Young people across East Gippsland will get a hands-on look at the future of farming when the region hosts the Youth Agritech Expo on Wednesday 17 September.
Led by Swifts Creek local Lily McCole, who was recently appointed as the event's Youth Agritech Event Coordinator, the two-day Expo will highlight career pathways in agriculture - from traditional roles on the land to the latest in agritech and engineering.
For Lily, who grew up on her family's sheep and cattle farm, the role is a chance to showcase agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding career. Her experience spans shearing sheds, wool handling, and fieldwork, including disking, seeding, and smudge barring, giving her real-world experience alongside her Certificate III in Agriculture, which she obtained last year. Lily also recently attended the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference in Bendigo, which further inspired her passion for innovative thinking in the sector.
"With the integration of technology, agritech welcomes people from different interests to all work together, each bringing something different to the table and getting the most out of farming that we can," Lily said.
The expo is backed by Swifts Creek Futures, the Gippsland Agricultural Group, and East Gippsland Shire Council, reflecting our commitment to supporting rural and agricultural communities by inspiring the next generation and securing a skilled workforce for the region.
Other partners involved in supporting the event include TAFE Gippsland, Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education Gippsland, Central Queensland University Australia, Southern Farming Systems, Victorian Department of Education, Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network, Dairy Australia and Gipps Dairy.
On Tuesday 16 September, students will tour farms across East Gippsland, gaining firsthand experience of life and work in the sector - from traditional roles to cutting-edge positions. Any interested schools are encouraged to contact Council's Agricultural Assistance department.
The following day, the Gippsland Agriculture Centre at Bairnsdale Airport will host an interactive jobs expo, featuring displays, demonstrations, and advice for anyone, whether they are young or old interested in exploring the wide range of careers available in agriculture and discover the way in which technology is transforming the industry.
East Gippsland Shire Council's, Agribusiness Development Officer, Kaylene Wickham, said the event was about opening eyes to opportunity.
"This event will showcase pathways for young people into agriculture, providing important hands-on experiences and real-world exposure to agritech careers. It's clear that when young people see the possibilities, they're inspired to pursue them."
We encourage members of the community to come along to the expo on the Wednesday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm at the Gippsland Agriculture Centre and see the potential that is being grown right here in East Gippsland in the agriculture industry.
