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Today we officially opened 鈥淭he Patch鈥 鈥 our designated agriculture and horticulture area located behind our Bayuna neighbourhood.
In acknowledging the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang Clans, the Traditional Custodians of the lands of Shepparton, our Executive Principal, Barbara O鈥橞rien said it felt fitting to reflect on our First Peoples and the deep connection they have to the land and waterways of this region.
鈥淲e thank them for not only caring for country but for sharing their knowledge of country, which spans over thousands of years,鈥 Ms O鈥橞rien said.
鈥淚n 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.鈥
In addition to this, the Goulburn Valley region also contributes to 25 per cent of Victoria鈥檚 agricultural production, with Greater Shepparton being a major fruit and vegetable processing centre growing a majority of the nation鈥檚 produce.
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.
鈥淲hile the patch we stand on right now may be small in size, it鈥檚 contribution to the future of agriculture and horticulture in this region is large,鈥 Ms O鈥橞rien said.
鈥淚t is here we hope to shape the future generation of farmers, growers, agronomists, environmental scientists, biosecurity experts, lab workers, landscapers 鈥 the list goes on.鈥
Ms O鈥橞rien said Agriculture and Horticulture is one of the fastest growing and technologically innovative industries in Australia and whether you鈥檙e interested in being outdoors, adapting to climate change, animal welfare or researching sustainable business practices 鈥 the careers and pathways are endless.
鈥溍厶遗 students will utilise The Patch to make choices about seeds to plant at certain times of the year, crop care and watering, harvesting and marketing. The garden beds will be used for trials for students at VCE level,鈥 she said.
鈥淭he presence of chooks demonstrates a part of a good backyard garden, where the animals can be used to assist with garden pest management and supply eggs. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about the responsibility and commitment of looking after animals.
鈥淭he Patch is developing every day, with fruit and nut trees now planted, along with grape vines. The compost bins and worm farm are also in full operation.
During the opening event, Ms O鈥橞rien acknowledged and thanked our Multicultural Liaison Officer, Hussam 鈥楽amy鈥 Saraf, who has been instrumental in the set up of The Patch, in assisting students to plant and establish trees.
鈥淔or those of you who don鈥檛 know, Samy is a keen gardener and expert in grafting who even holds a world record for the most types of fruit grown on a single tree!鈥 Ms O鈥橞rien said.
鈥淪amy also made a generous financial donation towards the purchase of our edible garden and we are very grateful for his vision and support.
鈥淵ou will also see The Patch has had a boost of colour and vibrancy thanks to a mural along the back wall of the area.
鈥淭his was painted and designed by our Project Ready students who have been learning about regenerative agriculture and designed the piece inspired by local agriculture practices.鈥
Ms O鈥橞rien said the students were supported by local artist and painter Joan Erikson and Art Domain Leader Alison Sealie who assisted to bring the students鈥 ideas into reality in the way of one large 15m x 2m long mural.
What wonderful opportunities we will be able to provide our students in this space 鈥 transferable, hands-on and interactive learning that will be sure to build aspirations among our young people,鈥 Ms O鈥橞rien said.
Thank you to the following individuals, groups and businesses who have made this all possible:
Please join us on Tuesday, September 12 for a showcase of our student's artistic and musical talents!
Finger food provided and prizes up for grabs in senior and junior categories, as judged by local artist, Tank.
This event will be held on Level 1 of our Enterprise building.
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