Though it is thirty years since internationally acclaimed sculptor Ron Gomboc attended Midland Technical School, he has retained invaluable links.

He and his wife Terrie have created a hub of artistic activity through their unique sculpture park in the Swan Valley, an art gallery and a foundry, where Ron casts his own sculptures and those of other artists. 

For the past twenty years, Midland TAFE Art students have regularly been inspired and supported by the expertise and generosity of the Gomboc's. As well as visiting the gallery and watching works in progress, they have been able to showcase their own work in the annual Gomboc Sculpture Survey.

But it is not just the Art students who have benefited from this creative energy - Tourism students learning about Swan Valley attractions regularly visit the gallery, and, since 2000, Ron has been contributing to the overall running of the College through his role as a member of the Governing Council.

This energy, commitment and generosity of spirit has earned for Ron the Western Australian Citizen of the Year 1993 for Arts, Culture and Entertainment.

Ron has exhibited in Bulgaria, Singapore, Germany, Italy and Austria and has been commissioned to produce sculptures for a wide range of people including the Sultan of Brunei. His most recent recognition has been the acquisition of one of his sculptures by Sydney University.

Ron’s philosophy underlies his actions: "If we don’t support our own artists nobody else will".

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