Ian Predl

Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution Award

Congratulations to Ian Predl, the winner of the inaugural Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution to Chisholm Award.

This award is named in honour of Virginia Simmons – who was an inspirational leader and innovator in vocational and tertiary education and training. She served as CEO of Chisholm for nine years and was responsible for establishing the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation. 

With this award, Ian’s esteemed service to education and training has been acknowledged, particularly through his contributions to Chisholm Institute, the establishment of the technical and further education system in Victoria, and to the community.

He has had a long involvement with Chisholm Institute and an esteemed career in tertiary education and training since the 1970s. 

In the ‘70s, he held the positions of Vice Principal of Emily McPherson College and then became the Principal of Frankston TAFE College – later to become part of Chisholm Institute. 

In the 1980s, he served as CEO of Victoria’s TAFE SYSTEM, Chairperson of the TAFE Board, and Chair of the National TAFE Statistics and Curriculum Committees.

In his retirement, Ian has served on many boards and committees, including the Council of Chisholm Institute from 2002 – 2008, and as a Trustee on the Board of the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation for nearly 10 years.

In 2006, he was awarded a Member of the Order (AM) in the Queen’s birthday Honours, for service to education and training, particularly through contributions to the establishment of the technical and further education system in Victoria, and to the community. 

Ian was presented with the inaugural Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution Award at Chisholm’s 10th annual Education Awards gala dinner by Virginia’s brother, Bill Simmons. Ian expressed his appreciation for what he now considers his swansong of 60+ years serving the education community.