriginal communities.
Debbie's work with her primarily Martu Aboriginal mob has deepened her appreciation for their culture and history. She values the opportunity to sit with Elders and hear their stories, gaining insight into their connection to the land and their way of life. Her commitment to Aboriginal Health and equity is evident through her roles on various advisory councils and her advocacy efforts.
Debbie chairs the District Health Advisory Council for the West Australian Country Health Service, serves as the remote representative on state advisory councils, is a board member on the Pilbara for Purpose Council, and champions Aboriginal Health and equity through the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Regional Services Reform.

Ian has had a diverse and impactful career spanning several decades. After finishing his studies in 1975, Ian pursued Optometry and Arts at Melbourne University from 1976 to 1979 and studied Philosophy at the London School of Economic Science. His first job was as an Assistant Chemist in the Automotive Industry before transitioning to the Construction Industry as a self-employed paving contractor.
Ian's career in industrial relations began as the Manager of Industrial Relations for Social Security, which led to his election as Head of the Community and Public Sector Union for Western Australia in 1988. He held this position until early 2000, when he accepted a Senior Management role with Customs and Border Protection, working as the Director of Compliance and Trade for WA and SA. After a brief retirement, Ian joined the Illuminate Group as Principal Consultant, working across Australia and internationally in Transport and Logistics, including major Oil and Gas projects like Gorgon Upstream and Wheatstone.
Currently, Ian is the Director of the Richmond Learning Exchange in the mental health sector, a role he cherishes for its community impact. He also volunteers, bringing mental health awareness programs to Perth's sporting clubs. Ian remains an active sportsman, having participated in cricket tours of New Zealand and Sri Lanka, played First Grade tennis in Perth, and coached juniors in Scandinavia.
Ian co-founded SIGTUR (Southern Initiative on Globalisation and Trade Union Rights), a major labour and human rights organization. Initially the Indian Ocean Trade Union Congress, SIGTUR expanded to include regions like Latin America, Southern Africa, and South Asia. Ian played a key role on the SIGTUR organizing committee from its inception in the late 80s until 2015, fostering strong ties with trade unions in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan.
In the late 90s, Ian was invited by the ACTU to establish links with Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change and collaborated on transnational projects with the Confederation of South African Trade Unions. He represented the Asia Pacific Region at the Public Sector International, speaking on Gender Inequality and presenting a paper on Trade Union and Human Rights at the International Labour Organisation with Mahendra Chaudry, head of the Fijian Trade Union Movement. Ian's career reflects his dedication to social justice, community service, and international collaboration.

Neil has a long history of dedication to his local community, beginning with his education at Barham High School from 1973 to 1976. After completing his schooling, Neil worked for many years on his family farm in Barham. His commitment to public service began in earnest when he was elected to the Wakool Shire Council in a by-election in 2009.
In September 2013, Neil was elected Mayor of Wakool Shire Council, serving until May 2016 when the council merged with the neighbouring Murray Shire Council. Following the merger, the new council was placed under administration until the first election of Councillors in September 2017. Neil ran for election in the newly formed Greater Wakool Ward (formerly Wakool Shire Council) and successfully gained a position.
Throughout his tenure with both the Wakool Shire and the Murray Shire Council, Neil has consistently served and represented the interests of his local community. His years of involvement in local government reflect his dedication to public service and community development.

Neil’s journey of lifelong learning has continued, commencing a Diploma of Nursing at SuniTafe in Swan Hill at the age of 57. Neil now works at Swan Hill District Health, and is now in his 4th year there.

Neil is also currently the Deputy Mayor of the Murray River Council, in his seventh year as a councillor.

Daniel Searle's remarkable journey is one of resilience and determination. At 16, he experienced a rapid loss of vision due to a rare genetic condition, yet he remained steadfast in his dream of becoming a physiotherapist. Daniel completed his HSC at BHS in 2005, serving as Boy School Captain.
In 2006, Daniel showcased his athletic prowess at the Southern Cross Games in Auckland, winning 1 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in various swimming events and shotput. Later that year, he attended the NASA Space Camp in the USA.
Daniel began his Physiotherapy studies at Charles Sturt University in 2007 and joined the ACT Blind Cricket team, playing at the national level. His cricket talent led him to represent Australia in the West Indies (2010) and India (2012). He graduated from Charles Sturt University in December 2014 and started working for Flexout Physiotherapy in July 2015.
Beyond his professional career, Daniel is a spokesperson for Guide Dogs Australia and a tutor for Rex Airlines, educating staff about guide dogs and vision impairment. He organized and participated in a Blind Bike Riding Challenge to raise funds for a school for blind children in Thailand. In 2018, Daniel was selected for the Australian team for the Blind Cricket World Cup in Dubai.
Daniel trains for para-triathlons, competes in the Annual Nail Hill Run in Albury, and volunteers at the Deaf Games and the Commonwealth Games. He also serves as the team physio for the North Albury Football Club and has fundraised for Guide Dogs Australia. Daniel Searle's story is a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to making a difference in his community.

Kim is an accomplished scientist and educator, has an extensive and diverse background. She began her academic journey at Barham Primary and High School, completing Year 12 in 1976 as the Female School Captain and Dux. In 1975, Kim was a Rotary Exchange student in South Africa. She then earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the Australian National University in 1980.
Kim's professional path includes working on her family farm and at the Barham RSL Club in 1981. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at Sydney Teachers College in 1982. From 1984 to 1988, Kim worked with Veterinary Services in Namibia, followed by a part-time Diploma in Datametrics from the University of South Africa (1989-1992). Her tenure with Veterinary Services extended to Head Office in Windhoek until 1995.
In 1996, Kim joined the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin on a 3-month contract, later working with various health and research organizations until 2000. She completed a Master of Public Health at Charles Darwin University (2001-2005) while working full-time at Menzies. Her roles included Laboratory Research Assistant and Senior Research Officer for the Ear and Respiratory Health Teams.
Kim pursued a PhD by Publication at Charles Darwin University (2009-2011), focusing on the bacteriology of bronchiectasis in Australian Indigenous children. She was awarded the NHMRC Gustav Nossal Postgraduate Scholarship and completed her PhD in 2013. Kim then received the NHMRC Peter Doherty Research Fellowship (2014-2017) and continues her work with Menzies' Respiratory Health Team.
Her research contributions have been shared globally, presenting at numerous international conferences and symposia. Kim's dedication to public health and scientific research has significantly impacted communities both in Australia and abroad.