The Challenge Newsletter

Our Challenge Committee

We'd like to put a spotlight on our Committee Members to celebrate the wealth of knowledge and passion that drives The Northern Bay Challenge. 

This Newsletter we introduce you to our Chair - Ken Harrison and founding committee member Fred Clarke.

Kenneth Harrison AM KSJ MBA (Hons Melb) B Bus FASCPA

Chairman Northern Bay Challenge Committee

Ken is perhaps one of the oldest Alumni of Norlane Primary school having attended there in 1954 after his parents emigrated from UK. 

High School was attended at Footscray High for six years to matriculation and Ken recalls that he owes his academic and business success to the encouragement and support he received from several very caring and dedicated teachers along the journey. The love of education he developed from the support of teachers saw him complete several degrees and an MBA from Melbourne University in 1984.

This background of support led to success in many corporate roles and the development of various businesses he now owns.

Philanthropy has been a major area of interest over the past 40 years as a way of giving back to the community, leading to current and past honorary board positions on the following organisations:

  • Oxfam Australia (Deputy Chair)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Chairman)
  • Barwon Health Foundation
  • Melbourne Opera
  • Prince’s Trust Australia (Patron & Ambassador)
  • National Trust Victoria (Ambassador)
  • Australian Dental Association- Evident Foundation 
  • Royal Children’s Hospital Leadership Circle
  • Australian College of Anaesthetists Leadership Circle

Ken believes that there is no greater cause than caring and supporting others and has focussed on this as a career goal and believes that his role with Northern Bay College Challenge will help students adopt similar values.

 

The introduction of a scholarship program at Northern Bay College has been a highlight of the committee’s work. Ken attended several selection panels and was amazed at the high standard of education being achieved and the enthusiasm of students to succeed. He believes that the enthusiasm and caring approach to all students by the teachers at Northern Bay College is key to guiding students to academic and life .

Fred Clarke

Fred has had over fifty years’ experience in education as a classroom teacher, a regional Senior Education Officer and numerous school leadership positions. He was the founding principal of Northern Bay College where the concept of the Northern Bay Challenge first began. 

Fred is passionate about ensuring all children get the same opportunity to thrive and grow no matter where they live or what obstacles confront them. 

Fred has served as a director on the board of Bethany and Family Planning Victoria and is currently treasurer of  Kids Thrive. Since retiring three years ago Fred has been busy as a school reviewer for Monash University, as well as supporting hard to staff schools and mentoring new and experienced principals.