Agricultural project at Greater Shepparton school

By Geoff Adams

Sep 15, 2023

Raised garden beds The Patch at Greater Shepparton Secondary College. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A ‘patch’ of ground is being developed at Greater Shepparton Secondary College to nurture an interest in agriculture.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The school recently declared The Patch open, on ground at the southern end of the redeveloped secondary school site.

At the opening, executive principal Barbara O’Brien said agriculture and horticulture were among the fastest growing and technologically innovative industries in Australia and whether young people were interested in being outdoors, adapting to climate change, animal welfare or researching sustainable business practices, the careers and pathways were endless.

“It is here we hope to shape the future generation of farmers, growers, agronomists, environmental scientists, biosecurity experts, lab workers, landscapers... the list goes on,” she said.

“What wonderful opportunities we will be able to provide our students in this space — transferable, hands-on and interactive learning that will be sure to build aspirations among our young people.”

Ms O’Brien thanked and acknowledged a number of people who had contributed to the set-up of The Patch, including Multicultural Liaison Officer Hussam ‘Samy’ Saraf, Project Ready students, Art Domain Leader Alison Sealie and local artist Joan Erikson, for the mural, and agriculture and horticulture teacher Charlotte Drinnan for bringing it all to life.

“In the Goulburn Valley, there is no denying the importance of caring for Country, in preserving culture and traditions and looking after our beautiful waterways and our flora and fauna.”

In addition to this, the Goulburn Valley region also contributed to 25 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural production, with Greater Shepparton being a major fruit and vegetable processing centre.

This includes 99 per cent of nashis, 86 per cent of pears, 80 per cent of kiwifruit, 50 per cent of pomegranates and 43 per cent of apricots.

“This, as well as our large dairy industry, provide product for both local consumption and national and international export.

“While the patch we stand on right now may be small in size, its contribution to the future of agriculture and horticulture in this region is large,” Ms O’Brien said.

Chook-ing in! Hens in the ‘hen hotel’ at Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s dedicated agriculture site, The Patch. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Ms Drinnan said work on The Patch began last year and there were plans to add a greenhouse this year.

Students from across a number of year levels will incorporate activities at The Patch into their studies. For example, Year 11 students looking at the care of animals will be charged with managing the hens in the “hen hotel” as it is dubbed.