COLERIDGE DOWNS CADETS

Coleridge Downs is a highly productive working farm, sharing the passion and opportunity of training young people into the farming industry.

Coleridge Downs Training Farm, overseen by General Manager Tony Plunkett , offer four cadets every year an opportunity to gain Level 3 and 4 qualifications through Primary ITO. This is coupled with an amazing opportunity to gain high quality practical training from learning basic stock work in the yards to mustering by foot and horseback, shearing, general stock work, tractor work, fencing and training dogs. These skills are learnt alongside block/stock managers and senior staff, all of this overseen by the Training Manager, Kristen Hubbard, to assure high quality training over the two years.

The cadets are housed in a purpose-built single quarters where they have a bedroom each and shared bathroom, kitchen facilities and large social indoor and outdoor living areas. Each cadet is provided with a well-bred heading pup soon after arrival. This is followed by training with the assistance of dog trialling expert Stu Miller and senior staff to build an effective team of working dogs which will be an asset to the cadets when they leave.

Scott McIlroy is heavily involved with Coleridge Downs in his role with Hazletts and he introduced the cadets to the Darfield Rugby Football Club Colts coaching and management team.

“I have been working with the Coleridge Downs group for a few years and like the way they have a big focus on the young people in the cadet programme,” commented Scott.

“It seemed like a pretty good idea to get them involved in the rugby club, as they are a great group of young people, all passionate about the same things. The two girls in the programme have a big part to play as well and are often at games supporting the boys and driving them around. All the cadets are like one big team and look after each other which is great to see,” concluded Scott.

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Charlie Coakley

Charlie is a second year cadet and has really enjoyed getting stuck into country life. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys getting out on his motorbike during spare time. Colts position: Flanker.

Jack