MOCOSA | Issue 52 | December 2023

Adam Giblin Memorial Bursary

Alan Blackburn

Channel Foundation

Andrew Facey

Chasam Foundation

Currawong Grazing

Chris Shearer Memorial Bursary

ISSUE 52 | DECEMBER 2023

Our Valued Supporters

ISSUE 52 | DE CEMB ER 2 023

Danny & Kate Thomas

Estate of the late Garth Massy-Greene

Handbury Foundation

Lanwades Stud UK

John B Fairfax AO

Mrs Sandra Dent

MOCOSA

Louise Gourlay OAM

Nick Petersen Memorial

Peter G. Smith Memorial Bursary

Scobie and Claire Mackinnon

Susan Haggard Memorial Scholarship

A Solid Foundation Ant Baillieu and his 30 years of service

thynereid FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

Warrawidgee

Yiddinga Holdings P/L

Marcus Oldham College Old Students Association MOCOSA Magazine is published by: Marcus Oldham College, 145 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216 www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au Ph: 03 5243 3533

Magazine Editor: Neen McKenzie Supported by: Lisa Gowers, Librarian and the Communications Team.

Design: GDJ Advertising Printed by: Adams Print

The sky’s the limit

When the going gets tough

Mellow in the yellow

Marcus’ alumni farming from the air

Judith Jaeckle conquers the world’s toughest horse race

Mental health conversations in the canola

Contents Columns From the Principal

4

From the MOCOSA President

5

People A solid foundation

6

When the going gets tough

8

Marcus Minds

10

Making the connection

12

Mellow in the yellow

14

The sky’s the limit

16

In recognition of...

20

Racehorse, eventer, schoolmaster 22 The gift that keeps on giving

24

News Foundation

Photo: Napperby Station, NT

We acknowledge we are educating on the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people and honour and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.

26

The Network

34

Reunions

35

Students on Tour

38

From the Student President

42

Marcus All Over

44

Staff News

52

College photo

54

PEOPLE| ISSUE 52 | DECEMBER 2023 MOCOSA

Marcus Oldham College 2023

Save the dates 2024 FEBRUARY

Contents

2 - 11 Nutrien Classic, Tamworth, NSW 10 - 11 Marcus Oldham Horse Trials, Geelong, VIC

MARCH 5-7 6 7 8 15 - 16 20 - 22

Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Horsham, VIC Marcus Connect Tour, Deniliquin, NSW Marcus Connect Tour, Orange, NSW Marcus Connect Tour, Wagga Wagga, NSW South East Field Days, Lucindale, SA NTCA Annual Conference, Alice Springs, NT

Columns From the Principal

4

From the MOCOSA President

5

People

APRIL

A solid foundation

6

19 - 21 1994 Graduates 30 Year Reunion, Brisbane, QLD 18 - 21 Equestrian Festival, Adelaide, SA

When the going gets tough

8

Marcus Minds

10

Making the connection

12

Mellow in the yellow

14

The sky’s the limit

16

In recognition of...

20

MAY 2-4 3-5 5 - 10 5 - 11 8 9

Agfest Field Days, Carrick, TAS Ballarat Horse Trials, Ballarat, VIC Rural Leadership Program 1, Marcus Oldham College Beef Week, Rockhampton, QLD Marcus Connect Tour, Rockhampton, QLD Marcus Connect Tour, Roma, QLD

Racehorse, eventer, schoolmaster 22 The gift that keeps on giving

JUNE 13

24

News

Foundation Cocktail Party

Foundation

JULY

26

The Network

34

Reunions

35

AUGUST

Students on Tour

38

From the Student President

42

4 - 5 Sheepvention, Hamilton, VIC 7 - 8 LambEx, Adelaide, SA 15 Connect Tour,Will Horsham, VIC Row 7: Marcus Hamish Winter, Bucknell, Toby Nixon, Nick Klug, Hamish Bell, Nick Cash, Sam Agar, Will Metcalfe, Ned Napier,Tour, Tom Gough, Baden 16 Marcus Connect Geelong, VIC Grey, Alex Ritchie, Angus McKay, Henry Gould, Mark Marriott, Jack Waters, Harley Clifton, Oscar Philip, Henry Lotz, Archie Rial, Charlie Uren, Joseph Chaplin, Tom Conheady, Nick Hurst, 18 - 23 Rural Sam Leadership 2, Palmer,Program Adam Marriott, Sam Coad.

Marcus Oldham College Ella Pearson, Daisy Berryman, Jack Bradford, Lachie Hurst, James Cox, Hugh McNamee, Claire Koch, Row 6: 20 - 22 AgQuip, Gunnedah, NSW Sam Cannington, James Hermiston, Henry Fowler, Tom Gould, Will Dugan, Harry Wetherall, Jack Hughes, Tom Acton, Hugh Helps, Henry 28 - 29 Dowerin Field Days, Dowerin, WA Durrant, Henry Maconochie, Tiffany Thomas, Xavier Lefebvre, Kai De Lacy,

Marcus All Over

44

Staff News

52

19 - 21 Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, VIC 21 Open Day, Marcus Oldham College

Row 3:

Amelia Harvey, Brittani Tomac, Meg Grogan, Olivia Patterson, Mitchell Lollback, Travis Tremellen, Wesley Mitchell, College photo 54 Phoebe Yabsley, Sam McConachy, Georgie Manifold, Zoe Murray, Lillian Ives, Ed Cox, Ellen Gall, Annie Couchman, Liam Phillips, Cian Stewart, Sam Hayes, Sophie Baker, George Sinclair, Kristina Howard, Sequoia Stones, Matilda Pickard, Anna Paton, Isabella Leonhardt, Ella Bent, Phillipa Ireson.

Row 2:

James Lang, Cathy Bell, Holly Bastian, Zainab Habibulla, Eliza Riordan, Kate Denholm, Abby Hanrahan, Caitlin Pauley, Kiara Henderson, Shannah Mudge, Jock Hatty, Asha Kelly, Cody Dobbin, Bede Archer, Clancy Henderson, Rowan Spitse, Tristan Chincarini, Evangeline Hetherington, Anna Finlayson, Jane McGuire, Islay Salmon, Dimity Crowe, Jacqui Hutton, Eliza Lucas, Ebaney Espinoza, Lisa Gowers.

Front row:

Cathy Dearing, Deanne Whelan, Deb Howcroft, Danni Bond, Neen McKenzie, Cleo Gower, Roberta MacLeod, Duncan Ashby, James Ashleigh, Elizabeth Gubbins, Angus Crossing, Andrew Baker, Hugh Dawson, Abbott Haron, Andrew Etherton, Steve Crawford, Ben Hole, Scott Vanderkley, Matthew Robertson, Kate Gorman, David Cornish, Sherryn Jennings, Katrina Wood.

Sam Marshall, Bailey Hogg, Thomas Southwell.

SEPTEMBER Row 5: Nina Keene, Philippa McNamee, Jack Demeo, Max Bidstrup, Angus Golden, Harry Thompson, Jack Wilson,

Daniel Ryan,Tour, Hamish Wortley, 6 Marcus Connect Adelaide, SAHarry McIntyre, Xavier Buntin, Nick Makeham, Michael Blomeley, Hugh Watts, Nick Herring, Max Ifould, George Fergusson, Harry Littlewood, Will Choice, Charlie Watson, Lucas Atkin, 19 - 21 Henty Machinery Field Days, NSW Oscar Geddes, Jock Keiller, Hamish Sylvester, Pippa Browning, Ed Bowden.

19 - 23 National Interschool Equestrian Championships, Row Harriett Taylor, Marshall Browne, Lachlan Hacon, Olivia Barber, India Allen, Madeline Marks, Sarah Hulland, 4:Tamworth, QLD

OCTOBER 24

Kane Wishart, Mac Shaw, Fletcher Ryan, William Warriner, Sam Smith, Tom Cruikshank, Ben Bungey, Clancy Mackay, Oscar Lawson, Alice Hayes, Alex Jacobson, Evie White, Hamish White, Kyella McKenna, Ingrid Bradley, Julia Stern, Poppy Chester, Georgina Berryman, Grace Slack-Smith, Annabelle Hamilton, Natalie Turner.

Geelong Cup, Geelong, VIC

DECEMBER 6

Photo: Napperby Station, NT

We acknowledge we are educating on the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people and honour and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.

Graduation, Geelong, VIC

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55

COLUMNS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Andrew Baker I've been fortunate to travel across the country with the Marcus Connect Tours, where I've had the privilege of meeting former students and reuniting with many past students whom I've had the pleasure of teaching.

This has given me an opportunity to reflect upon the significant role that our graduates have played, and will continue to play, in shaping the landscape of Australian agriculture.

For me, the most significant takeaway from the Marcus Connect Tours has been the unwavering dedication and passion exhibited by our alumni. Together, we will continue to cultivate success, nurture innovation, and sustainably feed the world. The future of Marcus, and indeed, the future of Australian agriculture, will be moulded by the collective wisdom of our alumni community.

At present, Australian farmers possess the capability to provide sustenance for approximately 61 million people.

Each farmer fulfills a crucial role, annually feeding approximately 600 individuals, 150 within Australia and an impressive 450 beyond our national borders. While these accomplishments are undeniably impressive, they represent less than one percent of the current global population.

This was further highlighted when the College received a silky oak refectory table crafted by Rick Wright DipFM’68 and Rob Hooke DipFM’68. This table symbolises the deep appreciation that our alumni hold for the College and the benefits they have received from Marcus. Rick shared with me his encounters with numerous students, past and present, all brimming with enthusiasm and confidence for the future, which is truly heartening. Rick, who was once the Vice President of the NSW Farmers' Association, mentioned that during his tenure, five ex-Marcus students served on the council, a noteworthy achievement among thirty-five councillors. Together they achieved remarkable progress and developments. Rick hopes this can serve as a catalyst and challenge for other years to follow suit and maintain their connection to this exceptional network.

So, as we look towards the future, a perplexing challenge emerges. Projections from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issue a stark warning: by the year 2050, we must increase our food production by 60 percent.

This enormous task is to meet the requirements of an anticipated global population of 10 billion. Yet, this challenge becomes increasingly formidable when considering the ever-intensifying volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that characterises today's world.

Marcus Oldham College holds a unique place in this evolving landscape. In comparison to many other institutions, we remain intentionally small. Our commitment to quality over quantity is deeply rooted in the visionary principles set by our first principal, Ivo Dean. He envisioned Marcus as an immersive environment for like-minded individuals, where a high degree of interaction between students and lecturers is fostered. Our approach emphasises integrated and applied learning with a collaborative spirit, all while maintaining strong links to industry.

We continue to draw inspiration from our dedicated alumni and uphold the principles that have shaped Marcus Oldham College; we are poised to navigate the challenges of a changing world and lead the way in advancing Australian agriculture to meet the needs of a growing global population.

Andrew Baker Principal baker@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

These principles have been our guiding light for generations of graduates, ensuring that they are equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the skills and values needed to thrive and lead in the dynamic world of agriculture.

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FROM THE MOCOSA PRESIDENT

Peter Stephens

In the previous edition of MOCOSA, I mentioned that the College Executive and Council were very keen to get out in the bush and connect with alumni, friends of the College, and prospective students.

I can confidently report that our first Marcus Connect Tour was an outstanding success.

Thanks to a generous sponsor, the College Chairman Rob McGavin, Principal Andrew Baker, Deputy Principal Winks Gubbins, Council members James Bufton, Howard Hansen and I flew into northern NSW and southern QLD to present the Marcus Oldham story to date and the challenges going forward.

To that end I would encourage all of us, the Marcus Oldham alumni, to consider helping fund the 45-bedroom student accommodation block to be built at the end of “death row”, replacing the old principal’s residence. The recently named Baillieu Wing has been brilliant in housing 30 students over two floors, but we are still 45 beds short of being able to house all our students and give every one of them the full Marcus experience.

The alumni were thrilled to hear how the College has progressed since their attendance (in some cases, many years ago!) and were delighted that the cornerstones of a Marcus education remain unchanged.

The generosity of others made it possible for major projects, such as the Douglas Boyd Learning Centre and the aforementioned Baillieu Wing, to be completed. Let’s make Marcus the complete package and, if we all contribute something, we can get the new accommodation wing built in time for 2025 students.

The gatherings I attended in Gunnedah, Tamworth, Goondiwindi, and Toowoomba were very well attended, and all were universal in their support for the College’s direction.

Alumni supported the commitment that students should (and indeed, want) to live on the College grounds and immerse themselves in the collegiate experience that we all enjoyed.

Finally, the Principal touched on the fabulous donation of the refectory table by the FM 1968 group, which now sits proudly in the reception foyer. Rick Wright DipFM’68 and Rob Hooke DipFM’68 spoke with extreme fondness of their time at Marcus, 55 years ago.

The Marcus Connect presentation emphasised the need to ensure this essential part of the Marcus experience is maintained, and reinforced that Marcus continues to provide the best agricultural and equine education in the country thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

The College would not exist without our donors and benefactors, dating back to the initial bequest by Marcus William Oldham in 1939.

I felt humbled to be at the College when it was personally delivered on the roof of a Landcruiser. It makes me proud to be a Marcus alumnus and I feel very fortunate to be celebrating my 40-year reunion this year in Geelong.

All the best to you all and your families, as we head into another Christmas and New Year.

Student fees pay for annual operating costs. New buildings and upgrades rely solely on fundraising.

Peter Stephens DipFM'83 MOCOSA President

An analogy I heard on the tours was that: “the students’ fees pay for the diesel and shearers, and any capital improvements, like new tractors and stockyards, need to be funded independently.”

peter.stephens60@gmail.com

5

PEOPLE

A solid

“ My heart is very much still with Marcus, that’s for sure.”

6

foundation “ Marcus Oldham has had an enormous impact on my life.

When you make decisions buying and selling properties, you really don’t know the outcome until further down the line, and that can be a little bit scary, but Marcus Oldham gave me the confidence to do those things.”

Naming the new 30-bed accommodation building the 'The Baillieu Wing' is a fitting acknowledgment of the enormous contribution made by Antony Baillieu DipFM’71. Ant has given 30 years to the Foundation Committee, 27 of those as Chair. Through that role, he has encouraged many others to contribute to the growth and development of the College.

Without Ant, Marcus Oldham would be a very different place.

His belief in the Marcus model is unwavering.

“I think the College has a great future, it’s stronger than it’s ever been before, it’s a great place. I have no hesitation in recommending it to people. The fact they have taken the academic side of Marcus Oldham up another few notches quells those arguing they should go to university. You don’t need to. If you are serious about doing anything attached to agriculture, Marcus Oldham only adds to it. The fact it is still relatively small, that we aim to house everyone within the place, keeps the focus on the students 24 hours a day, unlike universities where they live elsewhere. I think it’s one of the key aspects of Marcus.”

He developed Eynesbury, near Melton, taking it from a rural property to a development property, including a golf course where many Marcus Oldham Golf Days have been held - another example of his generosity to his College.

“When I was invited to join the Foundation, with government institutions having fallen by the wayside, and Marcus still persisting, I realised what a great institution it is, and how lucky we all are. I got involved because I enjoyed what I was doing, it was near and dear to me, it was an area to which I felt I could make a small contribution. I was lucky enough to have this education and it’s a wonderful thing to have.”

Ant gained a great deal as a student here.

“I remember vividly leaving school, keen to pursue an agricultural life. I started to focus on Marcus Oldham and found I had a few mates who had gone there, and that was it. Other than the classroom studies, one of the big things we benefitted from was going out visiting farms, then analysing and doing case studies on them. I found that incredibly interesting and I think it’s one of the great things about Marcus.”

Throughout it all, he has had the undying support of his wife.

“I married Sybil at the ripe old age of 23 and she has always supported me in so many things we have done together.

As you can see, we’ve been around a little bit and she’s never bucked at going to WA or Kilmore or any of these places, she’s always been extremely supportive. Going on the land by yourself, it could be a very lonely existence but to have a partner who is totally supportive, I’ve been very lucky.”

Ant’s 50+ year career in agriculture has taken him far and wide, but Yarram Park, Willaura has always been there.

After Marcus, Ant went home to Yarram Park for a year, then his uncle encouraged him to join his sheep exporting business in Sydney. After a year in the city, he was posted to the Riverina for a couple of years, running a cattle operation. Then came a change of direction.

Ant has handed over the Foundation Chairmanship to James Bufton DipFM’94 this year with full confidence.

“I think James will be fantastic, he’s a great personality, he’s well known, he knows the College well. I think he will bring to the Foundation things I wasn’t able to bring, because of his knowledge of the College; he will be a bit more professional in some areas and he has a younger group of friends who can take over at this stage. He is a great fit.”

“I wanted to learn about cutting up a beast, so I worked in a butcher shop in Kilmore for about six months. Then I accepted a job in Esperance, WA, working for a group called the Esperance Land Development Company. I stayed there about 12 months, then we bought a property at Cavendish, Victoria, where we stayed for seven years until I sold the place and bought Mt Elephant, where we were for 27 years. In 2010, we sold it to return to Yarram Park.”

We thank Ant for all he has contributed, knowing you can take the person out of Marcus, but you can’t take Marcus out of the person.

“My heart is very much still with Marcus, that’s for sure.”

Ant credits Marcus Oldham with enabling him to make strong business decisions.

antony.baillieu@mutualtrust.com.au

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PEOPLE

When the going gets tough

“It was big, it was a lot, but I loved it.

I loved it so much more than I thought I would,” said Judith Jaeckle DipEM’22 on coming third in the world’s longest and most gruelling horse race, the Mongol Derby.

Photography by Kathy Gabriel

During Judith’s 12-hour riding schedule, every day for nine days, covering 1330 kilometres, there were many challenges.

“ I was in the lead a lot until I lost my horse. I camped out with a family in their yurt and the horse stayed in the round yards with the goats and sheep.”

“You just have to deal with whatever comes along; I was bucked off a horse - I sat on it and was bucked off straight away, I lost a horse, and I had a horse fall on me.

The toughest part for me, which I did not expect, was that people were so competitive. There were two incidents where I was cut off and could have fallen, but I didn’t, fortunately. I had everything thrown at me and still finished third.”

"In the mornings you have to let the horses graze for at least one hour before you are allowed to ride again at 7am.

When I had him the day before, it took three herders holding him for me to get on. I tried to put the hobbles on him so he couldn’t run away but he realised and took off, so I took my saddle, my saddle bag, my bridle and backpack, everything I had, then walked the 10 kilometres to the next station. I lost about three hours.”

There was a further unexpected challenge with a new rule introduced, designed to even out the competition.

Previously, riders chose their horses, but this year horses were pre-selected for riders. Each rider was able to reject their delegated horses up to three times, but Judith decided to take what she was given. She was recognised with an award for not changing horses. On top of this acknowledgment, Judith passed all horse health checks conducted by veterinarians at each station.

With the challenges came the kindness of the support team.

“The whole crew, whether international or Mongolian, were great. You’d arrive in the camp, and they’d cheer you up.

They would say, ‘You are doing a great job, and everyone loves what you are doing’. It gives you a little push to keep going; you think, maybe what I’m doing is pretty good.

The locals were really looking after me, they weren’t just handing out the food, they were really trying to make good food, and even putting food in my pocket; coming out of the yurts with drinks and sweets because they want to make sure you are fine, and able to keep going. That was a beautiful part of it. I didn’t think it would be like that, I felt so comfortable with everything.”

“Being officially awarded for getting no vet penalties and for not changing horses was more like a win for me. I felt like I got the right balance, that’s what I was trying for the whole time. I always put the horse first; you can take care of your horses and still be able to ride competitively.”

On Day 7, the difficulties Judith experienced illustrate what makes this the world’s toughest race and why 42 riders started it, but only 25 finished.

When the going got tough, Judith was certainly able to get going.

Vet checks were mandatory

8

Judith earned the medal for third place

“I would recommend it, 100%. I’m so glad I’ve done this, it’s the sense of achievement, yes, but I achieved so much more than I ever thought I could. I’m so much more confident with horses since I’ve done this. I don’t know if I want to do it again because it can’t get much better than that.” judith@ironstonequestrian.com.au

The yurt Judith slept in

“ I would recommend it, 100%.

I’m so glad I’ve done this, it’s the sense of achievement, yes, but I achieved so much more than I ever thought I could.”

The long 10km walk

The kindness of the locals

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PEOPLE

Marcus Minds The Marcus Minds Project (MMP) is in full flight, offering a platform with ideas, information, and resources to help us all live healthier, happier, wiser, and wealthier lives.

Deakin University lecturer, Kris Hinck has joined the MMP team as Project Manager. He brings a wealth of experience as a sport and human performance consultant, having worked with the Geelong Cats, Adelaide Football Club, Commonwealth and Olympic medallists, Tour de France cyclists, the Victorian Institute of Sport, and the Australian Men’s Basketball Team.

“With the ups and downs in the agriculture industry, we felt it was important to provide our community with sources of health proactivity, optimism, and what many industries refer to as 'high performance'. Essentially, being your best self as often and consistently as you can, riding the ups and downs, striving and moving forward, to pursue a thriving life.

Within the MMP, we refer to this ideal of high performance as Healthy, Wealthy, Happy and Wise. It's a journey, not a destination, and everyone can benefit from this approach.”

By clicking through this free resource, Kris sees there is much to gain from very little effort. It’s all about helping those who access the platform to optimise more of their potential.

“The world is full of conflicting information about how to maintain health, wellbeing and performance through work and life. Added to this is the complexity of health and connection issues in rural and farming life; much of the available information is difficult to relate to the context of the agricultural sector. Through the project sponsors, Suzy and Tim McGavin DipAA'99, alongside Marcus Oldham College leaders, we have been able to engage health and performance leaders to aggregate the best information and make it practical for Marcus Oldham people and their communities.”

L-R: James Ashleigh FM3, Angus Crossing FM3, Justin Sampson CEO Active Farmers, Tim McGavin DipAA’99, Hugh Dawson AG2, Jess Veenstra, Personal Trainer Active Farmers

Kris encourages all to access the resources, no matter their circumstance.

“It could come from a moment of reflection, perhaps a health check, or some concern from someone close.

But we should all find proactive reasons to emphasise and improve a little with our Purpose, Mind, Body, Connection, and ultimately our Performance in life and work. MMP can help you do just that.” www.themarcusmindsproject.com

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Tim and Suzy McGavin launch the new gym

“ With the ups and downs in the agriculture industry, we felt it was important to provide our community with sources of health proactivity, optimism, and what many industries refer to as 'high performance'.

Essentially, being your best self as often and consistently as you can, riding the ups and downs, striving and moving forward, to pursue a thriving life.”

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PEOPLE

Making the connection This year, thanks to a generous donation from a Marcus Oldham graduate, the College has been conducting a series of 'Marcus Connect Tours'. The purpose is to listen to what is happening out in the bush and connect with alumni in the regions where they live.

So far, the Tour has caught up with over 400 graduates, families, work experience employers, donors, and the broader Marcus Oldham community across five states and territories.

Tamworth, NSW – 23 August 2023

Functions have been held in Darwin, Goondiwindi, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Perth, Albury, Launceston, and Geelong. I was joined by members of the Council, Foundation Chair James Bufton, MOCOSA President Peter Stephens, and the Marcus Leadership Executive.

The Marcus Connect Tour will visit more regions in 2024.

I strongly encourage graduates to attend a function next year if one is coming to your area. Alumni and friends at this year’s events had a fun night, appreciated the visit by the College to their region, and enjoyed catching up with so many like-minded people and talking about all things Marcus Oldham.

L-R: Hannah Coddington AdDipFBM’00, Anne Stevenson DipHBM’98, Peter Stevenson AdDipFBM’01, Angela Swales, James Swales DipFM’93

The Tour gives the opportunity to explain to graduates a number of key features of the College: • Current courses, curriculum, and accelerated degree program • Student entry criteria and selection process – with 60% of current applicants unable to be offered a place due to strong demand • Governance of the College, including the appointment and role of Council, Foundation and MOCOSA

L-R: Liberty Walker BB(Agri)’22, Jack O’Neill BB(Agri)’22, Howard Hansen DipFM’94, Grad of Exc’05, Joe Burgess BB(Ag)’20, Principal Andrew Baker

Goondiwindi, QLD – 24 August 2023

Toowoomba, QLD – 25 August 2023

L-R: Jonathon Bender, Sam Cannington AG1, Bill Bender, Robert Smith (Smithfield Cattle Company)

Tim McGavin DipAA’99, Lewes Golden AssocDipFM’86, Peter Gall DipFM’91, Council Chair Rob McGavin AdCertAA’93 Grad of Exc’00, Rolf Mitchell DipFM’93, Wylie Wettenhall DipFM’95, Foundation Chair James Bufton DipFM’94, Howard Hanson DipFM’94, Grad of Exc’05, Tim Kelly AdCertAA’93, Brian Wagner AdCertAA’94, Michael Mactaggart DipFM’97, MOCOSA President Peter Stephens DipFM’83 and Raymond Williams DipFM’93

Camilla Doolin and Michael McIntosh DipFM’96

L-R: Elle Corbet, Lachlan Finlay, Brian Wagner AdCertAA’94, Tim Kelly AdCertAA’93, Peter Gall DipFM’91, Ellen Gall FM1 and Louise Gall

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In 2024 the Marcus Connect Tour is visiting: MARCH 6 – Deniliquin, NSW 7 – Orange, NSW 8 – Wagga Wagga, NSW MAY

Olivia Patterson FM3, Principal Andrew Baker, Jennie Parker AdCertAA'93, MOCOSA Executive

8 – Rockhampton, QLD 9 – Roma, QLD AUGUST 15 – Horsham, VIC 16 – Geelong, VIC SEPTEMBER 6 – Adelaide, SA

Georgie Thomson BB(Agri)'12, MOCOSA Secretary, Deanne Whelan Senior Lecturer in Accounting, Finance and Tax

Other visits and functions may be added to this list.

Updates will be published on our website and e-newsletters.

RSVP to the functions listed using the QR code above, or visit the Marcus Oldham website – marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/marcus-connect-tour Keep an eye on the website, and the MOCOSA Facebook page for any dates that might be added.

by Rob McGavin AdCertAA'93, Graduate of Excellence'00, Chair of Council.

David Oman DipFM'70, Louise Baylis and James Bufton DipFM'94, Chair of Foundation

r.mcgavin@cobramestateolives.com

Perth, WA – 1 September 2023

Ben Dwyer, Julie McDonald (Marcus Council) and Tim Wood

John Crozier and Peter Stephens DipFM'83, President of MOCOSA

Tegan Scanlon, Jane Kilpatrick and Tracey Chomley

13

PEOPLE

Mellow Yellow in the

Putting a lawn in the middle of a canola crop to have a party at Tatyoon, Victoria was the first step towards creating conversations about mental health for Leila and Sean McDougall AdDipFBM’11 in 2014.

“It was quite hard to get people to come on board because the topic was still taboo when we started the event.

But once everyone came along, it opened up the conversation, it gave everyone the opportunity to share their stories with other people. You are more likely to talk to someone you are not close to about your mental health than your best friend, it’s easier to open up. Over the years it’s just got bigger and bigger,” said Leila.

the middle, there were challenges. I came home to the family farm and I’m still here today. We’ve expanded the business with land purchases, and intensified with a bit of cropping, sheep, and cattle. The things I learned at Marcus I’ve brought back to the business.”

Leila grew up in Walcha, NSW.

Sean grew up in Tatyoon and went to Marcus on the recommendation of others from his district. In his third year, he was student president.

“We were in a rural community and my father had bipolar, which had its challenges. Our house was an alcohol-free zone. When I came here, I saw a lot of men repressing their stress and turning to alcohol to get away from it all.

Add to this the isolation and lack of medical resources.

When working with the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton, I became involved with encouraging farmers to have health checks and a few of them hadn’t been to the doctor for a long while. It made it clear we needed to raise awareness in this space.”

“I’ll always remember that as being a pretty big responsibility, keeping Livo happy, and my mates happy, with me stuck in

“Mellow in the Yellow” has been positive for locals personally, and the broader community.

This year’s “Mellow in the Yellow” event in early October was a hit again, with 330 people gathering to connect with one another and hear from guest speaker, Shanna Whan, Founder and CEO of Sober in The Country, who was named Local Hero in the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards.

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“ I can definitely see a difference. People call us if they’re having a bit of a hard time. They are willing to talk about it now, which I don’t think they would have been 10 years ago… Everyone looks forward to it as an event where they can get together and have a good day.

It would definitely work in other districts too.”

“I can definitely see a difference. People call us if they’re having a bit of a hard time. They are willing to talk about it now, which I don’t think they would have been 10 years ago. We get a lot of support from businesses in the local area which is good. They’ve recognised how much of a difference it is making in the community. Everyone looks forward to it as an event where they can get together and have a good day.

It would definitely work in other districts too,” said Sean.

Leila and Sean are taking the next step in spreading the message, making a feature film called “Just A Farmer”.

“It is a hard-hitting topic but there’s a lot of hope and love in the story; it shows the resilience of rural communities and families and how we have to come together and talk about everything, or we are going to be stuck in the same spot.

Hopefully, people will walk away from it and think, ‘If we’re ever in this situation we need to seek help and support and talk about it, instead of running away from it’,” said Leila.

Filmed on their farm, featuring high-profile actors, Robert Taylor, Susan Prior, Joel Jackson, Damian Walshe-Howling, Louise Siversen, Trevor Jamieson and Eddie Baroo, the pair have jumped into their own roles, Leila as writer, actor and producer, and Sean in charge of ensuring the farming scenes are realistic.

Leila and Sean

The film has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival and is to be in cinemas in January 2024. It will also run as an impact campaign event in rural communities, where a screening of the film will be held in conjunction with mental health workshops. Cast and crew may also attend the events for a Q and A.

If you are interested in hosting a screening in your community, please contact Leila at leila@vampaddockproductions.com seanmcdougall20@gmail.com

Leila with Shanna Whan

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PEOPLE

The sky’s t Marcus graduates farming from the air.

Stephen Holding There’s nothing up in the air about Stephen Holding’s DipFM’93, BBAM’06 belief that agricultural aircraft save farmers time and money. Having worked for Field Air, based in Ballarat, since 1999, first as Business Manager and now General Manager, Stephen has confirmed his commitment to the cause with his involvement as a board member of the Aerial Application Association of Australia Limited (AAAA) since 2018.

Stephen grew up on a family farm at Mannibadar, Victoria but on realising there would not be room at home for him, and encouraged to gain tertiary qualifications, he came to Marcus, not quite sure where it would lead.

“Through my time at Marcus, I developed skill sets in certain areas and it became of interest to me to go into the National Australia Bank’s Rural Graduate Program. There were a number of Marcus graduates who had paved the way for this previously and provided that starting point. I still use my training in strategic management, particularly spreadsheets and planning skills, to solve different problems. I worked in the NAB for six years as a Rural Finance Manager and was quite enjoying that, but they were looking for me to move to a more metropolitan role, and I had a strong inkling to remain in regional Australia.”

“We are a critical part of Australian agricultural services, but sometimes there’s not much awareness or understanding. We are much faster over the area than a spreader/sprayer, there’s no soil compaction because we are not on the field, similarly there’s no disease transfer, and no crop or yield damage. If you have an established crop of wheat with rust, you are not trafficking through the field, running over the crops. We are particularly busy in those wetter years when ground operators are not able to get on the field.”

Attracted by the business and finance side of Field Air, Stephen has learned about the aviation aspects of the job, while on the job. The growth is evident.

Left: Stephen Holding with the Air Tractor AT-802F 3000 litre capacity, 1,700 HP

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Right: Stephen with AG1 students (April 2023)

the limit “ We are a critical part of Australian agricultural services, but sometimes there’s not much awareness or understanding.”

“The business, now in its 60th year, has grown into Southeast Asia where we sell and support aircraft operations in countries such as China and Indonesia. We are also involved in aerial firefighting, which has grown significantly in the last 15 years, up and down the eastern Australian seaboard.”

Representing the manufacturers of the “tractor of the sky”, Air Tractor Inc. in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific, Field Air have found another critical part to play in regional Australia.

“We’ve seen an increase in the firefighting fleet in Australia with the Air Tractor aircraft; the single-engine air tankers, they’re one of the mainstays for fixed-wing fire operations.

We are now seeing in Australia, large air tankers, internationally-sourced, converted passenger aircraft that have been turned into large fire bombers. We don’t put the fires out, rather we provide assistance to the ground crews.

We are out knocking the fire down so the ground crew can completely mop it up and contain it. These air-tankers are also used in a defensive mode, so if we have a large, going fire, the fire retardant can be used to protect critical infrastructure, like communication towers, and homes.” admin@fieldair.com.au

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PEOPLE

Sam Chisholm

but you can’t teach anyone to muster cattle. Initially, it did attract people who were a bit gung-ho, but the safety aspect and professionalism has improved. That’s the case in every industry, not just aviation. The whole world has gone that way.”

Sam Chisholm DipAgri’12 has a significant list of adventurous activities to his name. There’s the time he competed in the toughest horse race in the world, the Mongol Derby, which was preceded by two years spent riding his motorbike from Argentina to Alaska, ranching in Canada and working on fishing crews in Alaska as he rode.

Flying in a grid pattern, backwards and forwards, around 250 feet above the ground, moving at 50 knots, the biggest threat to safety comes from within the cockpit.

“Mustering is seasonal from March to November, so towards the end of the year when it’s getting hot and people are fatigued, human error is the biggest thing. It is very mentally challenging; you need to be on the ball all the time, thinking ahead about where the cattle are heading next and where your ground crew are. There’s a lot of directing, a lot of moving parts to have a successful muster. The cattle definitely get used to it, which makes it a lot easier. They all know what the deal is, they’re not frightened. Low stress stock handling is really just efficient stock handling, that’s the key to it. If you can put them together and walk them along, they will travel much better. If you spend extra time at the start, that’ll pay dividends at the end, everyone is better off.”

In 2021, when Sam and sister Georgie bought Heli-Muster NT, one of Australia’s biggest helicopter mustering companies based at Victoria River Downs, it was a return to running a very familiar business - this time with management skills on board.

“In 2011, I’d been working for several years flying helicopters with Lone Eagle Aviation Services in Kununurra. I was also the ops manager, doing quotes and I had no idea, no training, a bit of mentorship, but I was thrown in the deep end. I knew I was out of my depth and needed to do some more formal training. One of my friends, Rupert Ballinger DipAgri’12, was heading down to Marcus, and he thought it would suit me, so I rang A.B. It was pretty late in the year when I decided to go, and I turned up five weeks later to start. It was great.”

Sam has an honest approach to safety.

“I haven’t had any near misses lately, but you do scare yourself and think ‘that was a bit close’ and learn from that. That’s what we tell all the boys as well, if you keep all those to yourself then no-one else gets to learn from your mistakes, so we try to be pretty open when something goes wrong or nearly goes wrong. It’s part and parcel of becoming a better pilot.”

After Marcus, Sam spent two years with the Agricultural Management Company (AMC) in Brisbane as an Operations Analyst, but city life was not for him. Heading home to Napperby Station in the NT, Sam was back in the pilot’s seat in no time, mustering, and firebombing during fire season.

When not in the air, Sam now has an on-ground adventure very close to home.

Sam has seen some changes in helicopter flying.

“The early guys had flown in Vietnam and were helicopter pilots, not cattlemen. Now cattlemen have become helicopter pilots and that’s made a big difference. We don’t give anyone a start as a Junior Pilot unless they have good stock sense and fundamentals; you can teach anyone to fly

“We had twin girls in November so that’s the adventure/ challenge at the moment. It’s made me draw back my horizons a bit closer than they used to be.” smchis1@gmail.com

“ I have a thirst for adventure, that’s what you get when you’re flying helicopters, you are always off to the next adventure; I guess it’s in my blood.”

Above: Sam in his chopper

Victoria River Downs Heli-Muster base, NT

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Luke Chaplain

so everyone just needs some tips in terms of placement of the drones for the most effective mustering. I can muster our whole home place with drones, it would be a bit silly if I didn’t. The old man is pretty keen on them, he’s definitely starting to rely on me now.”

Luke Chaplain DipAgri’17 wears a lot of hats. The one-time Australian Rodeo Champion Open Saddle Bronc rider, turned film maker, and 2022 Nuffield Scholar is now leading the way in drone mustering, having started his own company, SkyKelpie.

Unsurprisingly, his topic for further research for his Nuffield Scholarship is drone mustering but Luke’s interests also lie in film making. On returning home from Marcus, Luke tried on another hat, working for the local Cloncurry Shire Council, and it fitted well.

Luke came to Marcus from his home farm at Cloncurry, northwest Queensland, and while at College decided to investigate the merits of using drones to muster stock.

Now, having completed groundbreaking trials with support from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF), Luke has validated the numerous benefits of drone use in mustering.

“I was helping with their media, and economic development. What I found interesting was that local council is the first port of call for anyone wanting to come to the shire to do anything. We were doing biofuel seed trials through to hosting big sporting events. It was a cool way to get in touch with the local community, and there’s a lot of opportunity up there. There was also an emerging film industry, so while I was there, we managed to lure the TV show, “Survivor” up there, and when you talk about surviving, it’s a good place to try to survive, because it gets pretty hot and dry. That brought about $6m into the local community.”

“It’s basically just another form of pressure, like a motorbike or helicopter, used to put the livestock where you want them to go. It’s about applying and releasing that pressure, to keep the animals responsive. There is a slight knowledge and skills gap for farmers in terms of using the technology, which is why we are developing some online training tools.

Australians are the best stock men and women in the world,

Luke and his sister Madeleine produced a short film of their own, called "The Bank Manager", that is now on the domestic and international film festival circuit.

“It’s about the true story of the 1932 Cloncurry bank robberies. We had so much fun making it, and have some other projects in the works. It’s another completely different area of interest for me.” info@skykelpie.com

Luke with a "ground" kelpie

“ It’s basically just another form of pressure, like a motorbike or helicopter, used to put the livestock where you want them to go. It’s about applying and releasing that pressure, to keep the animals responsive.”

Luke operating his drone

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PEOPLE

In recognition of...

Significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to education, and to conservation:

Sandy’s contributions are extensive and ongoing.

After lecturing at MOC, he became the Founding Principal of Orange Agricultural College, then served three terms as the Federal Member for Calare in western NSW from 1975-1983, Federal Secretary of the National Party for 14 years, Federal Treasurer of the National Party for three years, Marcus Oldham Foundation Board member for 15 years, and Head of Business Development at the Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research for three years.

Sandy Mackenzie

Congratulations to Alexander “Sandy” Mackenzie, Lecturer 1965-67 who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, in the King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to education, and to conservation.

His service to his alma mater, Geelong Grammar School, includes 12 years as Director of Development, and through his role as Executive Officer for the Geelong Grammar International Foundation, Sandy played a pivotal role in the establishment of an International School in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Currently, Sandy serves on the National Landcare Members Network Committee, is influential in the campaign to save the Lower Darling River, and the Farmers for Climate Action advocacy group.

The King’s Birthday Honour has given Sandy a chance to reflect, having learned early in life about the true meaning of service. Soon after Sandy’s birth in August 1941, his father was killed in the Battle of Rabaul in February 1942.

“My dad made the ultimate contribution, and I see volunteerism and community involvement as the absolute epitome of a rewarding life. I see this award as the reward, I learn from it and hope it provides an insight for others to put their hand up and say, ‘I’m here to help’.” sandymackenzie@ozemail.com.au

Service to the beef industry:

“Instead of becoming a station manager and going on to establish what is now Meridian Agriculture, I would most likely be a worn-out overseer with a crook back propping up an outback bar and grizzling to my fellow barflies. MOC was important because it was the go-to place for movers and shakers to meet, and it kept on giving me opportunities for which I am forever grateful. Without the encouragement of Robert Beggs, I would not have applied for, nor been awarded, a Churchill Fellowship.

Mike Stephens

To say Dr Mike Stephens DipFM’66, Grad of Exc’97, MSc, PhD, FAICD, FAIA-CAg, CF, and 2023 recipient of the Howard Yelland Award, came to academia reluctantly is to grossly understate the situation.

“I barely tolerated school; was anti formal education.

We were streamed according to scholastic ability. I was an E student because there was no F. I left school after the Intermediate Certificate. I was tricked by my employer into doing a MOC short course in 1964. That course changed the course of my life. If I’d thought then that later in life I would be awarded a master’s degree and a doctorate it would have been laughable.”

Most importantly I met my wife, Jo, through my association with the College.”

The Howard Yelland Award, from the Australian Beef Industry Foundation (ABIF), recognises service to the beef industry that is “above and beyond” a normal role. As Chief Executive of the Beef Improvement Association of Australia for 15 years, through his own consultancy business, as President of Ag Institute Australia, and as Deputy Chair of National Indigenous Pastoral Enterprises (one of the largest cattle owners in Australia), Mike has supported and encouraged hundreds of people with a passion and vision for rural Australia.

The Deputy Senior Student 1966, lecturer, member of the MOCOSA Executive, contributor to MORLP for 30 years, inaugural Foundation Executive Officer, inaugural winner of the Graduate of Excellence award, and author of the 50-year history of MOC, “Daring to Differ”, is now an unwavering convert to the power of a Marcus education.

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Outstanding deeds of bravery:

Mark Eaves

It may have been 48 years in the making, but time has in no way lessened the significance of the recognition of Mark Eaves’ DipFM’79 brave actions in March 1974.

The Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Meritorious Award received by Mark late last year is in recognition of a rescue at Surfers Paradise Beach. The outstanding deeds of bravery occurred in cyclonic conditions when surfer, John Smethurst, became boardless one-and-a-half kilometres from shore in a 10 to 15-foot swell. Mark, then a Surfers Paradise Lifeguard who had represented Tasmania seven times in surf lifesaving teams, made two attempts to reach and rescue the struggling stranger, his first effort hampered by “walls of water”, low visibility and strong currents.

"The surf was monstrous. I'd been sitting in the patrol wagon and when I saw this guy way out back waving his hand, I called up the Head Beach Inspector at Southport, then ran for the water. I have always been a confident swimmer (state swimming champion and state surf lifesaving champion in both the belt race and surf race), so on that day I saw John (didn’t know his name then) waving his arm and I automatically went to him.”

After his short but momentous time in Surfers, Mark returned home to Runneymede, Tasmania, before starting at Marcus.

After graduating, he had three years as Assistant Manager then Manager of a rubber/cattle plantation near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

“I have continued my surf lifesaving and am a member of North Burleigh SLSC, still doing patrols and rescues. I swim in the ocean every day, doing about 10kms a week.”

SLSA holds a special place for Mark as well, with his letter of recognition stating:

“Marcus gave me the opportunity to get the Assistant Manager's position in PNG out of 28 applicants. Furthermore, my education played an integral part in my career as a specialist rural valuer in the southwest of Victoria.”

“Your actions during this incident showcase excellence in lifesaving training, skills, and procedures, and we commend you for your bravery.

Mark ran a rural valuations business based in Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton. Since 2015, Mark has been back on the Gold Coast as a commercial/industrial property agent at Miami. The beach continues to hold a special place in Mark’s life.

We extend our sincerest appreciation for your tremendous dedication and commitment to supporting our mission of saving lives.” markeavesa5@gmail.com

“I have been fortunate to have been in situations where I have been able to make a modest contribution. I have joined organisations or been appointed to positions where, over time, I have floated to the top and accepted whatever challenges were set. The list of previous winners includes individuals who have made a profound contribution and I am genuinely humbled to join them.”

Mike sees both challenges and opportunities for the beef industry in the future.

“We need to aim for the discerning customer who can afford to pay extra for quality. With that in mind, the future of the Australian industry is dependent on the whole industry being able to demonstrate that the animals we manage live well and die well. Additionally, we will have to demonstrate that the land we manage is managed in an environmentally responsible way, and the people involved are treated well.

We need to be able to sell the story, as well as the cattle.” mstephens@meridian-ag.com.au L-R, Mike with John Gunthorpe ABIF President

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PEOPLE

Racehorse, Eventer, Schoolmaster.

The versatility of the Thoroughbred is much admired by those in the equestrian industry, and as Emma Morel explained, Final Avienge is a true testament to the breed.

“You know how some horses just win people over?

There's something about him that everyone loves, he’s got that certain quality,” said the former Director of Equine Management at Marcus Oldham College, Emma Morel, of Thoroughbred, Final Avienge.

and we went on to do one-star level. He was a bit older by that point, so I retired him from eventing because he'd done everything he needed to do, and he went to a friend of mine, an older lady who just wanted a nice, quiet horse for trail riding.”

A New South Wales bred gelding by End Sweep from Avietwo, Final Avienge began his career in pre-training with elite eventer, Shane Rose. He trialled a few times, however before he could gain a race start, he injured a tendon.

Superb schoolmaster Shane excelled in his new role, and then a few years later was once again drawn back to Marcus Oldham.

“He came back to the College, and he was still fit, sound, and loved being worked, and so he has become one of the College horses that helps the more nervous, less-experienced riders. He's a super schoolmaster.

Even as a four-year-old, he would've been a schoolmaster.”

“Shane asked a friend of his, Nick Roe – who was also an event rider and racehorse trainer – whether he wanted the horse after he’d rehabbed the tendon, and Nick took him.”

At that stage, Nick was the Director of Equine Business Management at Marcus Oldham College, where Emma was his 2IC. It was here that Final Avienge picked up his stable name ‘Shane’, a nod to his pre-training days with the three-time Olympian.

A long-time fan of the Thoroughbred, Emma – who now advocates for the breed on a professional level in her current role as Queensland Off-The-Track Program Project Officer – believes it’s their versatility and athleticism that really sets them apart.

“Under Nick's tutelage, student Patrick Starr – who has his training licence now – trained Shane as part of his coursework, and the horse won at Moonee Valley on a Friday night.”

“Shane's the perfect example of this, in that he could win a race, he could event to a star level, and he can be a schoolmaster… all in the one horse. He's that amazing package, and his quiet nature didn't preclude him from being a good racehorse or performance horse.”

Eventing talent After a nine-star career, Shane was retired from the track as a seven-year-old, and a new career beckoned.

Emma also points out that Thoroughbreds are not just pretty faces – they are tough too.

“He showed a pretty good skill set for jumping. He had really nice technique and was a sharp little jumper with a super front end, and just a lovely nature. He was quiet and easy to do anything with and had a really good attitude.”

“Yes, he did a tendon that stopped him racing, but that hasn’t stopped him from excelling in his post-racing career.

Just because a racehorse has done a tendon in the past, doesn’t write them off; they can still be an athletic horse in a different discipline, at a level that suits their capability.

Shane is 23 now and he is still going strong with the right workload. He's not getting worked six days a week or anything like that, but the light work he gets ‘breaks the rust’ and keeps him fit and supple. He loves to work, is so willing to please, and just loves people… and he's handsome!

He’s just a testament to the breed.”

With an eventing career blossoming, Shane headed back to NSW as an interim horse for the late Rachel Watts, a former Marcus Oldham student who spent many years working for Shane Rose. When Rachel acquired a new horse, Shane returned to the College.

Emma was delighted, "I had sadly just lost a horse due to an accident and didn't have an eventer at the time. I came up to the stables one day at Marcus, and Shane was in the box with a bow on him. It was lovely... and so I had him,

Story courtesy of Off The Track

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“ You know how some horses just win people over?

There's something about him that everyone loves, he’s got that certain quality.”

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PEOPLE

The gift that keeps on giving

A wedding present gifted almost a century ago, comprising five cows and a bull in New Zealand, was the foundation of Te Mania Angus.

Sam Reid BB(Ag)’15 with father-in-law, Hamish

Today, across the Tasman, the Australian Te Mania Angus herd comprises the most dominant gene pool in the Angus Australia Group Breedplan, with its genetics sought after from the US, UK, Europe, Kazakhstan, Russia, China and, back to where it all began, New Zealand.

“Collecting a lot of data and turning it into information allows us to drive traits and efficiencies in line with where we see the industry heading. It’s a long-term approach. It allows us to select and breed from animals that are going to make incremental change and bring about improvement.

Directors and brothers-in-law, Tom Gubbins and Hamish McFarlane, are justifiably proud of what has been achieved by the nuptial gift inspired by Amanda, Charlie and Tom’s Great Grandparents, back in 1928. In the early 1970’s, Andrew and Mary Gubbins were encouraged by Mary’s brother Frank Wilding to make the change from Hereford to Angus cattle. Since that time, the Te Mania Angus herd has been all about measuring performance and making genetic decisions based on the analysis of that data. Today, information is collected from before birth through to the carcase stage.

These improvements include reducing gestation length within the breed from 283 days to 280 and increasing weight gain, in round figures increasing about 40 kilograms of genetic gain per animal over the past 20 years.

Te Mania Angus have focused on marbling using feedback from the processing industry since well before the Breedplan EBV was developed in 1999. The Angus breed has become synonymous with high marbling, which is creating market opportunities and demand from all sectors of the supply chain. The breed average for intramuscular fat, otherwise

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“ We want to help keen young people to be educated so they can succeed in an industry that is integral to the country, regarding food supply. It’s important for us to put something back into the industry that we’ve been part of.” known as marbling, was +0.9 in 2003 and in the last 20 years within our own herd the average for our 2022 born progeny has increased to +4.4 exponential growth in all of that.

When you are talking about genetics, it’s a case of using the best available genetics, building strong female herds, in order to advance.

Hamish and Amanda McFarlane and Lucy and Tom Gubbins

Te Mania Angus enjoys providing opportunities for young people wanting to study at Marcus, offering a $20,000 scholarship to a first-year Bachelor of Business agriculture or agribusiness student each year.

To Te Mania Angus, the family ownership of their operation is important, as is the sharing of information with the wider community. With the next generation of both families becoming involved in Te Mania, the practical wedding present from so long ago is proving to be the gift that keeps on giving.

“We want to help keen young people to be educated so they can succeed in an industry that is integral to the country, regarding food supply. It’s important for us to put something back into the industry that we’ve been part of. Marcus fits well with our values, it provides students the ability to be able to look at things in a very practical, analytical and authentic way. It also provides a strong network of friends and colleagues to share ideas and support with.

hamish@temania.com.au To find out more about the Te Mania Angus Scholarship go to: www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/scholarship/te-mania-angus

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COLUMN

Foundation The annual Marcus Oldham Foundation cocktail party had plenty going on this year.

More than 250 graduates, scholarship sponsors, College Council, Foundation, staff, scholarship recipients and their families, as well as many corporate and philanthropic friends, attended the function at Zinc, Federation Square in May. Current parent Tracey Hayes, Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service was guest speaker, and Currawong scholarship recipient Clancy Mackay kept the audience spellbound with the story of his life (so far).

Foundation chair Ant Baillieu announced his retirement at the Cocktail Party where many people who had supported Ant and the Foundation, thanked him for his extraordinary three decades of dedication to the College and his passion for Australian agriculture and the equine sector.

College Council Deputy Chair James Bufton was announced as the incoming chair of the Marcus Oldham Foundation.

Foundation Coordinator, Deb Howcroft

James announced the launch of the fundraising campaign for stage two of the student residential expansion program, showing a new video featuring our students, 'Invest in Marcus Oldham, Invest in Australian Agriculture'. It can be viewed on the Foundation pages of the Marcus Oldham website.

options. They include building programs and sponsorship opportunities, such as sponsoring guest lectures and overseas study tours.

Since then, the Foundation has been fundraising in earnest to meet the ambitious plan to begin construction of the new 45-bed wing in early 2024, so the accommodation is ready for students at the beginning of 2025.

This year, our final year students travelled to the United States, thanks to a personal donation from LAWD’s Danny Thomas and his wife Kate Thomas.

Marcus Oldham has been the grateful recipient of bequests or gifts in wills. Anyone who confirms a bequest in their lifetime becomes a member of the Oldham Society and, by informing us, we can give them the thanks and recognition they deserve.

There has been tremendous support from individual donors and the philanthropic sector. It’s been heartening to see financial support from past graduates, many resulting from the Marcus Connect Tours and the work of Council Chair Rob McGavin, Foundation Chair James Bufton, Principal Andrew Baker, and the senior leadership team at the College.

My first year at Marcus Oldham has flown by, with every day filled with activity and a new reason to be thankful I’ve arrived here. Working towards the future development of Marcus is rewarding, and I look forward to embracing each new opportunity.

Foundation executive Jim Riordan DipFM’93, Grad of Exc’17 has joined the Marcus Oldham Foundation Executive Committee. Jim is the owner of Riordan Grain Services, and the 2017 Marcus Oldham Graduate of Excellence.

I would like to thank the Foundation Executive for their support and add that I look forward to working with them to raise the funds required for the accommodation wing.

Retiring Foundation Executive members are Mike Carroll, Paddy Myer, and College Council member Kate O’Sullivan AssDipFM’89. We thank them for their time and support.

Foundation Chair James Bufton has been exceptionally encouraging since assuming the chairmanship, and I'm eager to collaborate with him to bring his vision for the Foundation to fruition.

Impact of giving

Deb Howcroft Foundation Coordinator

For anyone who wants to learn more about how you can contribute to the College, I invite you to visit the updated Foundation website or contact the College for a Prospectus.

You can read about the impact of giving, and the many accomplishments of the Foundation, and what has been achieved through donations since Marcus opened in 1962.

foundation@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

The website has a clear pathway to giving, listing ways to give such as pledges made with annual instalments, and giving

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FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR

James Bufton Marcus Oldham College only exists through the generosity of its donors.

It started with a bequest from Marcus Oldham, and in the 61 years since the College opened, all building works, scholarships, and bursaries have been funded through the generosity of a small cohort of past graduates and friends of the College.

The Marcus Oldham Foundation is responsible for raising funds for our building improvements and new constructions.

The Foundation’s primary role is bricks and mortar. As the Chair of the Council’s Planning, Buildings and Facilities Committee, I know how important it is that we keep building and improving infrastructure to ensure we attract the best candidates.

The College is now approaching 4000 alumni, and if everyone can regularly lift a little, then no-one has to lift a lot.

I discovered at our recent Marcus Connect functions, that many alumni do not realise that Marcus Oldham is a registered charity. Donations to the College are fully tax-deductible. Many of our major donations are made in the form of a pledge, with annual payments for up to five years.

The Douglas Boyd Learning Centre (2020) and the 30-bed Baillieu Wing (2022) have been our most ambitious projects. Thanks again to the generosity of a number of Alumni and supporters, the College funded the projects, which were completed on time and on budget.

There are many ways to give to Marcus Oldham, which you can find on the Foundation pages of the MOC website, or you can contact me on 0418 524 863, or Foundation Coordinator, Deb Howcroft on 5247 2919 or foundation@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

The next stage in the student accommodation program is urgent - a 45-bed accommodation wing to house all our students who will attend in 2025. Again, we will rely totally on donations from our generous community.

James Bufton DipFM'94

As a Marcus alumnus myself, I know that many of the successes I have had in life are due to my time at Marcus Oldham.

Foundation Chair jamesbufton@bigpond.com

As the College approaches 65, it is time for our alumni to ask themselves the question: Would your life be the same without Marcus? The education and educators, the connections and friendships, the networks and being a member of the Marcus family, have shaped my life.

While we appreciate the continued support from our generous friends, I believe it's time for us to become more self-reliant and seek assistance from the Marcus family.

All students who attended Marcus did so due to the generosity of others, and it’s now our turn to give others the opportunity we had and contribute to Australian agriculture.

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FEATURE

New Accommodation to provide

The Full Marcus Experience

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When former Marcus students come together at the Marcus Connect functions, all the talk is about how much they loved living on campus.

That is why the College is building new accommodation for 45 more students; enabling all Marcus students to participate fully in campus life.

Demand for places at Marcus Oldham has been steadily increasing and some potential students have been wait-listed. As student numbers have increased, the College has been forced to source temporary accommodation alternatives off site.

In 2022, Marcus opened The Baillieu Wing, giving 30 more students the opportunity to study and live on campus each year.

The College is now raising funds to build a new 45-bed accommodation wing, so all students enrolled in 2025 can live on campus and benefit from the full “Marcus experience”.

The new building will be similar to The Baillieu Wing in external design, bedrooms and common rooms, laundry and bathroom facilities. At the heart of the College, The Baillieu Wing fosters the strong sense of community that is a hallmark of life at Marcus Oldham.

Situated west 70% of theofIvo Dean Centre andcome south from of theoutside Considering Marcus students Law-Smith wing, the new two-storey accommodation Victoria and, of the 30% from Victoria, very few have the will offer convenience. option togreat live at home; students rely on knowing there is

a spot for them to live on campus.

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FEATURE

Foundation Chair and past student, James Bufton DipFM’94 knows the importance of being immersed in a living and learning environment.

“ So much of the experience of Marcus Oldham is beyond the classroom, it’s around the campus. It plays an incredibly important part in encouraging conversations and interactions, bonding, and friendship when students live on campus together.”

Since 1962, buildings at Marcus Oldham have been funded by donations from the generous College community, while student fees fund the teaching and learning programs.

To learn more about the 45-bed accommodation wing, visit the Marcus Oldham website or contact Foundation Coordinator, Deb Howcroft at howcroft@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

Harriet Taylor’s story

“The best part is having a massive window and so much light.

I can retreat into a beautiful living space and spend a little quiet time, roll out my yoga mat in my personal space and do my exercises, and I feel lucky for that.

At the end of 2022, Harriet Taylor AG2 broke her back in a quad bike accident. After spinal surgery, she returned to the College and moved into a ground-floor room in the 30-bed Baillieu Wing.

“We are all so close-knit and look out for each other.

Coming back, everyone supported me, carried my bags – you don’t get that in a large residential environment.

The new accommodation made her return to Marcus possible.

“This building promotes communal living. That bonding is really important, and something unique and special to Marcus.

“The new student accommodation at Marcus Oldham is just a fantastic living space.

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The new accommodation wing will mean we can offer more students the full Marcus experience

“ I really hope that Marcus can continue to develop more amazing facilities so that in the future when I have children, they want to come to Marcus, because this is the place to be.”

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EVENTS

Foundation Cocktail Party The 2023 annual Marcus Oldham Foundation Cocktail Party was a memorable event, held at Zinc, Fed Square, Melbourne and featuring guest speaker Tracey Hayes, Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Foundation Chair James Bufton, and Yiddinga scholarships sponsor Andrew Farran.

Jane McGuire AG2 with her Meurer Pastoral Co. scholarship sponsors Heather Guthrie and Peter Meurer.

Rob McGavin, Edward Cox AG1, Jeremy Williams, Kerry Anne Mackay, Clancy Mackay AG1

David Cornish – Director of the Centre for Professional Development, Tracey Hayes – Guest Speaker and Bruce Wilson DipFM'71 Grad of Excellence '98

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Cathy Dearing (Finance Officer), Cathy Bell (Student Services Officer), Kelly Lotz-Vaughan, Penny Thomas and Cleo Gower (Director of Agriculture and Agribusiness)

Sybil and Antony Baillieu

Scholarship students with guest speaker Tracey Hayes, Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Rob and Liz Riordan MOC supporters

Principal Andrew Baker and daughter, Sophie Baker FM3

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NEWS

The Network

DEATHS

John to blossom into a young person passionate about community, forming particularly strong friendships with his peers.

WEDDINGS

Jack & Eliza Jack Courts AssocDFBM’18 and Eliza Whiteley were married on 3 March 2023 at Mumblebone Merinos, Wellington, NSW. jack_courts@icloud.com

John Watson DipFM'83 28/8/60 – 24/8/23

By far and away, John's greatest sense of pride came from his family. He married the love of his life, Christine Honybun in 1987 and dedicated all his effort and energy to being the best possible husband, and father to George, Digby and Dugald, he could be.

His final days were spent in the place he was born as a third generation farmer, in a room overlooking the former family property, 'De Kerilleau' and the city of Wodonga, a place in which he made a significant impact, again as a third generation Wodonga City Councillor.

John attended Geelong College as a boarder before completing a Diploma of Farm Management at Marcus Oldham in 1983. Moving to Geelong empowered

BIRTHS

He returned to Wodonga to take over management of De Kerilleau when his father passed away at the time of the customary Marcus experience year in New Zealand He quickly turned his passion for all things community into involvement in local organisations such as Apex and various agricultural societies, culminating in his election to the Wodonga City Council in 1997 where he served as Mayor in 2001/2002 before stepping aside in 2004.

After 2004, John moved away from farming as a primary producer to pursue an opportunity as franchisee of Hungry Jacks.

John found himself returning to the council in 2012, where he again made significant contributions before stepping down after his cancer diagnosis in October 2022.

During this period, John was a keen beekeeper which became his true passion in life after caring greatly for Chris during her cancer challenge and passing in 2017.

John reflected fondly in his final months on the lasting friendships made with Geelong College and Marcus alumni.

He will be well remembered and greatly missed.

By son, Digby Watson

We quickly bonded over our mutual South Australian heritage. We endured countless hours of harassment from our mates from the eastern states, mocking the way we said certain words. But this comradery among we Marcus’ boys is what made us such a special group. ln our second year of College, we had the opportunity to do a year of practical placement; Charlie spent 12 months down in the deep southeast of SA at Mt Schanck Station.

Henry King Heather King nee Cameron BB(Agri)’15 and husband Hugh King, welcome baby Henry. Born on 8 of June 2023, in Toowoomba, QLD. heather.cameron@outlook.com.au

Charles Mumford BB(Ag)’21 21/ 7/99 – 8/10/23

After leaving Scotch College in Adelaide, Charlie spent his gap year working on their family farm at Crystal Brook where he thrived, playing tennis, cricket and footy. His playing skills and willingness to help out his community in all aspects, including his involvement in the Redhill CFS as 4th Lieutenant, is something he was proud of.

At the beginning of 2019, Charlie started his Bachelor of Business Agriculture at Marcus where I had the pleasure of meeting him.

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Charlie’s response to many things was, ‘bring a smile and a good attitude’. His little quirky saying was a good laugh, and he continued to use it over and over again as it never got old because Charlie always brought a smile and a good attitude wherever he went. Since finishing Marcus, it's something that I remind myself of often.

It’s memories like these that cannot be replaced, and I will cherish them forever.

Charlie always spoke so highly of his Ben, Bronwyn, both Lachie and Dave, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.

By Wyatt Sanders BB(Ag)’21

NEWS

Reunions Class of 1968

Don Lawson OAM, MOC Lecturer 1968-71 and Rick Wright DipFM’68 with the beautiful table.

Inset: The inlayed bronze plaque.

Rick Wright DipFM’68 and Rob Hooke DipFM’68 generously donated to Marcus a beautiful refectory table they made out of silky oak. This work of art now takes pride of place in the reception area, giving visitors a stunning first impression of the College. Inserted in the top is a bronze plaque with the names of the students and senior staff from their year, 1968.

Marcus Together By Rick Wright Oldham Farm College, the font of our knowledge, the place where are futures were born,

The first year was theory and all a bit dreary, apart from the days out on farms,

And as we all know it was due to IVO, and now we all look a bit worn.

And then out on “prac” before we came back and work didn’t do us much harm.

It’s fifty years on and how time has gone and those who aren’t here, we respect,

The trip to the west, was one of the best “Ah yes, I remember it well.”

Most of our crowd have a right to be proud of the College and all its success.

It’s so well reputed, it can’t be refuted as one of Australia’s best.

Since then we’ve had fires, we’ve had floods and some drought, and some have done well while some went without,

So don’t ever stop and remain up on top; it’s the best old mates can expect.

I think it was us, who bent up the bus; so many stories to tell.

But right to the end we’ve been best of friends; a network of Marcus to treasure.

Memories recall that we did have a ball; some studied well into the night.

Lessons were taught on writing reports and look out if they came in late.

And while we’re alive the College will thrive and we can smell roses together.

The grounding we got was the best of the lot and most of us turned out alright.

We weren’t that pleased when we lost our car-keys; that’s when you found your best mates.

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rbwright3@bigpond.com robhooke@westnet.com.au

NEWS

Reunions Class of 1993

Back row (L to R): Gerard Bardell, Jamie Wright, Peter Hewlett, Will Dexter, Scott Davidson, Tim Williams, Raymond Williams, Isabella Elmes (nee Arden), Rod Chisholm, Andrew Gavel, Ian Shilling, Andrew Mactaggart, Mark Wilson, Tim Kelly AdCertAA’93, Richard Simpson, Stephen Holding, Hamish Purser, Wylie Wettenhall DipFM’95, Michael McConachy.

Back row (L to R): Rolf Mitchell, Shane Pettiford, Rob McGavin AdCertAA’93, Grad of Excellence’00, James Swales, Jim Riordan Grad of Excellence’17, Jamie Chalmers, Filippo Alvarez de Toledo, James Maclean DipFM’94, James Russell, Jason Frecklington. *All DipFM’93, unless noted.

30 Year Reunion On the weekend of the 29 and 30 July 2023, 29 out of the original 38 Marcus Oldham graduates from 1993 converged on Cairns, Queensland for their 30-year reunion. This was the fourth reunion for this graduate group, with previous get togethers having been held in Sydney NSW (2003), Darwin NT (2013) and Geelong VIC (2018).

Saturday. With a group of 52 in total including partners, many chose to make the best of the sunshine and warmth and made a full weekend of it, exploring the reef or hinterland on the Sunday before another informal catch up at The Salt House watching the sun set over Cairns.

Graduates from 1993 and their partners are most welcome to join the Facebook group “Marcus Oldham Graduates of 1993”. We hope to all meet again in 2028 to mark the 35th – destination yet to be determined.

The weekend started with an informal catch up on the Friday evening at The Pier Bar, prior to the main event at Hemingway’s Brewery on the Cairns waterfront on the

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Class of 1975

On Sunday 10 September the Class of 1975 group enjoyed brunch and a tour of the College.

Class of 1983

L-R: Principal Andrew Baker, Tim Nosworthy, Brian Lear, Andrew Sleigh, Andy Rudd nee Hart, Knox Heggaton, Craig Toole, Peter Benson, Peter Stephens, Roger Collins, Tim Squire-Wilson, Ross Clarke.

Over the weekend of 7 & 8 October the 1983 cohort gathered in Geelong, enjoying brunch and a tour of the College conducted by Principal Andrew Baker on the Sunday. *All DipFM’83 apart from Tim Squire-Wilson DipFM’82.

SAVE THE DATE

Reunion

1994 – 30 Year Reunion. 19, 20 & 21 April 2024 in Brisbane.

Main function – Saturday 20th. Contact: jamesbufton@bigpond.com

1972 cohort is organising a reunion for March 9 and 10, 2024, at MOC. Contact: Rob Rush at srush38@bigpond.net.au or 0438 017 920

The College is very happy to host reunions, and the 40th reunion weekend for the class of 1983 shows the importance of letting the College know how you can be contacted.

Please update your details by going to marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/alumni/update-your-details, or by scanning the code on this page.

For further information about reunions email: alumni@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

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NEWS

Students on Tour Marcus students spread their wings on tour across the globe.

Equine Business Management EBM toured the north island of New Zealand with James Lang, Director of Equine Business Management and Roberta MacLeod, Associate Lecturer Equine Business Management, visiting Wendi Williamson Dressage, Wade Equine Coaches, Dunstan Horse Feeds, Forsman Racing, Cambridge Stud, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Rich Hill Stud, Takapoto Estate, Argent Farm Quarter Horse Stud, Waikato Stud, Copper Belt Lodge, Vicki Wilson, Mohaka River Farm, National Equestrian Centre, Lake Taupo Holsteiners, Breckon Farms, NZ Bloodstock, Westbury Stud, Strike One Racing and Ellerslie Racecourse.

Michael Blomeley EBM enjoyed the access and insight offered at every business visited.

“ Covering a wide range of different businesses gave me a better understanding of what makes businesses work in the equine industry, and some ideas I can put into action for my career after finishing at Marcus.

The highlight for me, as a big racing/ thoroughbred fan, was meeting some of the superstar stallions at Cambridge, Rich Hill, Waikato and Westbury Studs.

Horses like Savabeel, Proisir and Shocking were standouts. Another highlight was the presentation of some of the properties we visited - not a blade of grass out of place. Places like Cambridge Stud and Takapoto Estate (showjumping venue) were unbelievable.”

Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand

Westbury Stud

Marcus students have been visiting Dunstan Horse Feeds for 27 years on their annual tour of New Zealand. The College is very fortunate and proud to have a long-lasting relationship with such a successful business and hopes this will continue for many tours to come.

Dunstan Horse Feeds

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AG1 AG1 toured New Zealand with Deanne Whelan, Senior Lecturer Accounting, Finance and Tax, Sherryn Jennings, Lecturer in Business Management, and Dave Cornish, the Director of the Centre for Professional Development, visiting Trust Codes and KPMG in Auckland, Rabobank in Hamilton, Wairakei Pastoral Limited and Pamu head office in the North Island, then The Gums, BNZ, NZ Merino, Luisetti Seeds, Westland Milk Products, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, Bog Roy Station and Earnscleugh Station in the South Island.

AG2 students enjoyed the tour as well as the weather at Beringer Estate St Helena, California

Hamish Wortley AG1 learned a lot about New Zealand agriculture.

“It was eye opening to see the effects on production due to the increased pressure of government policies surrounding environmental impact, with NZ agriculture responsible for 55% of total emissions. Industry challenges relating to price volatility, with NZ being a large net exporter of most goods produced, resulting in exposure to global markets. Not to forget the picturesque scenery in the South Island, with snow-capped mountains dominating the backdrop amongst a range of different farming enterprises along the Canterbury Plains.”

Cobram Estate, Woodland, California

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

AG2

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, New Zealand

AG2 toured California, USA with Kate Gorman, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Scott Vanderkley, Lecturer and ICT Manager, visiting Superior Farms, HM Clause, University of California (Davis), Pacific Coast Producers, Cobram Estate, Blue Diamond Almonds, Sterling Caviar, Beaulieu Vineyard, Beringer Wines, Western Growers Association, D’Arrigo Brothers, Harris Ranch, California State University (Fresno), Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, Monarch Tractors, and Global Vic (Trade Relations).

Harriet Taylor AG2 had her horizons broadened on the tour.

Earnscleugh Station, New Zealand

“Growing up on a sheep property, I arrived at Marcus Oldham hoping to predominantly focus on sheep. However, experiences like our incredible trip to California, generously sponsored by LAWD, have completely opened my eyes (and mindset) to the reality that there is something to learn from every business, production system, country, and culture. For me, the highlight of the Marcus Oldham program is their tours, as you never know what you might be about to learn. Visiting businesses such as a tomato production facility, and driverless tractor manufacturer are opportunities that most of us would not otherwise experience. However, they seem to create ‘lightbulb moments’ in my mind as we see how often similar challenges are tackled in quite different or innovative ways.”

Wairakei Pastoral, New Zealand

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NEWS

FM3 The FM3 tour to USA sponsored by LAWD, was led by Cleo Gower, Director of Agriculture and Agribusiness and Duncan Ashby, Lecturer in Accounting and Finance. They visited Texas Christian University’s Centre for Ranch Management, Volleman’s Dairy, John Deere Innovation Centre, Roam Ranch, Real Hog Farms, Texas A&M University, J D Hudgins Ranch, Temco LLC, Gator Country Adventure Park, all in Texas, then Abbeville Farm Bureau, Leading Harvest, and The Peoples Company in Louisianna.

FM1 student group at Mt Cass Station, Waipara, New Zealand, with manager Dave Woolridge

Eliza Lucas FM3 gained a great deal from the tour.

“Touring Texas and Louisiana allowed us to compare and contrast the agricultural practices in Australia with those in the United States, giving us a deeper understanding of the connections between agriculture economies, society and culture in a foreign nation. During our time in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, we spent a day visiting various enterprises, witnessing the production of alligators, sugar cane, rice, and crawfish. One of the tour's highlights was being immersed in the local culture and interacting with the community members of the Vermilion Parish.”

Jana Hocken from Grassmere Dairy, Feilding, New Zealand, (and author of The Lean Dairy Farm) speaks to FM1 students

FM1 students boarding the barge to view the oysters at Cleveland Coast Oysters, New Zealand

Bryan Simons of the Abbeville Farm Bureau, Louisiana, addresses FM3 students

FM1 FM1 toured New Zealand from Auckland to Queenstown with Lisa Gowers, Librarian, Matt Robertson, Lecturer in Livestock Production and Management and Andrew Etherton, Lecturer in Agronomy, visiting Clevedon Coast Oysters, Blue Grass Contracting, Huka Prawn Farm, Somersal Lane Farm, Grassmere Dairy, Waitatapia Farming, Te Mania Angus, Johnson Memorial Laboratory, High Peak Station, Mt Cass Station, Foundation for Arable Research, Agresearch, Limewood Farm, Clayton Station, High Country Salmon, and Omarama Station.

FM3 in the JD Hudgins Board Room, Brahmans in Hungerford, Texas

Anna Finlayson FM1 was amazed by what she learned on tour.

“I really enjoyed seeing the different operations, particularly as they were extremely intensive enterprises, and the different approaches to implementing technology, such as collars, to create more efficient operations. Experiencing and learning about aquaculture (oysters, salmon, and prawns) was amazing to see, as we haven’t had much experience within the field. A highlight was learning about farming venison and velvet, accompanied by agritourism such as trophy hunting to diversify the business. This was the farm visit where the class came together to bounce ideas and questions off each other to get the most out of the experience … an incredible business to see on our tour.”

FM3 at Mibermel Farm in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana with Julie and Thomas Boggs of the Peoples Company

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EVENTS

Marcus Oldham

Careers Event

On 7 June, Marcus Oldham students were provided an opportunity to network with a broad variety of potential employers, when 19 agri organisations were on site for our annual graduate careers event, held in the Douglas Boyd Learning Centre.

Agriculture and Agribusiness students spent the afternoon discovering career opportunities and graduate programs on offer, as well as a chance to find out what skills key employers are seeking in their organisations.

It was a hugely successful event, where Marcus Oldham was able to showcase the high calibre of our student cohort, as well as an opportunity for students to get their foot in the door and build their professional networks.

We look forward to our next event in 2024. If you are interested in being involved, please email: gradcareers@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au We extend our thanks to the participating organisations for 2023: AAM Investment Group, AFMH Moxey Farms, ANZ, Aurora Dairies & Warakirri, AFF, AWN, Bingham Agriculture, Delta Agribusiness, Elders, Excel Farms, Greenham & Sons, JBS, Kooba Ag, Lawson Grains, NAB Agribusiness, Otway Pork, Paraway Pastoral, Rabobank and Kilcoy Global Foods.

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COLUMN

FROM THE STUDENT PRESIDENT

Angus Crossing It has been a great experience for me, completing my Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) at Marcus Oldham, and I am also privileged to have represented the College as Student President.

“ My time here has been memorable, and the opportunities that have come my way have been nothing short of extraordinary.”

I am from a vineyard and cattle property near Orange, NSW. My journey to Marcus Oldham began when I was living and working at Escott Station in Burketown, QLD. Although I had spent three years living the station life, my desire to further my education and passion for the agriculture industry led me to apply to Marcus. The following year, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from Hazeldean Litchfield, which served as the catalyst for my studies in Geelong in 2021.

The College's unwavering dedication to agriculture resonated with me, making my decision to study at Marcus an easy one.

confidently say that we have had an exceptional group of students this year.

A major highlight was the Parent Student Ball held at GMHBA Stadium in August. It was a fantastic event where parents, friends and students could all connect and enjoy the night. We held an amazing auction on the night and managed to raise just over $60,000 for TIACS (This Is a Conversation Starter), who are supporting farmers and blue-collar workers with their free mental health counselling across Australia. Off the back of this, we have also teamed up with Trade Mutt to create a work shirt inspired by the students at Marcus, so keep an eye out for the groovy patterns.

My time here has been memorable, and the opportunities that have come my way have been nothing short of extraordinary. In my middle year, I had the opportunity to work at Hazeldean in Cooma alongside the Litchfield family.

This experience encapsulated the principles of a Marcus education, with having the chance to apply classroom knowledge in a thriving family business like Hazeldean Litchfield. Marcus opened doors for me, including the offer of a permanent position within the Hazeldean business after graduation. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have received a Marcus education, and it is a testament to the institution's excellence that it continues to attract aspiring students.

As we reflect on the year, the Marcus Oldham community has once again come together to create lasting memories and experiences. Thank you to all the student executive for making everything happen, and to all the other students for all your contributions to the College. Thank you everyone for being a part of the journey, and I look forward to seeing all that the future has in store for Marcus Oldham College.

The year has been filled with many events and experiences.

In addition to the traditional Wednesday night social club, the Marcus calendar was jam packed. From Hay rugby to rowing on the Barwon River, there was always something to look forward to.

Angus Crossing FM3

The year began with an explosion of energy as we all got to know one another during the first week of College. I can

Student President 2023

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Intercollegiate Ag Games Winners!

Cross country winner Harriet Taylor AG2

Basketballin!

“ The year has been filled with many events and experiences.

In addition to the traditional Wednesday night social club, the Marcus calendar was jam packed. From Hay rugby to rowing on the Barwon River, there was always something to look forward to.”

ICMJ (Intercollegiate Meat Judging) Rockhampton Team

Cross country winner Hamish Wortley AG1

NEWS

Marcus All Over every 10 years, it’s now every five- we still get more than 25 people turning up. We were quite close to some of the lecturers too.”

Colin Beckett

AgTour Australia, incorporated into Quadrant Australia in 2006, operates tours to Australia from around the world, with student groups from the USA and commodity groups from South America proving most regular. Aligning their inbound tours with major conferences, including wool, beef, and other commodities, has been an effective business strategy. Colin is the go-to tour leader for South Africa, other outbound tour destinations include Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Israel, and the USA. One of the mainstay trips over the years has been to the Calgary stampede, but it was the domestic tours within Australia that saved the day during the COVID years. Old favourites like the Kimberley, were mixed with new destinations such as the Channel Country, the Pilbara, and Tasmania.

Colin Beckett (red shirt and hat), Gordon Evans DipFM'71 front row second from right in South Africa 2023

A part time job for Colin Beckett DipFM’69, Graduate of Excellence’99 in central Queensland as a Field Officer with the Cattlemen’s Union (CU) in the mid-1980s unexpectedly opened up a lifetime of travel, that even a global pandemic has been unable to stop.

As a pioneer in his field, Colin has brought together tourist operators from all over the world.

“ In 1995, we had a small conference in Yeppoon for agricultural tour operators and out of that has sprung an international association, Agricultural Tour Operators International (ATOI).

I was the inaugural President for about four years. Our company has played a pivotal role all the way through.

Now there are something like 70 members in 40 countries.”

“I was approached to organise a tour for about 40 Texas Cattle Feeders Association members who were coming to Australia. I was based at Rockhampton managing cattle properties at the time. Ian Shannon was the CU Field Officer based in Toowoomba and together we set up a tour programme that went really well, so within a couple of weeks the Shannons and the Becketts decided this was a business opportunity. In 1985 we established a partnership and registered the name AgTour Australia."

Colin came to Marcus during the “sandwich era” when students attended class for eight months, had eight months on placement, then returned to campus for a further eight months on the books.

“Our first year was from September of 1967 to April 1968.

Ivo Dean was in full flight. Because we were the first of the sandwich group, the 30 plus of us only overlapped with the regular course students for a few months. We didn’t have peers to idolise or to follow, so as a group we became close.

We’ve kept in touch and when we have reunions- it was

While “half retired”, Colin is still a director, and the largest individual shareholder of the company. He continues to bring new ideas; having taken up croquet recently, croquet tours are now being developed to add to the long list of offerings. colin@quandrantaustralia.com

Colin Beckett, far left next to Jo & Grant Nivison DipFM'69 at Cape of Good Hope in 2014

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“ It is often emotional, people have life-changing moments. They start working with horses and it stirs their emotions. What we find is because it’s such a different way to learn, people don’t forget it. It sticks.”

Andrew Froggatt

Te Pukenaumai – Andrew's home in Otaki, New Zealand

Fifteen years ago, Andrew Froggatt AdCertHBM’94 realised his horses could be a useful training tool for teaching leadership skills, so he started “Lead the Way” at Otaki, an hour north of Wellington, NZ. He and wife, Sam Froggatt, run powerful, action-focused, learning experiences using horses for communication, and relationship and leadership development.

They tend to be naturals. It works from 10-year-old kids to 73-year-old managers,” said Andrew.

The New Zealand Dairy Board and New Zealand Pharmaceuticals were the first companies to train their leaders through “Lead the Way”, and the business has gone from strength to strength since, with chambers of commerce, New Zealand Post, and many individuals benefitting from the course. Educating leaders within sporting teams was a natural progression.

“We were finding a lot of people were looking for something different, they were sick of the standard classroom thing.

When practical people come, you don’t get the best out of them sitting in a classroom, talking at them. People who don’t want to come tend to be our biggest converts, which is cool. They think “wasting” two days with a horse won’t help them, but good leaders tend to be really good with horses.

They might never have touched them before, but they are cruisy, laidback, they mean what they say, they have good relationships; they’re just good with those fundamentals.

“The way we react to horses is very similar to the way we are with humans; we don’t change our habits. We have worked with a lot of high-performance sports, including New Zealand Rugby - and borrowed a lot of ideas from them, like video analysis. Initially, we have the clients spend some time with the horses while we video them. Then we play it back, looking at the body language between the horse and the people and their energy levels, and start doing a bit of facilitation by relating it back to people. You can tell someone a hundred times they need to change but until they can see it for themselves, they don’t get it,” said Sam. Those nervous about horses are often surprised by how close they feel to them after working with them for a short time.

“The feeling of teamwork is extra strong because you can’t use language. You can’t talk yourself into or out of things.

It really ties into mindfulness, you really have to be present when you do something with a horse, they don’t care who you are, what you’ve done in the past, what you’re going to do tomorrow. If you’re going to treat them well now, they’re happy to work with you, and if you’re not, they’ll tell you they don’t like how you’re treating them. It’s very much “in the moment”, and people will tell you that’s very special,” said Andrew.

It is a rewarding job for Andrew and Sam. “There was a 16-year-old autistic boy who had never spoken a word in his life - after his first session with the horse he started talking, and we couldn’t shut him up. They found out he had the most amazing memory of New Zealand music; he could rattle off anything. That’s the power of horses.”

Emotional and life-changing, indeed. andrew@lead-the-way.co.nz

Andrew Froggatt at Marcus

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NEWS

Wayne Pech After Marcus, Wayne Pech DipFM’96 returned to the family farm in the Great Southern region, WA, managing a flock of 20-35,000 sheep over the past 30 years – which proved handy when he hosted a World Shearing Record attempt recently.

Wayne had to prepare his lambs for the shearers, keeping the stock well fed and in good condition. Brothers Lou and Jim Brown, alongside their cousin Imran Sullivan, shore 1,603 Merino lambs in eight hours, smashing the previous record of 1,208.

It was a visit to his school in Perth by then Principal, Graham McConnell and contact with Ben Dunlop DipFM’94, working nearby on his placement year, that helped Wayne decide to cross the Nullarbor and study at Marcus.

He has vivid memories of Social Room nights, Wednesday Happy Hour at ‘The Ponds’, car rallies, Melbourne Cups, B&S Balls, Intercollegiate Football, and “pulling an all-nighter” when an assignment was due because he hadn’t worked for three days. But the long-term benefits personally and professionally are clear.

Wayne Pech with record breaking shearers, Jim and Lou Brown and Imran Sullivan

however small, of a large sheep fatality incident during live export. He is on the AgZero2030 committee, which brings together people who are concerned about the effects of climate change on agriculture, advocating for policies to address it, from all sectors. He wants to make a difference.

“You develop a strong bond with your peers, this is evident today when you can be apart for years but pick up where you left off when you do make contact. There are still parts of my Marcus Oldham education that form the basis of my decision-making in agriculture today, but more important are the contacts made. The Wayne of 2023 is changed from the Wayne of 1996. Time spent at Marcus is something I look back on fondly. It taught me how to learn and has shaped the person I am today.”

“ I want to have a successful business to enable me to give other people an opportunity to achieve to the best of their ability.”

Wayne has concerns about some aspects of his industry and considers open debate between agriculture leaders and producers essential. He is keen to ensure Australia exports wool while value-adding, and is not comfortable with the risk,

director@northstirlingdowns.com.au Website: northstirlingdowns.com.au

Andrew Polkinghorne Congratulations to Andrew Polkinghorne DipFM'77, BBAM’04 on receiving the Caroline Welsh Churchill Fellowship.

Andrew has been at the forefront of improving the productivity and profitability of farm businesses all his working life. Focussing on difficult soils and improving technical practices has been part of this journey, along with applying the relevant research to broadacre farming and sharing this information with his peers.

Andrew has worked as a Farm Consultant, a Rural Financial Counsellor and, for three years, was the General Manager of Farm Services at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus.

As one of the leaders in the Eyre Peninsula Liquid Fertilizer Buying Group, over a 20-year period, he has helped to facilitate the transition from granular to liquid fertilizers for farmers who operate on highly calcareous soils – and to purchase the fertilizer as a bulk package and obtain attractive pricing as a result. The savings to growers over that period have been in the order of $5.8 million.

Andrew is honoured to receive the fellowship.

“It gives me the opportunity to travel to Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Canada, and the USA to explore my topic of interest. I will be studying how farmers use fluid fertilisers in their farming systems on calcareous soils.

It means I join a group of diverse people who too have been

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Sarah Hain “ Only make a mistake once --- it hurts to fail, but once you have, learn from it and don’t repeat it.”

Sarah Hain GCertAgri’20 has received the Northern Territory Young Achiever Agriculture award for her unique business development and tropical production agronomy skill sets that help improve farmers’ access to industry support, production techniques, and best management practices. Sarah was the first Industry Development Officer for the NT/WA region for the Australian Mango Industry Association and is now the agronomist for Cotton Grower Services across the Northern Territory. She feels privileged to receive the award.

“This award represents the culmination of opportunity, hard work, and my passion for agriculture in Northern Australia.

Being at the forefront of introducing novel roles to the NT, I have relished the freedom to immerse myself in a diverse range of geographic regions, delve into the depths of various industry issues, and most importantly, connect with primary producers to provide them with high-quality information.

This award isn't just recognition of my personal achievements, it is also testament to the people I have met privileged to receive a Churchill Fellowship. It will enable me to develop new networks and contacts.”

Andrew has an active interest in research and development as a trustee of the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) and a board member of Agriculture Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP). He is a director of the grain shipping company T-Ports Pty Ltd. He credits Marcus with developing his interests.

“ G oing to Marcus Oldham has been one of the best things I could have done at the beginning of a farming career. I am quite certain that had I not gone to Marcus Oldham our farming business would not be in the position it is today. It fast tracked much of our progress.” andrew.polk@bigpond.com

along the way, and support of mentors and the primary producers of the NT who underpin the industry.”

Sarah sees remarkable opportunities in northern Australia for young people in primary industries.

“Due to the small number of professionals, young people can ascend to more senior roles and responsibilities than they would in more established regions, and accelerate their careers in a challenging but unique industry. There is an emerging industry and small population, so there are many roles to be filled, particularly support roles and technical specialists.”

Originally from Longreach where her family, including father John Hain DipFM’74, operates a Merino and Droughtmaster grazing operation, Sarah studied a Bachelor of Rural Science (Hons) at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, where she was exposed to soil science and tropical forage agronomy. This interest led her to work in Laos in Southeast Asia. She then came to Marcus, keen to gain a business-orientated qualification.

“I believe the combination of my scientific and business studies at UNE and Marcus, along with my professional experience, has allowed me to relate to my growers and recommend commercially pertinent solutions which support them to improve their bottom lines in a challenging production environment. My study at Marcus improved my business acumen and confidence, while giving me a different perspective on what motivates and influences the different businesses I deal with on a regular basis – whether they be a farmer, chemical manufacturer, or a commodity trader.”

Sarah is a contributor outside her professional role.

“I am a regional representative for Women in Cotton (WinCott) and the Australasian-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) for the NT, and an active member of the program organising committee for the biennial Northern Australia Food Futures Conference.”

Her mantra in life?

“Only make a mistake once – it hurts to fail, but once you have, learn from it and don’t repeat it.” sarah.j.hain95@gmail.com Andrew Froggatt working a horse

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NEWS

Vivien Robinson

see the best of the best, and learn their breeding, training, or management practices. You can always learn something new from any encounter.”

Having completed her Certificate in Horse Management in 1982, it may be a little surprising that Vivien Robinson CertHM’82 did not follow into the horse industry. Instead, Vivien’s Marcus education has supported her soundly in her thirst to learn new things and experience a fascinating variety of vocations. Vivien has immersed herself in establishing a business in computerising small businesses, in pursuing her interest in Formula 1 racing, designing and making jewellery, horticulture and landscape design, and now, running her hobby farm in East Gippsland, breeding Valais Blacknose Sheep and dung beetles.

Now breeding the “cutest sheep in the world”, Vivien is the epitome of a lifelong learner.

“Our hobby farm enterprise is not something I thought I would be doing when I was at Marcus – I am a rare sheep breeder. We are doing an AI breeding program for Valais Blacknose Sheep using imported semen from the UK and Switzerland. I got into them from a chance post on Facebook 10 years ago. I thought, ‘I have to have them’. And through asking questions, doors opened, and we are having our second successful lambing season this year.

“I discovered that my business studies and endeavours at Marcus would transfer across to any industry, it’s meant I have been able to work in many varied areas. Meeting up with other older scholars at Marcus’s 60th celebration evening, I discovered they have found this too. The skills are not limited to horses or even specific to farming. These skills open you to being teachable in any endeavour, able to learn new things, to look, wonder, and ask questions.”

I’ve also created a small dung beetle nursery for summer and winter active species, and have successfully trapped a few and released a lot. The overall impact across our property is it’s wonderful to see that in every pile there is the evidence of the beetles.”

Having tried many career paths, Vivien’s advice is simply, ‘Go for it’. But she’s unsure it’s the best advice.

Vivien was in the early years of the “Horse Course” and loved it from the start.

“I’m pretty sure my last words will be, ‘Well, that didn’t work out.’ Perhaps my dad’s words still hold true, ‘Plan your work and work your plan’. Can’t go wrong with that.”

“From the first information I received about Marcus, I knew it would challenge the, ‘we’ve always done it this way’ attitude.

I love learning new things and felt this was the way to get me on my road. I have a lot of memories, the main being that within a week of living onsite at Marcus I was calling it home.

I felt at peace there - loving the learning and the enthusiasm of the lecturers. Our tours of New Zealand, Victoria and NSW horse properties were incredible. We were very fortunate to

kiahkillibinbin@gmail.com

“ I’m pretty sure my last words will be, ‘Well, that didn’t work out.’

Perhaps my dad’s words still hold true, ‘Plan your work and work your plan’. Can’t go wrong with that.”

Vivien Robinson with daughter Steph and Rascal

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Heather King

Angus Denholm Angus Denholm BB(Agri)’20 was chuffed to receive the Zoetis 2023 Prime Lamb Producer of the Year title as part of the ACM Agri Lambition Awards, for producing high quality lambs.

“I felt extremely fortunate just being shortlisted for this award, when taking into account the exceptional line up of producers nominated from all over Australia.”

Angus grew up on his family’s farm, a Merino grazing operation in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, which sparked a keen interest in Merino sheep and the wool industry. After school, he jackarood for two years at ‘Egelabra’, central NSW to expand his interest, then worked a further two years with Paraway Pastoral at ‘Pooginook’ in the Riverina. Angus decided the next natural step in his professional development was a Bachelor of Agribusiness at Marcus.

“ Bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell...” ... is the mantra by which Heather King (nee Cameron) BB(Agri)’15 lives her life.

Heather grew up on a beef cattle property at Morven in western Queensland. She worked as a station hand in the NT and as a pen rider at a feedlot in western Queensland before coming to Marcus. Once on campus, her path took a turn giving her the opportunity to travel the world.

“During my time at Marcus I completed a prac with a live export company based in Melbourne. I remained with the company for a number of years, which took me all over regional Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and WA. I worked predominantly in operations but also did some short stints on live export boats sailing to Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.”

With a return to a Queensland base, Heather is definitely “chewing like hell”.

“I thought Marcus Oldham would be a great fit for me due to its extensive industry connections, hands-on approach to learning, and overall great reputation in the broader ag community - a decision I have since found to be invaluable in establishing my career. Not only does it provide you with a tremendous education, it also puts you amongst a vast network of like-minded people with the common focus of agriculture.”

Now, having returned to the Derwent Valley as Livestock Manager at 'Norton Mandeville', Angus is enjoying the challenge of intensive farming with prime lamb breeding and finishing, beef cattle, and cropping using pivot irrigation.

“Despite my current role being somewhat removed from the Merino industry, I've made an effort to try and keep involved where possible, through the family farm and in local ag community events. I was asked to be an Associate Merino Judge at the Campbell Town Sheep Show in 2022, which was a great event and opportunity to reconnect with people in this sector - including a large number of Marcus alumni.” angusdenholm2@gmail.com

“Now my husband Hugh and I have our own business trading and breeding cattle, based in the Darling Downs, Queensland.

Hugh is also a contract crop dusting pilot which keeps him very busy, so I run our cattle business day to day, along with contract land access services to the gas industry. We operate our cattle business on agistment and lease country, and sell cattle into the backgrounding market. We have ambitions to grow our business, purchase a property of our own, and establish a reputation for producing quality cattle and meat into the domestic market.” hcandhktrading@gmail.com Andrew Froggatt working a horse

NEWS

2024 Nuffield Scholarship Recipients

Jack Courts

Anna Cotton

Jack Courts AssocDFBM’18 is thrilled to travel to Brazil next year as part of his Nuffield Scholarship.

The future of the family farm is the focus for Nuffield Scholarship recipient, Anna Cotton BB(Ag)’15.

“I feel incredibly privileged to receive a 2024 Nuffield Scholarship, sponsored by MLA, to study maximising profit through maternal efficiencies in ruminant animals. The topic is extremely relevant to my own production goals and is an opportunity to investigate a highly topical issue of studying the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by ruminants. Reducing gas emissions reflects MLA’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Different management programs and genetic potential will also be studied, with high relevance to my stud.”

“This topic is relevant to not only me, but the wider agricultural community, with a large portion of Australian farms being family owned.

Jack has recently bought his family’s business, Glenalbyn, a Santa Gertrudis cattle stud at Wellington, NSW. He has Marcus to thank for both his personal and professional advancements.

Anna is well aware of the opportunities her scholarship will provide.

I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and help create a more resilient and sustainable future for our farmers and the generations to come.”

“I am very grateful that my Nuffield Scholarship is sponsored

by Rabobank and I’m looking forward to all the opportunities and connections that arise from their global network.

Travelling to Brazil in March for the Contemporary Scholars Conference will be the first opportunity to meet the global cohort of 2024 Nuffield Scholars. Following this is the Global Focus Program, which will greatly enhance my knowledge of global agriculture and stand me in good stead for the individual study component of my scholarship year.”

“My relationship with my now wife, Eliza, was fostered when she studied Optometry at Deakin and I was in my final year at Marcus. The running joke is that we had to go to Victoria, to meet an almost-neighbour from Wellington, where we both now live. When we married in March this year, there were more than 20 Marcus graduates in attendance.

The difference that MOC has made on a professional level cannot be underestimated. My MOC education has helped shape my career and enabled me to make key business decisions through continual, critical evaluation. Primarily through my role as head student in my final year, my confidence in my own ability, leadership, and negotiating skills was fostered, and continues to grow.”

Anna is Assistant Manager on her family farm, Kelvedon Estate, situated 10 kilometres south of Swansea, Tasmania, where they run 8,500 superfine merinos and have a 9ha vineyard. She is also working hard off-farm as the Chair of the East Coast Primary Producers, the Tasmanian Fine Merino Breeders Association, and a committee member for the Peter Westblade Scholarship. She chose to study at Marcus because of its great reputation.

Jack still enjoys his link with Marcus.

“I chose to attend Marcus because of its ability to develop graduates into agricultural leaders. Its practical approach to learning is something that really appealed to me and enabled me to get the most out of my education. Studying at Marcus allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the wider agriculture industry. It has enabled me to forge a career in the agricultural industry and has given me the confidence to meet the challenges that arise, along with utilising the skills learnt on a daily basis. The network of graduates is extremely valuable, and the lifelong friendships created is something I will never take for granted.”

“ I have always had great appreciation for the network gained through an education at Marcus Oldham.”

"I talk to someone within the Marcus network daily. If any alumni have any insights to share about my topic, please reach out and get in touch.” jack_courts@icloud.com

anna@kelvedonestate.com.au

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Katrina Swift

Congratulations to Katrina Swift (nee Watson) BBAM’03, on becoming a Nuffield Scholar. Katrina farms at Nelungaloo, near Parkes, NSW with husband Mark Swift BBAM’09 and her family, growing a variety of dryland summer and winter crops on 4,000 hectares. Her area of interest is artificial intelligence in grains.

“Artificial intelligence will be integrated into our business and lives in the next few years. We have a window of opportunity to develop agriculturally applicable capabilities as an industry, that are tailored to our issues and productivity.

I am keen to see improvements in biodiversity, monitoring crop inputs and management of data gathered in the course of our routine operations, to drive better economic and environmental decisions on-farm.”

played a major role in the planning and building of the International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture at the University of Sydney’s IA Watson Grains Research Centre in Narrabri, named after her great uncle. The $15.2 million world class facility has been designed to decentralise digital and robotic research and provide leading facilities for post-graduate students, national and international researchers, and industry leaders to come together to improve grains research and extension for Australian farmers.

There was much to celebrate at the opening in August.

“Traditionally, Narrabri has had one of the highest concentrations of people with PhDs for any postcode in Australia. It has good soils, access to water, it’s had a very good cotton industry, and there’s been grains research there for over 60 years. What we research at Narrabri is very relevant to our operation in the central west of NSW. Decentralising these jobs is important and, in addition to that, there are the benefits of tourism and attracting international visitors and the greatest minds. It’s very much been about being collaborative, which is what has made the project such a success between Regional NSW, Sydney University, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), AGT and WRF. There’s been a lot of love in this project.”

Katrina is determined to do her bit to maintain a strong agriculture industry in Australia.

“Most people who go to Marcus are people who get things done. You invest in your own education, and everyone Katrina will travel to the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, the US, Canada, Israel, and Japan, as well as within Australia, is passionate about ag. to research the capture and the use of AI in the supply chain.

She is particularly interested in travelling to European countries, where regulations force growers to pursue non-chemical means of control, increasing the demand and urgency for AI development.

I want my kids to go back into agriculture, whatever that looks like for them, whether its silo design, programming drones or paddock to plate food, as there will be a future. We are feeding the world, so we need to develop and attract fabulous people.”

It has been a big year for Katrina; as the Executive Officer of the NSW Wheat Research Foundation (WRF), she has

parkesplains@gmail.com

International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture

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NEWS

Staff news 25 years

Lyn Cameron

Lyn Cameron Catering and Accommodation Manager Lyn Cameron joined the Marcus Oldham College staff to fill in as Dining Room Assistant for three months, 25 years ago.

Now, with more meals planned, prepared, delivered and cleaned up from than anyone can count, Lyn is still enjoying her role as Catering and Accommodation Manager.

She has seen many changes.

“Twenty-five years ago, this was a very small, crowded dining room with parquetry flooring everywhere which had to be polished every day. Now, this building is more efficient, roomier, we can seat more people and the meals are more refined.

When I started, lunch was meat and three veg and dinner was the same. We have tried to modernise the menus and improve them with healthier choices to accommodate what the students want.

There were no dietary requirements 25 years ago.”

It's not just the menu that has improved with time, so too the behaviour of the students.

“The students now are a lot more mature.

We have had over the years, a lot of great kids, but also some ratbags. I remember a room being completely filled with hay bales, and another time they took previous manager, Ken Whitehead’s little Suzuki down the passages. They were fun times,

they weren’t nasty, they were just having fun. We don’t seem to have those people now, the students are here to learn, which makes my life easier. The staff and students are very appreciative. I still really enjoy coming to work.”

Thank you and well done, Lyn. cameron@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

“ W hen I started, lunch was meat and three veg and dinner was the same. We have tried to modernise the menus and improve them with healthier choices to accommodate what the students want. There were no dietary requirements 25 years ago.”

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Role Change James Lang

Director, Equine Business Management James Lang has been appointed Director, Equine Business Management, leaving his role as Lecturer in Marketing.

James has always been involved in the equine community through racing and horse studs. He is a keen rider who grew up through Pony Club, before developing a passion for both eventing and showjumping, competing at the highest level in both.

Now his children are also heavily involved in equine pursuits. James is looking forward to further developing the equine course at Marcus Oldham.

New Staff

“The MOC equine course always had a very strong reputation when I was growing up in the industry, with many close friends

Sherryn Jennings

Lecturer in Business Management Sherryn is a beef farmer and Chartered Accountant from Dunkeld in Western Victoria. She has an education and business management background with previous roles including Finance Manager in her family’s heavy vehicle driver training business, Senior Manager in a public

Ebaney Espinoza Executive Administration

Ebaney joined Marcus after working at CDC Geelong where she was the Charter Co-ordinator, managing transport for large events such as the Avalon Airshow, Day on the Green, and White Night Geelong, as

Deb Howcroft

Foundation Coordinator Deb Howcroft joined us as Foundation Coordinator in January 2023, pleased to leave her ‘Work From Home’ job and return to a busy office environment. Deb says coming to work at Marcus feels a bit like coming “home”. She grew up in Melbourne, however her first job after leaving university was writing for Stock and Land, where her stock agent father provided the weekly ‘Sam the Ram’ cartoon – for those who can remember. Moving to a sheep and cattle property in western Victoria, Deb

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having completed the course and gone on to be leaders in their chosen equine field.

From this base, I believe there is a fantastic opportunity for the course to continue to evolve and grow, to remain the leading business management course available.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the course to ensure it keeps up with the ever-changing equine world we operate in - to ensure our students can succeed with the new challenges that will continue to be delivered to them. The recent change in the course, to offer the qualification of advanced diploma through the accelerated 1-year course, is a great step forward and offers students a pathway to further qualifications.” lang@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au accounting practice, Small Business Rural Financial Counsellor, and secondary school teacher of German. Sherryn has a passion for agriculture and is currently completing a Master of Science in Agriculture. Sherryn’s goal is to draw on her education, business, and agricultural knowledge to provide the best possible learning outcomes for her students. jennings@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

well as handling transport requirements for many local public and private schools and corporate customers. Ebaney loves learning new things every day and has a real passion for delivering great customer service.

Outside of work, her three young children keep her very busy. espinoza@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

ran her local newspaper, Casterton News, driving the 100km round trip to work for about 15 years, before shifting her focus to community development projects in the country. She claims her favourite legacy project is the kelpie statue and the family-friendly Kelpie Festival held in Casterton each year. More recently, Deb has managed communications for national biosecurity and agricultural reform programs, before she and husband Tom moved to Geelong to be closer to their three children and the MCG. howcroft@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

PEOPLE

Marcus Oldham College 2023

Row 7: Hamish Winter, Will Bucknell, Toby Nixon, Nick Klug, Hamish Bell, Nick Cash, Sam Agar, Will Metcalfe, Ned Napier, Tom Gough, Baden Grey, Alex Ritchie, Angus McKay, Henry Gould, Mark Marriott, Jack Waters, Harley Clifton, Oscar Philip, Henry Lotz, Archie Rial, Charlie Uren, Joseph Chaplin, Tom Conheady, Nick Hurst, Sam Palmer, Adam Marriott, Sam Coad.

Row 6: Ella Pearson, Daisy Berryman, Jack Bradford, Lachie Hurst, James Cox, Hugh McNamee, Claire Koch, Sam Cannington, James Hermiston, Henry Fowler, Tom Gould, Will Dugan, Harry Wetherall, Jack Hughes, Tom Acton, Hugh Helps, Henry Durrant, Henry Maconochie, Tiffany Thomas, Xavier Lefebvre, Kai De Lacy, Sam Marshall, Bailey Hogg, Thomas Southwell.

Row 5: Nina Keene, Philippa McNamee, Jack Demeo, Max Bidstrup, Angus Golden, Harry Thompson, Jack Wilson, Daniel Ryan, Hamish Wortley, Harry McIntyre, Xavier Buntin, Nick Makeham, Michael Blomeley, Hugh Watts, Nick Herring, Max Ifould, George Fergusson, Harry Littlewood, Will Choice, Charlie Watson, Lucas Atkin, Oscar Geddes, Jock Keiller, Hamish Sylvester, Pippa Browning, Ed Bowden.

Row 4: Harriett Taylor, Marshall Browne, Lachlan Hacon, Olivia Barber, India Allen, Madeline Marks, Sarah Hulland, Kane Wishart, Mac Shaw, Fletcher Ryan, William Warriner, Sam Smith, Tom Cruikshank, Ben Bungey, Clancy Mackay, Oscar Lawson, Alice Hayes, Alex Jacobson, Evie White, Hamish White, Kyella McKenna, Ingrid Bradley, Julia Stern, Poppy Chester, Georgina Berryman, Grace Slack-Smith, Annabelle Hamilton, Natalie Turner.

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PEOPLE| ISSUE 52 | DECEMBER 2023 MOCOSA

Marcus Oldham College 2023

Save the dates 2024 FEBRUARY

Contents

2 - 11 Nutrien Classic, Tamworth, NSW 10 - 11 Marcus Oldham Horse Trials, Geelong, VIC

MARCH 5-7 6 7 8 15 - 16 20 - 22

Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Horsham, VIC Marcus Connect Tour, Deniliquin, NSW Marcus Connect Tour, Orange, NSW Marcus Connect Tour, Wagga Wagga, NSW South East Field Days, Lucindale, SA NTCA Annual Conference, Alice Springs, NT

Columns From the Principal

4

From the MOCOSA President

5

People

APRIL

A solid foundation

6

19 - 21 1994 Graduates 30 Year Reunion, Brisbane, QLD

When the going gets tough

8

Marcus Minds

10

Making the connection

12

Mellow in the yellow

14

The sky’s the limit

16

In recognition of...

20

18 - 21 Equestrian Festival, Adelaide, SA

MAY 2-4 3-5 5 - 10

5 - 11 8 9

Agfest Field Days, Carrick, TAS Ballarat Horse Trials, Ballarat, VIC Rural Leadership Program 1, Marcus Oldham College Beef Week, Rockhampton, QLD Marcus Connect Tour, Rockhampton, QLD Marcus Connect Tour, Roma, QLD

Racehorse, eventer, schoolmaster 22 The gift that keeps on giving

JUNE 13

News

Foundation Cocktail Party

JULY 19 - 21 Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, VIC 21 Open Day, Marcus Oldham College 4 - 5 Sheepvention, Hamilton, VIC 7 - 8 LambEx, Adelaide, SA 15 Marcus Connect Tour,Will Horsham, VIC Row 7: Hamish Winter, Bucknell, Toby Nixon, Nick Klug, Hamish Bell, Nick Cash, Sam Agar, Will Metcalfe, Ned Napier,Tour, Tom Gough, Baden 16 Marcus Connect Geelong, VIC Grey, Alex Ritchie, Angus McKay, Henry Gould, Mark Marriott, Jack Waters, Harley Clifton, Oscar Philip, Henry Lotz, Archie Rial, Charlie Uren, Joseph Chaplin, Tom Conheady, Nick Hurst, 18 - 23 Rural Sam Leadership 2, Palmer,Program Adam Marriott, Sam Coad.

Marcus Oldham College Row 6: Ella Pearson, Daisy Berryman, Jack Bradford, Lachie Hurst, James Cox, Hugh McNamee, Claire Koch, 20 - 22 AgQuip, Gunnedah, NSW Sam Cannington, James Hermiston, Henry Fowler, Tom Gould, Will Dugan, Harry Wetherall, Jack Hughes, Tom Acton, Hugh Helps, Henry 28 - 29 Dowerin Field Days, Dowerin, WA Durrant, Henry Maconochie, Tiffany Thomas, Xavier Lefebvre, Kai De Lacy, Sam Marshall, Bailey Hogg, Thomas Southwell.

SEPTEMBER Row 5: Nina Keene, Philippa McNamee, Jack Demeo, Max Bidstrup, Angus Golden, Harry Thompson, Jack Wilson,

Daniel Ryan,Tour, Hamish Wortley, 6 Marcus Connect Adelaide, SAHarry McIntyre, Xavier Buntin, Nick Makeham, Michael Blomeley, Hugh Watts, Nick Herring, Max Ifould, George Fergusson, Harry Littlewood, Will Choice, Charlie Watson, Lucas Atkin, 19 - 21 Henty Machinery Field Days, NSW Oscar Geddes, Jock Keiller, Hamish Sylvester, Pippa Browning, Ed Bowden.

19 - 23 National Interschool Equestrian Championships, Row 4: Harriett Taylor, Marshall Browne, Lachlan Hacon, Olivia Barber, India Allen, Madeline Marks, Sarah Hulland,

Tamworth, QLD

24

Kane Wishart, Mac Shaw, Fletcher Ryan, William Warriner, Sam Smith, Tom Cruikshank, Ben Bungey, Clancy Mackay, Oscar Lawson, Alice Hayes, Alex Jacobson, Evie White, Hamish White, Kyella McKenna, Ingrid Bradley, Julia Stern, Poppy Chester, Georgina Berryman, Grace Slack-Smith, Annabelle Hamilton, Natalie Turner.

Geelong Cup, Geelong, VIC

DECEMBER 6

Foundation

26

The Network

34

Reunions 3 5

AUGUST

OCTOBER

24

4

38

From the Student President

42

Marcus All Over

44

Staff News

52

Row 3: Amelia Harvey, Brittani Tomac, Meg Grogan, Olivia Patterson, Mitchell Lollback, Travis Tremellen, Wesley Mitchell, College photo 54 Phoebe Yabsley, Sam McConachy, Georgie Manifold, Zoe Murray, Lillian Ives, Ed Cox, Ellen Gall, Annie Couchman, Liam Phillips, Cian Stewart, Sam Hayes, Sophie Baker, George Sinclair, Kristina Howard, Sequoia Stones, Matilda Pickard, Anna Paton, Isabella Leonhardt, Ella Bent, Phillipa Ireson.

Row 2: James Lang, Cathy Bell, Holly Bastian, Zainab Habibulla, Eliza Riordan, Kate Denholm, Abby Hanrahan, Caitlin Pauley, Kiara Henderson, Shannah Mudge, Jock Hatty, Asha Kelly, Cody Dobbin, Bede Archer, Clancy Henderson, Rowan Spitse, Tristan Chincarini, Evangeline Hetherington, Anna Finlayson, Jane McGuire, Islay Salmon, Dimity Crowe, Jacqui Hutton, Eliza Lucas, Ebaney Espinoza, Lisa Gowers.

Front row: Cathy Dearing, Deanne Whelan, Deb Howcroft, Danni Bond, Neen McKenzie, Cleo Gower, Roberta MacLeod, Duncan Ashby, James Ashleigh, Elizabeth Gubbins, Angus Crossing, Andrew Baker, Hugh Dawson, Abbott Haron, Andrew Etherton, Steve Crawford, Ben Hole, Scott Vanderkley, Matthew Robertson, Kate Gorman, David Cornish, Sherryn Jennings, Katrina Wood.

Photo: Napperby Station, NT

We acknowledge we are educating on the traditional land of the Wadawurrung people and honour and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.

Graduation, Geelong, VIC

Students on Tour

55

Adam Giblin Memorial Bursary

Alan Blackburn

Channel Foundation

Andrew Facey

Chasam Foundation

Currawong Grazing

Chris Shearer Memorial Bursary

ISSUE 52 | DECEMBER 2023

Our Valued Supporters

ISSUE 52 | DE CEMB ER 2 023

Danny & Kate Thomas

Estate of the late Garth Massy-Greene

Handbury Foundation

Lanwades Stud UK

John B Fairfax AO

Mrs Sandra Dent

MOCOSA

Louise Gourlay OAM

Nick Petersen Memorial

Peter G. Smith Memorial Bursary

Scobie and Claire Mackinnon

Susan Haggard Memorial Scholarship

A Solid Foundation Ant Baillieu and his 30 years of service

thynereid FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

Warrawidgee

Yiddinga Holdings P/L

Marcus Oldham College Old Students Association MOCOSA Magazine is published by: Marcus Oldham College, 145 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216 www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au Ph: 03 5243 3533

Magazine Editor: Neen McKenzie Supported by: Lisa Gowers, Librarian and the Communications Team.

Design: GDJ Advertising Printed by: Adams Print

The sky’s the limit

When the going gets tough

Mellow in the yellow

Marcus’ alumni farming from the air

Judith Jaeckle conquers the world’s toughest horse race

Mental health conversations in the canola