CLASS

On Tuesday two buses departed the College a little late, but full of students who were ready with clipboards and pen to participate in the ecology and sustainability day trip.

The Year 12 cohort attended DPIRD where they were treated to five different speakers who enthusiastically shared their career progression; many of whom had very diverse and humble beginnings, whilst encouraging students that their attitude determines their altitude in every aspect of their lives. We were also extremely lucky to have Heather Brayford, the Director General of DPIRD take the time to speak with our students. Some of the speakers are keen to attend the College to speak with the students again. 

After a combined morning tea and lunch, the next stop was Runnymede Farms.  There Blythe Calnan shared her journey and experiences including how she was able to become a first-generation farmer. Again, the underlying message was perseverance, determination, a strong work ethic and with every experience a step toward the  next goal was reiterated to the students. 

Blythe spoke passionately about regenerative agriculture, reinforcing that in any agricultural venture the bottom line is making a profit. She encouraged the students to take any opportunities made available, including perhaps setting up a small commercial chicken operation by moving the caravan from farm to farm. 

Students enjoyed handling the chickens, patting the maremma and kelpie dogs and seeing both the chicken and cattle operations on the 400 ha property. It was refreshing to see an ex Harvey Ag student, Tanille Hughes (graduate 2019) working for Blythe and enjoying her role tending the chickens. 

Jake Bailey volunteered to do the thankyou presentation for both sites and showed a lot of confidence with public speaking.

Finally, we journeyed to the Harvey and Stirling Dams for afternoon tea where Ms Stringer delivered a historical and informative talk on the water storage and dam sites.