New face for learning centre

Eidsvold Station’s Anthony Coates has just been appointed director of the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre.

Contributed

THERE is now a new face behind the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre in Eidsvold, following the appointment of the board's new director.

Former director Bruce Cowley recently announced his resignation after being with the centre for the past two years.

Eidsvold Station farmer Anthony Coates has stepped up to the position and was formally accepted as the director by the board this week.

"Why I decided to put my hand up was because I've been interested in the whole concept of the bush learning centre from the start," Mr Coates said.

As soon as Mr Coates and wife, Sally, saw an opportunity to become involved in the project, they both decided to become volunteer members of the learning centre.

"I've been in this area since 1962, so it's been my home and the district's been good to me," Mr Coates said.

"I thought this was something I could do to pay the community back.

"I'm easing off my work on the property, so I decided this was something I could put my time into."

While he admitted he may have big shoes to fill, Mr Coates said he was excited about his appointment.

"Bruce has done a lot for the board," he said.

"The groundwork has been done and now it's just a matter of following up suggestions and ideas to make sure they come to fruition."

Mr Coates said the philosophy of the centre came from Mr RM Williams himself - "finding the genius in everyone".

"That's the concept that we can use at the facility to help people find their talents and follow them," Mr Coates said.

North Burnett Mayor Joy Jensen wished Mr Coates well in his role.

"We are very pleased to have Anthony - he'll have a lot of expertise to add to the board," she said.