James Bufton new Foundation Chair
Marcus Oldham College Council Deputy Chair James Bufton has taken on the role Chair of the College Foundation, at an exciting time in the College’s development.
He takes over as Chair from Ant Baillieu, who formally announced his retirement at the Foundation Cocktail Party, after 27 years as Chair and 30 years on the Foundation.
James said taking on the role of Foundation Chair was humbling, because of its importance to the future development of the College.
“I know how important the role is, and what an amazing job Ant and the executive have done over so many years.”
James attended Marcus Oldham from 1992 to 1994 studying Farm Business Management. He farms at “Staughton Vale”, near Anakie, producing prime lambs, hay crops, canola and malt barley.
James has been involved in the MOCOSA and the College Council for the past 24 years. He joined the MOCOSA Executive as Chair from 2000 until 2017. He became a Director of the Council in 2000 and was appointed Deputy Chair in 2018.
James has been heavily involved in the College’s infrastructure development, as Chair of the Planning, Building and Facilities Committee. During his time as Chair he’s been involved in the construction of $17 million of assets, including:
- The 30 bed accommodation wing
- The Douglas Boyd Learning Centre
- New Social Room and Gym
- Principal’s residence
As Foundation Chair, James will lead the campaign to raise $10 million for the construction of a 40-bedroom accommodation wing, continuing the College’s student residential expansion program.
This will take the College’s total residential capacity to approximately 190 rooms, sufficient to accommodate 200 students, which has been set as the maximum enrolment number, to retain our immersive environment.
“So much of the experience of Marcus Oldham is beyond the classroom, it’s around the campus. It’s just as important with the conversations and interactions, bonding, and friendship, that’s super important.”
James said: “the new accommodation wing will mean we can offer more students the full Marcus Experience and retain our place as Australia’s leading equine and agriculture tertiary teaching institution”.
James said it is pertinent to remind people that Marcus Oldham College is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and that Marcus Oldham College is listed by name as Deductible Gift recipient (DGR). Donations to Marcus Oldham College over $2 are tax-deductible.
If you would like to discuss how you can help, contact the Foundation Office at Marcus Oldham or visit the Foundation section of our website.
New Foundation Chair James Bufton shaking hands with retiring Chair Ant Baillieu