Ian Murdoch Memorial Award 2016

Scots of Victoria recently announced that the joint winners of the Ian Murdoch Memorial Award 2016 are Ailsa Bouch (nominated by the Victorian State Committee of Highland Dancing) and William Sincock (nominated by Pipe Bands Victoria).

Encouragement Certificates were also awarded to Savitra Thurairatnam (nominated by PLC Pipes & Drums)and Daniel Amendola (Nominated by the Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria).

Congratulations Will. The Ian Murdoch Memorial Award recognises motivated young people who have made, and continue to make a contribution to Scottish culture in Victoria.

William (Will) is an outstanding young piper, and began learning bagpipes at Scotch Colleg. He is a dedicated and talented piper, and recently progressed to A Grade in solo competition. Will during his time at Scotch College led the band as Pipe Major and still assists the band during competitions and other events. He has since joined the Hawthorn City Pipe Band, and this August was a guest piper with the New Zealand Police Pipe Band at the World Pipe Band Championships. Will is also the founding Pipe Major of the Victorian Youth Pipe Band. Will is a dedicated young piper and mentor, and a great ambassador for our organisation.

We also congratulate Savitra Thurairatnam on receiving an Encouragement Certfiicate. Savitri has been a drumming student at PLC since 2012, and has rapidly become a competent member of the PLC Pipes & Drums. She has expanded her drumming skills, having competed in solo drumming and has also taken on the role of lead drummer with the band during absences of the regular lead drummer. Savitri has enthusiastically attended many performances with the band including playing at school assemblies, and other internal and external events within the school and throughout the wider community. She continually supports and mentors junior members of the PLC Pipes & Drums, and is a passionate and committed member of the band and continues to sho enthusiasm for her drumming.

Further details on both winners and commendations can be found in “The Scottish Voice”, the magazine of the Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group.