Youth Agritech Expo promises farm-tastic fun
Gippsland is preparing for an exciting three-day event designed to educate and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The Youth Agritech Expo, to be held 15-17 May in Bairnsdale and Sale, will offer a range of free workshops and activities for students, parents and teachers.
The expo is supported by education providers and programs, including CQUniversity via its Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education (RACE) - Gippsland project; Next Generation Farm Safety; EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture; Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network (GELLEN); TAFE Gippsland and Gippsland Tech School.
East Gippsland Shire Council is supporting the event and is joined by the East Gippsland Community Foundation, Wellington Shire Council, Agriculture Victoria, the Youth Affairs Council Victoria’s Future Proof program, Victorian Department of Education, Gippsland Agricultural Group Inc and GippsDairy.
CQU RACE Gippsland PhD candidate, Molly O’Dea, said the Youth Agritech Expo is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible opportunities the agriculture industry offers to youth in the region.
“The Expo is not only about education, but also about inspiration. It's about showing our youth the exciting possibilities in agriculture, from cutting-edge agritech solutions to social enterprises and sustainable farming practices,” Ms O’Dea said.
“We want to inspire them to be part of the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators."
The Expo kicks off Monday 15 May with the EXCITED for Agriculture Teacher Professional Development workshop at The Hub Bairnsdale, followed by the EXCITED for Agriculture teacher, parent, and industry networking event to be held at The Grand Terminus Hotel.
“Teachers, parents, and industry personnel can connect, network and exchange ideas about the latest developments in agriculture,” Ms O’Dea said.
“It's a great opportunity to engage with industry experts and a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Gippsland.”
On Tuesday 16 May, CQU’s RACE Gippsland Food and Fibre Industry School Partnerships Program offers full and part-day excursions for primary and secondary students to agribusinesses. The excursions are free, including transport, and provide a hands-on learning experience to understand the real-world applications of agriculture.
On the evening of Tuesday 16 May, the GELLEN Emerging Jobs of the Future Forum will take place at Sale Racing Club for teachers, career advisors, and industry personnel.
“We’re proud to support the Youth Agritech Expo and help young people in our region discover the immense potential of the agriculture industry,” East Gippsland Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said.
“The partnership between education providers, agribusinesses and local councils at the expo is a testament to the collaborative efforts in promoting agriculture as a viable career option right across our region.”
A key event will be held on Wednesday 17 May at The Hub in Bairnsdale and will include a range of sessions and workshops for primary and secondary students and youth not currently in education.
Sessions will include CQU’s RACE Gippsland Social Enterprise workshops, RACE Gippsland Agritech Roadshow activities, Next Generation Farm Safety secondary student and family sessions, as well as GELLEN and GippsDairy immersive agriculture experiences and a presentation by Food Futurist Tony Hunter.
“We encourage everyone to attend the Youth Agritech Expo and join us in unleashing a farm-tastic future,” said Cr Reeves.
Bookings for the Youth Agritech Expo can be made at agritech.simplybook.me For more information about the Expo, contact Molly O'Dea at molly.odea@cqumail.com
Booking for the GELLEN Emerging Jobs of the Future Forum, from 6pm at the Sale Racing Club, can be made via info@gellen.org.au
