Farmers, agricultural workers and rural community members took part in a week of practical safety training during Farm Safety Week, delivered by Tocal College, part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), at South Tahara Park, Forest Hill, from 31 August to 4 September.
The week-long program provided participants with the opportunity to build practical skills and improve safety practices on farms and in rural workplaces through a range of hands-on training courses.
The training covered key areas including tractor operation, chemical application, chainsaw operation, working safely at heights, confined spaces, small, powered machinery and workplace health and safety.
Funded through the NSW Government's AgSkilled program, the training enabled eligible participants to access nationally recognised courses designed to support safer and more productive farming businesses.
Leading agricultural organisations AgriFutures Australia and Hutcheon & Pearce supported the initiative by sponsoring morning teas and lunches throughout the week, creating opportunities for participants, trainers and industry representatives to connect, share experiences and strengthen industry networks.
NSW DPIRD Tocal College Team Leader Workforce Skills Training Allison Blake said Farm Safety Week highlighted the importance of providing practical and affordable training opportunities for regional communities.
"Farm safety is everyone's responsibility. Through the support of AgSkilled funding and our onsite hosts South Tahara Park, Tocal College (RTO 91166) was able to bring a diverse range of nationally recognised training opportunities to the Riverina," Ms Blake said.
"These courses helped participants build practical skills, improve workplace safety and contribute to safer farming businesses and communities.
"The strong level of participation across the week demonstrated the ongoing commitment of producers and workers to creating safer workplaces and adopting best practice safety procedures."
Participants also took advantage of opportunities throughout the week to engage with trainers and industry representatives, reinforcing the importance of a strong safety culture across the agricultural sector.
Farm Safety Week demonstrated the value of collaboration between government, industry and training providers in supporting the long-term sustainability, productivity and wellbeing of regional agricultural communities.
