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ALEC Meikle dreamed of being a welder, so much so he enrolled in a TAFE course while still studying at school.
The youngest of three siblings, Alec was born in New Zealand and emigrated to Australia in December 2002.
Counsel assisting the deputy state coroner Stephen Kelly yesterday gave an opening submission at the inquest into Alec Meikle’s death, saying Alec loved going to school and was an above-average student.
In the overview, Mr Kelly said Alec made friends easily and his report cards showed he was committed to learning and a diligent, courteous student.
In 2004, Alec started high school at St Stanislaus’ College where he completed Years 7 and 8.
He played rugby union, winning the Bill Kearn award for level of improvement.
Mr Kelly said Alec’s father Richard Meikle described Alec as “a good player, tough, mature for his age”.
The inquest heard how while at Stannies, Alex saw the school’s psychologist after it emerged he was being teased by other students because of his New Zealand heritage.
The problem was dealt with by the school and no further incidents were reported.
The inquest also heard while at Stannies, Alec stepped up to protect another student, a boy of Pacific Islander descent, who was being racially abused by students.
Alec told the students “don’t talk to him like that” but standing up to the bullies came at a cost, as it put him outside the social norm.
Alec transferred to Bathurst High School where he made good progress and, according to Mr Kelly’s submission, was respected by staff and students.
There were no changes in his character or behaviour, and basically he was working towards getting into a trade.
Mr Kelly told the inquest Alec was “mechanically minded, studying at TAFE and working at Metaland on the weekends”.
He said Alec applied for and was offered two apprenticeships in Bathurst – one at Carters Engineering and one at Downer EDI.
“He chose EDI because he believed it to be a more professional workshop and would have more opportunities for him,” Mr Kelly said in his submissions.
The inquest continues today.
INQUEST: Sixteen-year-old Alec Meikle in what his family describes as the last “happy” photo of him, taken just before he started his apprenticeship with Downer EDI. The inquest into his death began yesterday.