High school students have been getting their hands dirty at the City's Anakie Organics Processing Facility as part of Geelong Tech School's immersive AgriTech program.
Several schools from across Greater Geelong have toured the facility this year for a behind-the-scenes look at how Geelong's locally produced compost is processed and its role in the circular economy.
Year 11 and 12 students from Lara Secondary College recently visited and conducted temperature checks on windrowed compost and learned how the City maintains quality through its waste management processes.
Following the tour, the group continued on to the Geelong West Community Garden where students saw the City's homegrown compost in action.
Students later formed teams to design products that would benefit the sites they visited. Using Geelong Tech School's resources, they developed prototypes including 3D-printed temperature gauge holders, new logos and educational animations for social media.
Based at The Gordon, Geelong Tech School's AgriTech program is part of the VCE Vocational Major and offers students hands-on experience in food production, technology innovation and industry challenges.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
This program is a great way to educate and inspire the next generation of employees and change-makers to think sustainably.Getting hands-on in the field is helpful for the students to understand the role they can play in shaping a greener future.
Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio Councillor Elise Wilkinson
Diverting organic waste from landfill is one of the most impactful things we can do to reduce emissions and protect our environment.It's great to see students having first-hand experience out in the community and for them to have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.
STEM Program Facilitator at Geelong Tech School Jono Newmarch
It's very rewarding to see that 'aha' moment on student's faces when they see with their own eyes that nature has a very clever waste recycling program of its own [and] that we can align with nature and produce high quality food from organic material.The easiest way to contribute in Geelong is by putting the right stuff in their green bins.
Lara Secondary College year 11 VCE VM teacher Angela Farrell
They're learning more about community and community engagement.They're also going to use their employability skill of innovation and teamwork to find solutions for community issues.
