A student recently described the College in these terms:
“Everyone has something to contribute. Everyone has a key role to play. We are an all-encompassing team, and everyone has a purpose.”
I thought this reflection was a good way to start the Principal’s Report as it can be difficult to describe the culture at the College. It is much easier to discuss the level of the academic standard and how the curriculum is constantly evolving to shape the future. But there is another reason why students choose to study at Marcus Oldham College, and that is because of its culture.
Over the last few months, I have been taking a deep dive into the culture at the College, especially how it is viewed by the students. I have conducted several focus groups, to better understand how the students feel.
The key themes I identified, are that the students have an appreciation for the small, interactive classes and the personal attention we provide at Marcus.
The College is seen as a close-knit community, which was repeatedly described as inclusive and team-oriented, with students looking out for one another. Students appreciate a strong and supportive relationship with the lecturers, staff and fellow students.
The Marcus learning experience extends beyond the classroom and is integrated into daily life. A key element of our culture is living and studying together. This is why accommodating every student who wishes to live on campus is essential.
The new 45-bedroom accommodation building enables this. The College has been unable to accommodate all our students on campus for the past 12 years. Completing the new building in less than 12 months, in time for the 2025 student intake, is an important milestone for achieving a great culture. I personally thank all the donors who made this possible. I also thank Tony McMeel, Deputy Principal, for all his efforts in ensuring that the construction project remained on time and on budget.
Last year, the College made the decision to focus on growing the Agribusiness and Agriculture courses. The decision was made due to the strong optimism in both the agribusiness and agriculture sectors.
A ramification of this is the closure of the Equine course from 2026 due to a continued decline in enrolments.
The Equine program has been a valued part of the College for over 40 years, and we are proud of the many graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to the equine industry.
However, it is crucial to ensure that this growth does not result in larger class sizes. Beginning in 2026, we plan to introduce two agribusiness classes, increasing opportunities for students to study at Marcus, while preserving small class sizes.
We are looking forward to further developing the Agriculture and Agribusiness programs in the coming years, so that we can offer more young people the opportunity to excel in our wonderful and essential industry.
Andrew Baker Principal baker@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au
FROM THE MOCOSA PRESIDENT
Lachie Barclay
This is my first report as President for the MOCOSA magazine. Firstly, I’d like to sincerely thank and commend Pete Stephens DipFM’83 on his tireless work over 10 years for the MOCOSA committee, seven of those as President. I wish him well in his next chapter.
Secondly, on behalf of the MOCOSA Committee, I’d like to congratulate and thank the College Council, Marcus Oldham Foundation, and all the alumni and friends of Marcus Oldham who generously donated, and to those who assisted in the construction of the new state-of-the-art 45-bed accommodation wing. It’s yet another great asset for the College and future students to enjoy. I applaud all involved for bringing this project together.
It’s
incredibly heartening to see that 60 percent of the donors to the student accommodation campaign were alumni — proof that our graduates continue to back the next generation in a very real and meaningful way.
The 2024 College Graduation took place in December with a great turnout of friends and family of graduates, past students, College staff, MOCOSA committee, and board members filling Costa Hall at Deakin Waterfront.
It was great to attend and hear from the 2024 Graduate of Excellence Henry Dwyer DipHBM’07. He spoke about his time at Marcus, and its contribution to his career in the horse racing industry. You can read his speech in this issue of MOCOSA on page 36.
I would like to take this opportunity right off the bat to call on all alumni to please pass on to MOCOSA, nominations for this year’s Graduate of Excellence.
You can nominate a past graduate who you believe may be a suitable candidate for this significant award, and who would be willing to share their achievements with this year’s group of aspiring graduates.
There is a nomination form on page 38, or feel free to contact me.
The Marcus reunions continue to bring our graduates together, and it’s fantastic to see the attendance numbers and the weekend-long get-togethers that are happening around Australia.
There are a number of reunions in Geelong this year, and I’ve no doubt that the Marcus old scholars will be blown away when they tour the campus.
Don’t forget to update your contact details if you change address, email or other important details, so the College can keep you in the loop – whether it’s getting your MOCOSA in the mail, invitations to Marcus Connect events or news updates.
The MOCOSA magazine is a great publication, and I’m so proud to think that, twice a year, it is filled with stories of our remarkable alumni, and your achievements. It is your magazine, so don’t forget to inform the College if you have a story, or you know a graduate with a story to tell.
Finally, I invite you to reach out at any time, and I hope to meet many of you in the near future.
I wish you a happy and safe 2025 and all the best for a productive season.
Lachie Barclay AssocDFBM’14
MOCOSA President lachie@mingawallaag.com.au
New Student Accommodation Dream Realised
The Marcus Oldham College community is celebrating the completion of the new 45-bedroom accommodation building.
The state-of-the-art student residence was finished in time for students to move in at the start of the academic year on 28 January 2025.
The project to expand student accommodation, launched in June 2023 with ambitious fundraising goals, aimed to ensure all students had the opportunity to live on campus. Thanks to a carefully managed timeline, the new building was completed in time for the 2025 intake.
While some final touches, such as television installations, were still underway as students moved in, the building had received completion approval—an impressive achievement given the compressed timeframe.
This student accommodation expansion project reflects a core College ethos: that students gain the most from the ‘Marcus Experience’ when they live and study together.
By meeting the strong demand for on-campus living, the new accommodation enhances student life and supports the best graduate outcomes.
Students gain the most from the ‘Marcus Experience’ when they live and study together.
Students who have been allocated a room in the new residence have expressed their gratitude to everyone who brought the building campaign to fruition. says she is incredibly grateful to the donors and the College for creating such a wonderful space for the students.
Coming back each day after class to the new building, gathering in the beautiful common room to share our thoughts and learn from one another about the day’s experiences, has truly made a difference in our lives on campus.”
Jo Crothers AG2 agrees.
“The common rooms bring us together – we can talk over coffee, meet up to walk to class together or gather at the end of the day.”
Bianca Deery AG2 says, “The new building's facilities have set a new standard for student living accommodation.”
Second Agribusiness
By Andrew Baker, Principal
From 2026, the College will introduce a second Agribusiness course, reflecting our commitment to meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in Australia's vibrant agriculture and agribusiness sectors.
Course from 2026 from 2026
Recent industry reports and headlines highlight promising opportunities for agribusiness graduates in Australia.
The significant growth experienced by the agriculture and agribusiness industries in Australia is driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and a strong export market.
Graduates with skills in financial management, supply chain operations, commodity trading, agricultural consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship are increasingly sought after.
Expanding the agribusiness program at Marcus will equip more students with these in-demand and essential skills, including technical expertise in supply chain management, finance, analytical and consulting capabilities, and marketing proficiency.
The high demand for our agribusiness graduates and the oversubscription for places in our Agribusiness course has coincided with continued declining enrolments in our Equine Business Management program, which will no longer be offered from 2026.
Our new 45-bed student accommodation wing means that the College can accommodate all agribusiness and agriculture students on campus, ensuring that every student can choose to have the full Marcus experience.
Class sizes will be capped at 30 students, guaranteeing our students continue to receive personalised education and tailored support crucial to their professional success. Students from both Agribusiness classes will have access to the same lecturers, ensuring the same learning experiences.
We are excited to expand our offerings, empowering more young professionals to pursue rewarding careers and contribute meaningfully to this vital and dynamic industry.
For more information about the Agriculture and Agribusiness courses, you can attend our Open Day on Sunday 27 July, 2025, either in person or online, or visit our website at marcusoldham.vic.edu.au
Story by Simone Dalton.
Photos by Simone Dalton & Georgie Mann Photography
When asked who wants to be a farmer, three of Nick Paterson’s AdDipFBM’11 four young children quickly reply ‘me’ (although one wants to farm and be a jockey).
It is little wonder that this farmer and father is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to create an agricultural business for generations to come.
Since graduating from Marcus Oldham in 2011, Nick has not let the crops, or the grass, grow under his Blundstone boots.
Over the 14 years since returning to his family’s property, Wirrinourt, near Willaura in southwest Victoria, Nick has taken on its management, expansion and then ownership, and created a range of complementary agriculture businesses stretching across Australia.
It might a be hot autumn morning at Wirrinourt, with plenty of dry paddocks and limited water in his large dams, but Nick remains upbeat.
“We’ve had no decent rain for 18 months,.. (but) …we got a 1.5t/ha barley crop on 80mm of in-crop rain last year at Murrayville.”
This Murrayville property is one of 40 properties across Australia that make up Excel Farms, an agricultural company established in 2020 by Nick and wife Neka, in partnership with a Canadian investor.
Two years earlier, they’d begun searching for a way to grow the business and, while many investment funds sought a seven to 10-year turnover, Nick had his own 25 to 30-year vision.
In 2020 he identified the Canadian investor to create a perpetual fund “with no end date”, and began sourcing what is now eight clusters of suitable cropping farms in Western Australia’s Great Southern Wheatbelt, southeast South Australia, the New South Wales Riverina and in Victoria’s Western District, Wimmera and Mallee.
“We are consolidating now and optimising the farms, and we will see what the next step is. It is pretty exciting all the time.”
Over the past five years the Excel Farms’ workforce has grown from six to 65 full-time staff, but peaks at 120 when cropping and harvesting the 81,000 ha each season.
“We have a high reliance on backpackers, and we work hard at recruiting all the time.”
“For the first four years all we really worked on was safety and culture to build the team that we have today. We try to do a fair bit in our local community and make everyone feel like they are treated as family.”
Nick said Excel Farms planned to focus more on farming systems and strategy in the coming years.
Carbon emissions are tracked on all properties, they undertake soil amelioration programs, and improved techniques and precision farming help ensure the right treatments in the right spot at the right time.
Nick sees good systems as vital to reduce the impacts of ongoing climate change.
“With better techniques and moisture conservation, it’s game on.”
“ The reason I am doing this is to set up the farm for the future – the end goal is to enjoy it and generate some wealth.”
Excel Farms Scholarship
Four years ago, Excel Farms created a $30,000 annual scholarship for a Marcus Oldham Agriculture student.
“I was not a good student (when I was at Marcus), but I learned a lot of valuable lessons and I wanted to give back. I met a lot of people there who have really helped me become the farmer that I am today.
“I liked that it was a broad and rounded curriculum. I also got a lot out of the students and the networks that I developed.”
Nick keeps in contact with the Excel Scholarship recipients, who are chosen for their enthusiasm, love for agriculture, and vision for the future.
When asked about his own mentors, Nick has a long list, including his great grandmother Dame Elizabeth Murdoch, his parents Rowly and Judy Paterson, and several local farmers and former employers, including Wayne Hawkins at Frances, Vic, and staff at Consolidated Pastoral Company in WA.
Other ventures
Nick Paterson’s busy life also stretches well beyond Excel Farms’ boundaries, with off-farm ventures and board positions including:
• Wirrinourt Transport – a nine-year-old business originally established in partnership and now owned solely by Nick. There are 10 trucks, and plans for a new workshop in Ararat.
• Browns Gypsum Mine, Albacutya – bought in partnership in 2021 to supply gypsum to farms in a 300km radius.
• ACE Radio – Nick is a board member, with his sister, and his parents who own the radio network established by his grandfather Geoff Handbury. “It helps get me out of my bubble and to see different parts of the business.”
• Southern Farming Systems – where he enjoys the community involvement of being a board member.
• Blue Tree Project - Excel Farms supports this charity, which is rolling out Mental Health First Aid courses to regional areas, “so people can look out for the signs and symptoms of someone who might be struggling and try to help them”.
It is a busy life, and one that will no doubt include plenty of ventures and new projects over Nick Paterson’s career.
And with a family of young children living happily with horses, dogs, cats and sheep, there could be a new generation of Paterson farmers emerging at the end of those years.
Which probably fits perfectly with the Nick Paterson plan.
“The reason I am doing this is to set up the farm for the future – the end goal is to enjoy it and generate some wealth.”
nick@excelfarms.com.au
2025 Excel Scholarship
Archie Mason FM1 is the 2025 recipient of the Excel Farms Scholarship, sponsored by Marcus Alumni, Nick Paterson.
From Finley in southern NSW, Archie grew up on a mixed irrigation farm that’s been in the family for over a century. With cattle, sheep, canola and wheat in the winter, and rice in the summer, the operation gave him a strong start and he knew his future lay in agriculture.
But it was working for neighbouring farmer and Marcus graduate Cameron Robertson AssocDFBM'14, that a real passion for cropping was sparked and an interest in Marcus Oldham.
“Cam had been to Marcus, and seeing how he and other Marcus graduates from the area had built successful operations or built on their family’s, really inspired me,” Archie says.
That inspiration took him overseas, where he spent six months with Westwood Agri in Canada before returning home to pursue a Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) at Marcus Oldham.
“My long-term goal is to return to the family farm with the skills and knowledge to keep it thriving. I want to understand farm business management at a high level and integrate my Marcus studies and post-Marcus experiences to use practices that support productivity, sustainability and soil health.”
Archie says receiving the Excel Farms Scholarship has allowed him to focus on his studies and make valuable industry connections.
“
It’s a proud moment. This scholarship is an investment in the future of Australian agriculture – and I’m keen to prove it was well placed.”
Oli Le Lievre Humans of Agriculture founder
300+ episodes
70 industry partnerships
700,000 total listens
Like more than 87 percent of Australians, Marcus graduate Oli Le Lievre BB(Agri)’17 grew up close to the coast, calling Australia’s biggest city, Sydney, home. One key difference? Oli spent his school holidays at his relatives’ farm near Winchelsea in southwest Victoria –experiences that would shape his career path.
“I’d head back to school, and my mates would ask me all sorts of questions about what farm life was like,” he said.
Without knowing it at the time, Oli’s most influential role in agriculture was unfolding in the middle of Sydney - as a storyteller.
“It was the mid-2000s, social media wasn’t around, and there really weren’t many ways to understand farming, unless you experienced it first-hand or knew someone who had.”
Following school, Oli spent several years jackarooing, before heading to Marcus where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness).
What followed were jobs in global fresh produce exports, advising government and industry as a management consultant with KPMG, and brand and marketing roles in leading Australian agribusiness organisations.
At the same time, Oli was juggling the establishment of his podcast, Humans of Agriculture, which he launched in 2019.
In that time, Humans of Agriculture has produced over 300 podcast interviews, amassed more than 700,000 listens, and cultivated a community nearing 100,000 people.
What does Humans of Agriculture do, and what impact do you hope it’s having?
We’re a purpose-driven media company focused on building community. We’re creating spaces to connect, inform and inspire our one-of-a-kind community of “aggies”. Research shows that facts wrapped in a story are 22 times more likely to be remembered. We’re human, so emotion supports key decision-making, and that’s where there is real opportunity.
I think our role is to be the ‘guide’ into the world of agriculture – supporting and empowering the people who are living and breathing agriculture every day, to lean in and be courageous in owning their story.
We’ve shared more than 300 episodes so far, have thousands of listeners every week, and we reach hundreds of thousands of people every month, on social media.
Over the past five years, we’ve worked with more than 70 organisations, including the NSW and Australian governments, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), AgriFutures Australia, Dairy Australia, Coles, Mort & Co, Harvest Road Group, Elders, GO.FARM, Nutrien, LAWD, AuctionsPlus, and many more.
We just celebrated five years in business, and I feel that’s chapter one done.
We’re building the capacity of our team, and I feel we’re about to launch a rocket ship under our business to accelerate our impact and influence.
Congratulations on being named Australia’s best agriculture podcast by Feedspot! What sets Humans of Agriculture apart—and does that kind of recognition add pressure?
Oh man – it’s a privilege to get the chance to have the conversations weekly. That said, there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes with guest sourcing, research, editing, and promotion.
The podcast feels like my weekly mentoring session – an excuse to get curious, go deep and learn from people with real-life experiences.
It’s effectively a one-on-one conversation that will then be listened to by thousands—that’s really cool!
You’re now travelling the country, hosting events at major ag conferences. What are you learning— and what message are you sharing?
We have big challenges; the fact that 30 percent of food produced is wasted, that one in five households in Australia suffer from some sort of food insecurity, and we are facing greater climate volatility.
These challenges are big, and stretch the whole agriculture value chain.
To solve these challenges, we need bright people, and we need to continue to evolve and do business differently.
I’ve seen first-hand how innovative and adaptable we can be.
I met a grain grower in the Esperance region of WA earlier this year, who has been impacted by a 25 percent decrease in rainfall over the past 20 years.
Through utilising precision agriculture they’ve achieved a 40 percent increase in yields over the same time. Now that’s remarkable!
We need to embrace the generational wisdom that has been created in Aussie Ag, and we need to partner that with the ingenuity, energy and enthusiasm of the next generation.
How did your time at Marcus influence you?
Marcus definitely opened my eyes to the global nature of agriculture and to viewing ‘Ag’ as a whole value chain, from pre-farmgate through to the consumer’s plate.
During my final year Agribusiness trip to China, I remember lying awake at night, my mind buzzing after the business visits. The culture and pace were unlike anything I had experienced and I wanted to be part of it.
I think the opportunity for agriculture lies in looking at our sector more holistically and connecting the dots right the way to the consumer, and that thinking was really shaped through Marcus.
I wrote in a Marcus scholarship application in 2014…
“The future of Australian agriculture has a gap, particularly in relation to marketing to consumers and communicating necessary information.
I intend to be an industry leader in the movement towards transparency of industry practices as well as the need to educate consumers.”
Over a decade later, those words still hold true for me.
What role do you see Marcus playing in agriculture’s future?
The future is in agriculture.
And I believe Marcus is more important than ever in shaping the leaders of agriculture’s and Australia’s future. https://humansofagriculture.com/ oli@humansofagriculture.com
Recording the Humans of Agriculture podcast.
At the end of each season Stuart Tait BBFM'13, like most farmers who grow broadacre crops, is left with stubble that has little monetary value. Traditionally, the stubble was simply burned; though the trend today is to let it decompose into the soil.
Stuart, his partner Izzy, and his parents John and Jo, operate Tait Pastoral, a 2000 ha enterprise at Mandurama, NSW. They run 2000 head of cattle (750 breeders, plus trade steers) and annually crop, on average, 800 ha; 300 ha being wheat, along with canola and faba beans.
For the past 10 years, Stuart has been back on the farm and eager to innovate.
He has turned stubble into an unexpected business opportunity – a potentially revolutionary solution to one of modern farming’s biggest challenges - the high cost of nitrogen fertilisers and the vulnerability that comes with relying, these days, on imported product.
Stuart and Izzy are working with a Sydney-based ag-tech company, HydGene Renewables, which has developed a biomass-to-hydrogen technology to be paired with a separate hydrogen-to-ammonia technology developed by a UK-based startup, Nium.
The paired technologies can then turn biomass, such as crop stubble, into one of the main sources of nitrogen fertiliser – anhydrous ammonia.
Story by Brad Collis. Photos by Paul Jones.
“ One of the things that came through my studies at Marcus was to be on the lookout for opportunities and to know how to analyse those opportunities for business potential.”
The Tait’s participation in the technology’s development is just one of many ways that Stuart’s approach to farming has been shaped by his studies at Marcus Oldham, which he completed before returning to the family farm in 2015.
“I was drawn to Marcus, initially at the suggestion of friends who were studying there, but mainly because of its focus on business, and that’s what I was looking for,” says Stuart.
“In my post-school years gaining experience working on cattle properties in northern Australia and New Zealand, and then completing the Marcus Oldham degree, I was very focused on preparing myself, when my time came, to run the farm as a business.”
Learning curve
That focus has put Stuart on a steady trajectory of learning that has included a Nuffield Scholarship to research more cost-effective pasture systems, and a Rabobank Business Development Award to support his involvement with the HydGene fertiliser project.
Mindful of the environmental and social-license challenges facing agriculture, he sees the preservation of a healthy landscape as fundamental to sustaining a healthy business.
“But to achieve this, a business has to be profitable.
"A profitable business is able to solve a lot of problems, but achieving that profitability while looking after the resource base … in other words keeping the business and the return on investment sustainable, is farming’s biggest challenge,” he says.
His connection with HydGene happened by chance when two of its founding directors presented at a field day.
“Some cogs started ticking over in my mind because we had a lot of stubble, and the domestic manufacture of anhydrous ammonia had recently ceased.”
Stuart subsequently entered into a three-party relationship to help develop the technology, which has now also been backed with an Australian Government grant and support through the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Book-ending a revolution
“I’m the farmer part and I’m on the front and back ends of the process. I supply crop biomass to the second party that turns the straw into green hydrogen for the third party, which turns this into ammonia and then it comes back to me as a nitrogen fertiliser.”
At the moment, this is in the form of anhydrous ammonia, which is 82 percent nitrogen. But Stuart is confident the technology will eventually be able to produce urea from waste biomass.
He says the goal is to develop modular processing units that can be installed on-farm. These would allow farmers to turn crop stubble from one season into next season’s nitrogen fertiliser needs.
This is now a realistic scenario with the advent of precision agriculture. Soil tests, foliage scans and variable rate application technologies allow a farmer to apply only what a crop needs, significantly reducing the quantity of fertiliser required.
Stuart notes that aside from turning a waste product into a valuable farm input, the fertiliser project also addresses overarching issues such as farmers being at the mercy of global suppliers, and the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions of urea made with petrochemicals.
Looking five or 10 years into the future, Stuart has several objectives based on lessons from his Marcus Oldham studies: “I still hope my day job will be being a farmer, which will mean being a good business manager and keeping the business agile. I’ve also got two boys, so being a dad is very important too”.
“And then there’s the ammonia project. It’s the sort of value that I hope to add to the farm business overall.
“I think it's got enormous potential for Australia and globally and I can see myself having some role in that.”
“ But, as I said, I still hope that I will be describing myself first and foremost as a farmer.”
Stuart Tait taitpastoral@gmail.com
Alumni at Horsham Marcus connect tour c o nnect tour
The Marcus Connect Tour hosted an event in Horsham on 4 March 2025, attended by Alumni and supporters, who shared their enthusiasm for the College and its future direction.
The function coincided with the Wimmera Mallee Field Days, where the College welcomed graduates and current and future students to its site.
Council member Peter O’Loughlin and Principal Andrew Baker provided an update on the College’s operations, outlining the plans to expand the agribusiness program, and celebrating the completion of the new student accommodation in time for the 2025 academic year.
Deputy Principal – Academic, Cleo Gower, Director of Foundation and Development, Winks Gubbins and Alumni Engagement Officer, Emma Pierson also attended the Horsham event.
In 2025 Marcus Connect is visiting: 17 JULY - Bendigo, VIC 22 AUGUST - Cloncurry, QLD To RSVP, use the QR code.
William
BB(Agri)’21, Trent Carter AdDipFBM’04 and John Heard AdDipFBM’04.
Howard McDonald BB(Agri)'17 and Steven Harris BB(Ag)'24.
Gerard Bardell DipFM’93, Damien Holmes AdDipFBM’01 and Chrissie Holmes.
Winks Gubbins and Alan Green DipFM’77.
Mackley
Tristan Chincarini BB(Ag)’23, Andy Emmett and Jack Jordan-Hill BB(Agri)’22.
Diana Wheaton BB(Ag)’22 with Gabriella Gardner FM2, who is on her industry placement year
Giving a voice to
Story content courtesy of WBM and Madigan Media.
Photos
by
Mike Emmett.
For Marcus Oldham postgraduate alumna Lucy Etheridge MAgri’23, her advocacy for grapegrowers has been given a boost by her cover story in Australia’s premier wine industry publication, WBMAustralia’s Wine Business Magazine.
The story, written by wine writer Katie Spain, tells how after a 20-year career in wine marketing, sales, and public relations, Lucy returned home in 2018 to Yarawalla, in the Yarra Valley. She now manages the farm with her father Chris, where “we farm grapes, we farm beef, and we have tourists stay”.
Her return to the family business marked not only a homecoming but a step into agricultural leadership. After two decades, Lucy's return to her roots represented a shift from promoting wine to championing the people behind its creation.
Committed to giving grapegrowers a voice, Lucy quickly recognised the isolation and challenges confronting those in her community.
Drawing on her years in public relations, she initiated a WhatsApp group that now connects over 50 local growers, offering support, advice, and camaraderie. This initiative underscores her understanding of community dynamics and the importance of communication in rural communities.
In 2023, Lucy was selected as one of 15 participants nationwide for Wine Australia's prestigious Future Leaders Program. As part of the program, she conducted a research project titled, ‘Growers Over a Barrel’, exploring power imbalances in the Australian wine industry.
Her work sparked discussions about recognising the agricultural roots of winemaking, emphasising the substantial risks borne by growers in multimillion-dollar enterprises.
At the same time, Lucy was in the demanding final stages of her master's studies at Marcus.
Grapegrowers
Lucy credits her Master of Agribusiness studies from Marcus with profoundly influencing her professional outlook.
Originally drawn to the program to sharpen her business skills after returning to farming, Lucy found herself deeply engaged by the rigorous curriculum.
"The Master’s really opened my eyes," Lucy explains. “Interacting with classmates managing massive livestock operations in the Northern Territory made me realise our vineyard’s challenges were relatively minor. It gave me perspective and taught me resilience.”
Her time at Marcus coincided with a particularly testing year, balancing study, vineyard management, and her leadership commitments. However, Lucy emerged stronger and is now recognised as an influential advocate and leader within her industry.
Lucy’s contributions have further extended into advocacy through Viticulture Australia (VA), a national initiative promoting transparency, community, and mental health among growers.
The groups' grassroots approach earned VA the Best Social Communication award at the 2024 Wine Communicator Awards, underscoring Lucy's pivotal role in fostering authentic and effective community communication.
For Lucy Etheridge, leadership is inherently about uplifting others. Her quiet strength, coupled with the invaluable insights gained from her Marcus Oldham experience, continues to positively impact her community and the broader agricultural sector.
" My greatest satisfaction comes from supporting others -- seeing growers connect, collaborate, and thrive. That’s the essence of genuine leadership."
www.yarrawalla.com.au
Marcus Agribusiness students:
Throughout their two-year degree, Marcus Oldham Agribusiness students gain real-world experience by exploring different industries and career pathways through hands-on placements beyond the classroom.
These work experiences can be exciting and transformative, often shaping students’ future career paths.
Deputy Principal - Academic, Cleo Gower, says that a Marcus placement is more than just work experience — “it’s a chance to be part of high-performing teams, learning to manage complexity, responsibility and decision-making under pressure”.
"Whether in Melbourne or Minnesota, placements give students valuable insights into the forces shaping modern agribusiness.”
2024 Student Placements
In 2024, then final year Agribusiness student Cody Dobbin stayed in the United States after the study tour to work with Impact Ag, the asset managers of Beaverhead Ranch - Rupert Murdoch’s 138,000ha ranch near Yellowstone National Park.
"Thanks to Hugh Killen, CEO Impact Ag Australia, for facilitating this outstanding opportunity," Cody said.
After graduating, Cody joined Suncorp Bank in Roma Qld, as an Assistant Relationship Manager, alongside fellow 2024 Agribusiness graduate Pip McNamee.
Kai de Lacy and Max Bidstrup spent two weeks in Singapore with GrainCorp’s trading team, gaining insight into shipping, freight, contracts, and grain and futures trading.
India Allen took up a final year placement as an intern at LAWD in Brisbane, and is now working as Domestic Logistics Coordinator at Chester Commodities in Orange, NSW.
Max Bidstrup and Kai de Lacy at GrainCorp in Singapore
And Meg Grogan spent her placement at the Coles head office in Melbourne, shadowing the head of Integrated Business Planning and Livestock.
Keira McDonald spent two weeks of her first year placement with Angus Australia, gaining experience in business operations and visiting members with Extension Manager Nancy Crawshaw.
Now in her final year, she has been awarded the 2025 Angus Foundation and Achmea Farm Insurance Cadetship to complete an industry placement with Achmea.
Marcus Oldham has established itself as a leader in preparing graduates for the workforce.
“Real-world experience with leading organisations ensures our graduates leave Marcus with more than just theory — they develop the strategic thinking and accountability needed in today’s global agribusiness sector,” Cleo said.
One 2024 Agribusiness graduate who is working in corporate agribusiness is Tom Cruikshank . In February 2025, Tom was accepted into the 2025 Rabobank Graduate Program, working in Risk Management in the Sydney office.
While at College, Tom had internships with Rabobank, and Warakirri Asset Management.
Pip Ireson has joined Australian Fresh Milk Holdings as an Agribusiness Analyst. While at Marcus, Pip spent time as an intern with Paraway Pastoral Company and Australian Agricultural Company (AACo).
Eliza Riordan and Islay Salmon have headed overseas to start their agribusiness careers, both gaining internships in Hamburg, Germany with Grainli, a company that trades agricultural raw materials for pet food and brewing.
Thank you to the following people for facilitating placements:
• Hugh Killen and Zach Jones (Impact Ag)
• Rob Spurway and Michael Jones (GrainCorp)
• Troy Setter (CPC) and William Bullo (Juang Jaya Abdi Alam)
• Dr Will Holland and Tim Nitschke (Coles)
Cody Dobbin BB(Agri)'24 spent her work placement with Impact Ag in the US.
Laird Morgan Australian Wagyu Leader
Before Wagyu and feedlot expansions, there was Marcus Oldham College – a place, says Laird Morgan AdCertAA’92 , that set him on a new course and laid the foundation for his family’s future in the beef industry.
Laird is a fourth-generation beef farmer based in Condamine, Queensland, who has transformed the family's traditional cattle operation into a leading presence in Australia's Wagyu industry, and in 2023, was elected President of the Australian Wagyu Association. He credits Marcus with setting the path for his success in agriculture, giving him the confidence to think bigger and make smarter decisions.
“I had left school, and, like many bush boys, took the traditional path of heading home to work on the family farm where my role was less about making big decisions and more about being cheap, unskilled labour.
“ I knew I needed a deeper understanding of the business and management side of agriculture if I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the future of our operation.”
“That realisation ultimately led me to Marcus Oldham and revolutionised my professional path – I couldn’t even turn a computer on when I arrived,” he said.
Laird says the lessons he learned at Marcus laid the groundwork for the pivotal choices that would later reshape the Morgans' approach to cattle breeding.
One of those choices came years later while attending the 2015 Wagyu Conference in Yeppoon, Qld, with his wife, Sonia.
It was there he tasted Wagyu beef for the first time –an experience that would spark an entirely new direction for their family’s business.
"It completely redefined what I thought beef could be. The tenderness, the flavour - it was in a league of its own," Laird recalls.
That pivotal moment led to the purchase of a single Wagyu heifer at the Elite Wagyu Sale. When asked about his plan for her at the time, Laird quipped, "No idea, but I know we can eat our way out of her".
What began as a taste-inspired impulse has since evolved into Arubial Wagyu, now home to 4000 registered Fullblood Wagyu females across eight properties in south-east Queensland.
"Since introducing the breed, we've found that the constitution, temperament, and eating quality of the Wagyu is unequalled."
In his role as President of the Australian Wagyu Association, Laird advocates for innovation and collaboration, while addressing industry challenges such as long production cycles and supply constraints.
His advice to newcomers reflects the data-driven approach that has defined his success: "Follow the numbers and buy out of reputable breeding programs.
And, while it’s not mandatory to use performance recording, it is mandatory to compete against those of us that do.”
Under his leadership, Lillyvale Feedlot, established by Laird’s parents in the 1970s, has transformed. Originally focused on domestic feeding programs, the operation now primarily feeds Wagyu cattle, with capacity expanding from 1500 to 26,500 standard cattle units.
“ We're running the yard with more than double the original capacity, and with only 30 percent more labour,”
Laird says, highlighting the efficiency gains achieved through innovation.
Laird's approach to Wagyu breeding demonstrates the power of data-driven agriculture.
"We focus on carcase traits while balancing maternal traits to produce a functional sustainable article for the Australian environment," says Laird, whose breeding philosophy balances genetic excellence with practical adaptation to local conditions.
Animal welfare remains central to the Morgans' operations, with state-of-the-art handling facilities and advanced nutrition programs ensuring optimal health and wellbeing.
“ Marcus taught me how to balance traditional knowledge with modern innovation, which is something that continues to guide everything we do today.”
“The biggest lesson I took away is that success in agriculture requires resilience and strong leadership. Markets fluctuate, seasons change, and challenges arise, but those who adapt, innovate, and stay committed to their vision will succeed,” Laird said
This commitment to excellence has garnered international recognition. Their bull, Arubial United, became the top revenue bull for ABS Australia, while their partnership
with Kilcoy Global Foods secured the Grand Champion title at the 2023 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition.
Laird’s guidance for aspiring industry leaders is:
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers –it’s about having the confidence to make informed decisions and the humility to keep learning.”
laird@lillyvalefeedlot.com.au
Instagram: arubial_wagyu
FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIR
Thank you – we did it together Foundation James Bufton
It is with immense gratitude and pride that I share the extraordinary milestone we have reached together. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donors and sponsors, the College Foundation has raised over $10 million—and, in just one year, we have brought to life our new 45-bed student accommodation building.
This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the strength of our community. Your support has enabled us to significantly expand our residential offering, providing more students with access to the vibrant, supportive College environment we are so proud of.
To acknowledge and celebrate this generosity, I am pleased to share our total list of donors to the 45-bed campaign. This list reflects not just financial contributions, but belief in the mission and future of the College. Thank you —this success belongs to all of us.
As we turn the page into 2025, our focus remains on recognition and renewal. This year is about thanking our supporters, reconciling the work achieved, and planning the next chapter.
In May we were excited to invite our scholarship and bursary donors to be formally recognised at the
Foundation Cocktail Party, where they had the opportunity to meet some of the remarkable students whose lives they have helped transform. It is a celebration of our Marcus community who have given so generously to the College over the years.
I also eagerly anticipate the official opening of the new student accommodation building later this year, a celebration of what collective effort can achieve.
But we are not resting on our laurels. Together with Director of Foundation and Development, Winks Gubbins, and the Foundation Executive, we are actively developing the next phase of our Foundation Strategy.
This includes identifying future building projects and refreshed fundraising targets, expanding our Marcus Connect Tours, launching the Marcus Bequest Society, and continuing to work closely with the generous donors who sustain our scholarship and bursary programs.
Thank you once again for being part of this journey. I look forward to building on this momentum with you in the years ahead.
James Bufton DipFM'94 Foundation Chair
45-bed Student Accommodation Wing
Thank you to all our donors, who made donations or pledges toward the new state-of-the-art 45-bed student accommodation. Their generosity ensured all our students are able to live on campus in 2025. We look forward to an official opening later in the year.
• Ainsworth, Angela, (Confidential)*
• Andrew CC Farran Foundation, $1,000,000
• Anonymous, $10,000*
• Archer, Grant and Kim, $10,000*
• Ashby Family, $11,000
• Ball, Craig, (Confidential)
• Baillieu, I. Marshall, (Confidential)
• Baillieu, Ant and Sybil, (Confidential)*
• Baillieu, Charlie and Samantha, (Confidential)
• Baillieu, Sam and Ange, (Confidential)
• Bromell, Hugh, (Confidential)*
• Buchholz, Georgia, $200 *
• Bufton, James and Susan, $50,000*
• Cameron, Andrew and Deb, $100,000
• Day, Peter, May and Shannon, (Confidential)*
• Dennis, Marshall and Lauren, (Confidential)
• Dickinson, Gordon and Alexandra, $100,000*
• Doolin, Simon and Sandy, (Confidential)*
• Egerton-Warburton, Rob and Jen, (Confidential)*
• Eyres, Bruce, $5,000*
• Facey, Andrew, $1,000,000*
• Fairfax, Tim, $100,000
• Feddersen, Lesley, $4,000
• Fisher, Warwick, (Confidential)*
• Forrest, Nicola AO, $1,000,000
• Gibson, Sandy and Anne, $10,000*
• Gidleigh Foundation, $100,000
• Gourlay, Louise, $2,000
• Gration, Denis, $1,000*
• Guthrie Family Charitable Trust, $20,000
• Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, $2,000,000
• Handbury Foundation, $30,000
• Heggaton, Knox, $5,000*
• HV McKay Charitable Trust, $40,000
• Hyles, John and Anna, $500
• Laurie, Sean and Rachael, $3,000*
• Mactaggart, Andrew and Claire, $50,000*
• McGavin, Rob and Kate, $1,000,000*
• McRae, Don and Kathy, $100,000*
• Metcalfe, Angus and Dalglish, Alex, $10,000*
• MOCOSA, $20,000*
• Molanco Pty Ltd, (Confidential)
• McConnell, Graham (Former Principal), $20,000
• McCusker Charitable Foundation, $1,000,000
• Mosely, Andrew and Megan, $5,000
• Myers, Allan AC KC and Maria, $50,000
• Neilson, Tim, $10,000
• Nutrien Australia, (Confidential)
• Parker, Jennie, (Confidential)*
• Penstock Pastoral Group, $25,000
• Pincott, Bill and Jo, ($10,000)*
• Private Philanthropic Foundation, $250,000
• Richardson, Carol, $9,000
• Riordan, Jim - Riordan Grain Services, $1,000,000 interest-free loan*
• Riordan, Paul and Fiona, (Confidential)*
• Rush, Robert, (Confidential)*
• Rose Grange Foundation, (Confidential)*
• Sleigh, Andrew and Julie, $5,000*
• Squire-Wilson, Tim and Leal, $2,000*
• Stephens, Peter, $2,000*
• The Profield Foundation, $200,000
• The Scobie and Claire Mackinnon Trust, $150,000
• Vickery Bros., $25,000*
• Wills, Al and Sally, (Confidential)*
• Wilson, Mark and Belinda, (Confidential)*
* Denotes Marcus Oldham alumni
New Scholarship – The Gidleigh Foundation
Trustees of The Gidleigh Foundation have made a significant donation to the new student accommodation building and to the College’s scholarship program.
Nick Makeham FM3 and Charlotte Cuming AG2 were selected as worthy recipients of the Gidleigh Foundation Scholarship.
Charlotte’s interest is the Australian wool industry. Receiving a Gidleigh scholarship provides financial security, so she can "take on exciting opportunities to further my education in my final year of study".
Nicholas has a passion for animal production and genetics. “I am dedicated to continuous learning and driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in agriculture.”
Cary Mansell, the benefactor of the Gidleigh Foundation, met his partner Ray Williams in the 1980s when Ray was farming at Dalvui near Terang in western Victoria. Cary was the Anglican minister at Camperdown.
Ray and Cary determined that their combined estate should go to The Gidleigh Foundation, which was established in May 2018. Ray died in 2017, and Cary in 2021.
Ray was an extremely competent farmer with a passion for gardening, and was a noted plantsman. Cary enjoyed country life, initially as a country clergyman. Later in his career, Cary was the vicar at St Michael’s Grammar in Melbourne.
The Gidleigh Foundation Trustees support areas of interest to Ray and Cary, including rural communities, education, horticulture, decorative arts and medical research.
Marcus is a registered charity.
As the end of the financial year approaches, it's a timely reminder that Marcus Oldham College is a registered charity, and all donations over $2 are fully tax deductible. There are various avenues through which alumni and supporters can contribute to the College.
For instance, Peter Roper AssocDipFM’86 recently directed his support toward a bursary for a final-year student who reached out for assistance, helping to ease the financial pressure of accommodation costs.
To make a donation or pledge to the Marcus Oldham Foundation visit the website: https://marcusoldham.vic.edu.au/giving or scan the QR code.
To learn more about the different giving opportunities, please contact Winks Gubbins, Director of Foundation and Development. gubbins@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au
2024 Graduate Awards
On Friday 6 December 2024, the Marcus Oldham College graduation ceremony was held at Costa Hall at Deakin University, Geelong. The Hon Adam Giles, CEO Hancock Agriculture and S.Kidman & Co, gave the graduation address.
Graduation guest speaker
Adam Giles is a distinguished leader with a career spanning politics, business, and agriculture.
Adam was the 10th Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, before leaving political life for the private sector, joining Hancock Prospecting in 2017.
He now serves as the CEO of Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co, managing a diverse portfolio of businesses integral to Australia’s heritage and economy.
Adam also runs both Angus cattle and ultra-fine Merinos on his family property in western Victoria.
Advanced Diploma of Equine Management
The KT Equine Award for Equine Business Management Case Study – WILLOW NOBLE
Marcus Oldham Principal’s Award for Effort and Achievement – MOLLY LINES
Henry Dwyer Racing Award to the Dux of the Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management – BIANCA DEERY
Bachelor of Business (Agriculture)
Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
The Moore Australia Group Award for Agriculture Case Study – WILLIAM SEYFFER
Marcus Oldham Principal’s Award for Effort and Achievement – LACHLAN BARRETT
West Carr & Harvey Accountants Award for Agribusiness Case Study – THOMAS CRUIKSHANK
Charles Taylor Memorial Prize for Sport – THOMAS AVEYARD
Marcus Oldham College Award to the Student President and Marcus Oldham College and Pockley Award to the Dux of the Bachelor of Agriculture – MEGAN KENNETT
Master of Agribusiness
Bay Pastoral Company Award to the Dux of the Master of Agribusiness – INAYA STONE
Oldham Principal’s Award for Effort and Achievement –
“ As Marcus alumni, you have a responsibility to contribute positively to society and to uphold the values of integrity, humility, and generosity.”
James Bufton Deputy Chair, College Council.
In Absentia: Chase Consulting Award for the Best Graduate Certificate of Agribusiness Case Study – CONSTANCE COVERDALE
Marcus
NINA KEENE
Beggs Family Award to the Dux of the Bachelor of Agribusiness – HAMISH WORTLEY
Laguna
Marcus Oldham Graduate of Excellence Award
– Henry Dwyer DipHBM’07
Henry Dwyer is a renowned horse trainer, based in Ballarat. Since completing his studies at Marcus Oldham, he has built a highly successful business in the thoroughbred racing industry, gaining recognition as one of Australia’s leading trainers.
He gained international recognition last year, as the trainer of Asfoora, winner of the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Henry has paid forward the opportunities given to him early in his career by mentoring and providing employment to the next generation of trainers.
Marcus Oldham College has been the beneficiary of his generosity through work placements, hosting student tours, and sponsoring the Graduation Award to the Dux of the Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management.
As the 25th Sir James Darling Graduate of Excellence, we congratulate Henry Dwyer on this fine achievement. Henry presented the following speech at Graduation in December 2024.
Thank you to the Marcus Oldham Old Scholars for this Graduate of Excellence award, and for having me back to help celebrate with the 2024 graduates.
On the way to Geelong from Ballarat, I decided to do a quick drive-through of Marcus.
It’s the first time I’d been to the campus since 2007, and it sounds clichéd, but a lot has changed since my day.
All the land to the south was vacant paddocks then, and we used to ride our horses from the Social Room down to the Waurn Ponds Hotel.
We’d catch a cab and venture into Geelong - to places like Home House, the Eureka, Room 99 and Lambies, and drink vodka raspberries while carving up the dance floor to Sneaky Sound System and The Killers. We’d get
My year at Marcus back in 2007 was amazing. While we learned cool stuff about P&L statements and overdrafts in accounting classes, and Dessie Umbers showed up one time to teach us how to create a pie chart in Excel, it was the people we met and the friendships we made that made it amazing, and that still are special.
The people you meet at Marcus are the ones who’ll be by your side throughout your life.
You might work with them; you might work for them, or you might work against them. But you’re in a unique space at Marcus, where everyone you’re with has had the motivation to do something with their life, to further themselves, which I would have thought is a pretty good indicator of future success.
The people you’ve met here will help you in your careers. They’ll celebrate with you in the good times and commiserate with and support you in the down times, because they’ve been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
For all the nostalgia, I do want to give you two takeaways. Like any relationship, those you develop here at Marcus need to be nurtured. Don’t take for granted that the 10 people you’re mates with at this moment in time will be your mates in 20 years’ time.
That takes a bit of work. From today, everyone goes their separate ways and things get more complicated, both in life, and in business.
You need to pick up the phone, check in on a mate from time to time, even if it is nothing more than to say g’day.
Life’s a pretty grim place without mates to share it with, particularly in sometimes- isolated jobs like farming, or horse training for that matter. Stay connected.
The best part of my job is that I have around 3000 individual clients, all of whom have a unique background and story to tell.
If I look at the BRW Rich List there’d be 15-20 in there that own or have owned a horse with me - all amazing people in their own area. Similarly, we’ve got tradies, school teachers, ambos, accountants, doctors, debt collectors - you name it.
Meeting and getting to know so many different people from so many different walks of life is a real privilege. It’s also pretty handy when you need advice from someone about a particular situation.
The key to success in any business, aside from the obvious in working hard, is to meet good people and maintain those relationships. Build your network and get to know your people.
The second takeaway is simply this - be a good person. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’ll take you a long way.
There’s a great saying: “Be nice to the people you meet on the way up; they are the same people you meet on the way down.”
If someone is struggling, give them a hand. Get to know and listen to people’s stories, find out if there’s any way you can help them. A very small gesture by an individual can be life-changing for someone less fortunate.
You don’t know someone’s background, or what they’ve been through which has led to the position they’re in today.
Have empathy for people, and if you can’t do that at least have sympathy for them. I’m talking staff, I’m talking clients, I’m talking the bloke you meet down the street. Invest your time and energy in people.
It can be time that’s wasted - that’s just a cost of doing business, but when you really help someone, they’ll repay you in spades.
As Marcus graduates, you are all lucky. You’ve had the good fortune of being born into good families and you’ve had the privilege of a good education. Use those things to be a good person, and to put back in just a little more than you take out.
As you move on from here and forge your careers, each year you develop a bit more perspective on the world. Things that seem important to you now are but minor considerations down the track, and vice versa.
It’s not all about how much money you’re going to make, or in my case how many winners I’m going to train.
“ The footprint you want to leave is that you make other people’s lives better, and the rest will look after itself.”
James Bufton and Henry Dwyer
2025 MOCOSA Graduate of Excellence
Nominations are invited for the Sir James Darling Marcus Oldham Graduate of Excellence Award for 2025.
You can nominate anyone who is a past graduate of Marcus Oldham, or yourself.
Past recipients include Howard Hansen DipFM'94 in 2005, Gordon Dickinson DipFM'79 in 2022, and Jim Riordan DipFM'93 in 2017.
Award requirements include:
• Applications must be no more than 1500 words in length.
• Students who graduated from the College more than four years ago (1963-2021) are eligible to apply.
• Nominees may be contacted by the rural media.
• All information provided must be presented clearly and accurately.
• Award recipients are invited to make a speech at the College Graduation Ceremony in December.
• The winning entrant may be required to submit a short article for MOCOSA.
• Identification of the person nominating and contact details to be included.
• Unsuccessful applicants may apply in any following year.
The main areas that will be considered by the MOCOSA executive are:
1. Leadership
Have they/you been prepared to get out in front?
How have they/you demonstrated leadership capacity in their/your community, industry or business?
2. Innovation
Have they/you developed new and innovative ways of doing things?
How have these assisted their/your industry or community?
3. Community/Industry Presence
How are they/you involved in the community or industry?
Are they/you involved above and beyond the norm?
4. Success
Is the business they/you have, or work in, successful? What impact did they/you have?
Any other supporting information will also be considered.
Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 10th October 2025.
Applications to be submitted to:
Georgie Thomson BB(Agri)’12
Secretary MOCOSA Executive
georgie@ingleby.com.au
0409 940 295
Students on Tour
Businesses across Victoria, southern New South Wales and Tasmania welcomed Marcus Oldham students on tour. The study tours provide immense value to the students, and the College thanks the many businesses who give their time and expertise.
FM1
Wimmera Mallee, VIC
FM1 toured the Wimmera Mallee with Chris Walsh, Lecturer in Professional Skills, Matt Robertson, Livestock Production and Management Lecturer and Andrew Etherton, Agronomy Lecturer, visiting Charlton Feedlot, Gilmac Hay Exports, Thomas Foods International, where students were addressed by Mark Inglis DipFM’92, Excel Farms (Nick Paterson AdDipFBM’11), Rethus Broadacre, Wimmera Machinery Field Days, Rocky Lamattina Farms, Hannaton Merino (Jonno Hicks AdDipFBM’09) and Kennedy Farm.
Talking carrots with Nick Lamattina of Lamattina Farms, Kaniva
FM1 students at Lamattina Farms, Kaniva
Nick Paterson discussed operations, including raised beds, at Excel Farms, Mininera
Alumni Mark Inglis addressed students at TFI abattoir in Stawell
Students on Tour
FM3
First student tour to Tasmania
Marcus Farm Business Management Lecturer
Oli Vidor BB(Ag)’17 and Agronomy Lecturer Patrick Amos, organised the College’s first student tour to their home-state Tasmania for FM3 students.
Along with Duncan Ashby, Accounting and Finance Lecturer, the group of 39 students visited Landfall Angus, Compass Dairy, Pisa Estate, Burlington Berries & Upper Murray Seeds, Botanical Resources Australia, Greenhams and Robbins Island Wagyu, Western Plains Beef, Simplot Australia, Harvest Moon, Ashgrove Cheese and Vaucluse Estate.
The Tasmanian tour was made possible through generous support from Botanical Resources Australia ($5000) and Upper Murray Seeds & Burlington Berries ($2000), and with lunch provided for the students at Landfall Angus, Greenhams, Simplot Australia and Ashgrove Cheese.
Marcus alumni featured in hosting the tour group: Pisa Estate - Will Morrison BBAM’08 & AG Morrison AdDipFBM’06, Upper Murray Seeds - David Lockhart DipAA’00, Ashgrove Cheese – Paul Bennett DipFM’91, Botanical Resources Australia - Tim Chaffey BBFM’09, Landfall Angus – Ed Archer DipAA’98 and Greenhams - Holly Bastian BB(Agri)’23
Discussing pasture management with John and Iain Bruce, Western Plains Beef
Cressy trial site with David Lockhart & Tim Smallbon of Upper Murray Seeds
Looking at marble score 9 wagyu beef with Alex Hammond, Robbins Island Wagyu
Overlooking the ‘Nut’ at Stanley
Equine Business Management Central Victoria
EBM toured central Victoria with James Lang, Director of Equine Business Management and Lisa Gowers, Librarian, visiting the Inglis Sales Complex, where they caught up with Alumni Henry Dwyer DipHBM’07 (Henry Dwyer Racing) and Ryan Arnel DipHBM’09 (Stonehouse Thoroughbred).
They also visited Bellvue Park, Avenel Equine Hospital, Darley Stud, Macedon Lodge, Swettenham Stud ( Mark Kendall BB(Agri)’20), Skye Park, IRT, Merricks Station (Dearne Gess-Jones DipHBM’98), Ciaron Maher Racing and Boneo Park.
EBM tour photos taken by equine student and photographer Georgia Moore (Blackjack Media).
Equestrian Olympian Amanda Ross at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre with her new ‘Off the Track’ horse ‘Cascadian’ who won over $10m prize money
Students at IRT International Horse Transport at Melbourne Airport
At Macedon Lodge students experienced facilities where the horses want for nothing
Lisa Manning of Godolphin and Darley at the renowned ‘Northwood Park’ site
Equestrian Sophia Hill, back from the UK, outlined her future business plans to students
The bottom of the 1400m uphill all-weather poly track at Macedon Lodge
Students on Tour
AG1
North central Victoria
AG1 toured north central Victoria, with Sherryn Jennings, Lecturer in Business Management, David Cornish, Director of the Centre for Professional Development and Kate Gorman, Lecturer in Human Resource Management, visiting Sher Wagyu, Hay Australia, Coolabah Turf,
Clyvedale Holsteins, Kagome Processing, Vagg Family Farm, Amaroo Association Feedlot, Ardmona Packhouse, Goulburn-Murray Water, GV Independent Packers, Greenhams and Red Edge Wines
GVIP grades and packs fruit to domestic and international customers specifications
AG1 with Jack Sher at Sher Wagyu, Ballan
Students listening to a presentation at Sher Wagyu
AG1 students toured GV Independent Packers facility at Grahamvale
AG2
Northeast Victoria & southern NSW
The AG2 students headed to northeast Victoria and southern New South Wales for their study tour. They visited HG Turf, owned by Alumni Gavin Sutherland DipFM’91, Koala Cherries, Feathertop Winery, Mountain Milk Dairy Co-operative, Holbrook Paddock Eggs (Sam Pincott BBAM’03), Lambpro Partnership, Jayfields Nursery, SAILS - Southern Australian
International Livestock Service ( Andy Ingle AdDipFBM'02 ), Rennylea Pastoral Company, Yield Australia. Staff were Deanne Whelan, Senior Lecturer Accounting, Finance and Tax, Nick Howard, Lecturer in Accounting and Michael Dacres-Manning, Lecturer in International Trade.
AG2 at Yield Nursery, wholesale vegetable seedling supplier
Kelly Glass, owner of Jayfields wholesale production nursery in Pulletop
AG2 at the Corrigan family’s Rennylea Angus in southern NSW
Sorting the free range eggs at Holbrook Paddock Eggs
Stuart Crosthwaite, Chair of Mountain Milk Dairy Co-operative, Kergunyah South
HG Turf in Alexandra, owned by Alumni Gavin Sutherland
In proud recognition of the achievements of Marcus Alumni
South Australian Grain Industry Awards – Grain Producer of the Year
Andrew Polkinghorne
February 2025 proved to be a significant month for Marcus Alumni, South Australian grain grower Andrew Polkinghorne DipFM'77, BBAM'04
On 4 February Andrew was named Grain Producer of the Year, at the inaugural South Australian Grain Industry Awards, and three weeks later the research from his 2023 Caroline Welsh Churchill Fellowship was released.
Grain Producers SA praised Andrew’s “forward-thinking approach to farming, global research on grain industry trends, and lessons applied in succession planning processes within his family business”, when announcing the award.
For Andrew, the accolade is a gratifying validation of years spent trialling new ideas and sharing knowledge.
“Really, it’s recognition of the role I’ve had in agriculture, particularly in research and development,” adding, “the Churchill Fellowship is part of that… being close to the leading edge of what happens.”
Andrew’s Churchill Fellowship findings have implications for Australian grain production. The research examined how overseas farmers use fluid fertilisers on calcareous soils, building on his own experience at his family’s holdings, Kingara Farms, on the Eyre Peninsula.
Andrew, his wife Jenny and son Tim and his partner Ellen, farm 8000ha, where crops of wheat, lentils, canola, barley, faba beans and lupins are grown in a 330 –375mm rainfall zone. Calcareous soils are predominant, and Andrew has used liquid fertilisers since 2003.
Over the years, Andrew has continually pushed the envelope with innovative cropping practices and research engagement.
It’s a “suck it and see” approach that typifies Andrew’s willingness to adapt and try novel solutions in pursuit of better results.
The Block
Andrew’s parents were first-generation farmers who bought a partly cleared property at Lock, SA, in the 1970s.
“My parents, myself and brothers Allister and Lachlan (DipFM’80), spent a lot of time clearing and developing land, because there were no capital improvements on it when we went there,” Andrew said.
By experimenting with trace elements and new agronomic techniques, the family steadily improved yields on previously marginal soils.
“You’re always looking for the edge.”
Andrew attributes much of his strategic mindset to the practical education he received at Marcus. He wasn’t sure what the future looked like when he left school, but after a gap year in the United States, he knew that he wanted to farm. He chose Marcus for its hands-on farm management program – a decision that set the path for his career.
“The course was pretty much exactly what I wanted. I loved the idea of having practical experience included. I just wasn’t keen on spending three years at university, just studying.”
After graduation, Andrew returned to Lock, and the family expanded their operations through share farming in a different region for climatic diversity.
“That was something that people didn't do much in those days.”
“
Marcus gave me a framework for management decision-making and analysis, and a strategic thinking approach,” he said.
Today, Kingara Farms has grown to 6500ha, with 8000ha farmed as part of the cropping enterprise.
Andrew’s focus is as much on generational succession as on day-to-day farming. He and his wife Jenny have brought their son Tim and Ellen (and three grandchildren) into the enterprise.
“My daughter isn’t involved in the farm, but Tim and Ellen manage the day-to-day operations.”
This allowed Andrew to focus on his Churchill Fellowship, industry roles and research, including leadership on the Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation and the South Australian Grain Industry Trust.
Andrew continues to pursue innovations in fertiliser technology, crop rotations, and soil management.
He shares his findings through workshops, field days, and partnerships with research bodies.
As Grain Producer of the Year, he plans to encourage other producers to embrace trials that can improve yields and resilience.
Meet the Student Executive
Samuel Hector
AG2, Vice President
Where have you come from?
I grew up in Perth City, where I was lucky enough to be walking distance from the best beaches in the country. My time was split between school, sport, and the dairy farm an hour south of Perth. After school I worked on a dairy in southern Western Australia and a station near Fitzroy Crossing for several years.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
I briefly studied economics, politics and law at university, but finding the experience disappointing, I all but gave up on further education. Thankfully, advice from close friends and some wisdom from industry experts, led me to look at Marcus Oldham. Safe to say, it’s the best investment in myself I’ve made so far.
What has been a highlight so far?
I can’t specify one highlight. The entire experience at the College has far surpassed all expectations. However, coming from WA – a relatively disconnected state –the network and relations I have established over here have been invaluable.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
Life post-Marcus is still uncertain at this point. I’m considering a return to farm work or pursuing agribanking and asset management. The end goal is a place of my own, however there are significant hurdles to making that a reality.
Jess Mosely AG2, Treasurer
Where have you come from?
I grew up on a property south of Cobar in western New South Wales. I completed high school in Orange, NSW before working both in Queensland and in operations at home to build practical industry experience.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
Marcus was initially recommended to me by a mentor. I was seeking a place to grow my character; developing knowledge and networks in the industry I love. I certainly have not been disappointed. The structure of the Agribusiness course and the growth I have undergone have exceeded what I could’ve ever imagined.
What has been a highlight so far?
The opportunity to meet so many people, initially in my first year, and then a whole new group coming into second year, is one of the highlights I think you would struggle to recreate elsewhere. Meeting such a diverse range of people whose experiences drive and ground them is one of my favourite parts of the Marcus experience.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
I want to remain open to the opportunities that pop up after Marcus, travelling internationally and continuing to learn as I begin my career. I hope to dive into the financial sector, particularly within asset management or agribanking, the areas which interest me deeply.
Hamish White
FM3, Social Co-Captain
Where have you come from?
I grew up on a dryland cropping operation north of Moree, in far northern New South Wales. I spent three years in northern Queensland working on cattle stations before I came to Marcus.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
Neighbours and family friends who are Marcus graduates strongly advised me to put in an application. It is appealing as the course is fast-tracked and is well-suited to people who are passionate about agriculture.
What has been a highlight so far?
The study tours where we meet and talk to farmers to learn and understand how different operations back and support their own on-farm practices, and their ideas on succession planning, have been the highlights of my experience here at Marcus.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
After Marcus I hope to gain more experience in agronomy, of both irrigated and dryland cropping. I feel this experience will benefit me in the long-term, gaining knowledge from senior agronomists and use their experience to develop marginal country to potentially produce higher-valued crops.
Archie Wilson
AG2, Social Co-Captain
Where have you come from?
I grew up on a farming property at Woorndoo in southwest Victoria. After I finished secondary school, I spent the majority of my time in northern New South Wales, working on a cropping enterprise, south of Boomi.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
After leaving school I thought I’d never find myself studying again. However, the unique structure of Marcus offering an accelerated course meant I’d be able to return to the workforce sooner.
What has been a highlight so far?
The connections made with like-minded people have definitely been a highlight for me so far, in both academic and social environments. I feel as though these connections will be essential in my life once I leave Marcus.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
I would love to find myself back working in the cropping sector, utilising both my degree and my practical skills to make the most of any opportunity that is thrown at me.
Marshall Browne
FM3,
Sports Captain
Where have you come from?
I grew up on our family property outside the small farming town of Nyabing, Western Australia. This lies on the border of the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions, consisting of broadacre cropping and sheep.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
Talking to Marcus Alumni, they described the quality of the course and the insights it provides into different business and farming systems, which sounded very attractive. The 2nd year farm placement also drew me in, and it's a great way to apply some business and production lessons on some of Australia’s leading farms.
What has been a highlight so far?
The highlight has been meeting so many amazing people from all around the country. Being able to talk about their experiences and opportunities has opened up new ways of thinking for me.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
After graduation I am leaving plans open, however working and travelling internationally are my aspirations. I aim to return home to the family farm and help implement what I have learnt about business and production from my experiences at Marcus Oldham.
Will Bucknell
FM3, President
Where have you come from?
I spent my childhood on a beef cattle property near the small town of Quambone in northwest New South Wales. After leaving secondary school I spent several years working on the family farm and on a station in northern Queensland.
What attracted you to studying at Marcus?
Initially, the reputation of Marcus within the industry was the main attraction for me, alongside a desire to learn what it takes to run a farm business successfully. Being able to do that with a bunch of like-minded people makes studying at Marcus so rewarding.
What has been a highlight so far?
The tour to New Zealand in my first year was such a highlight. It was a phenomenal experience, getting to see how agriculture works over the ditch. We saw such a diverse range of operations that were often highly intensive and very interesting.
What are you hoping to do after Marcus?
In the long term, I plan to return to the family farm. For the near future though, I’m keeping my options open and exploring opportunities this year. I would love a position where I can travel with work – but I am open to anything.
Tayher Davey AG2, (Figtree, NSW), The Estate of Susan Margaret Haggard, Nicholas Makeham FM3, (Walcha, NSW), Gidleigh Foundation, Samuel Bain AG2, (Newtown, VIC), Freemasons Foundation Victoria, Archie Wilson AG2, (Nelson, VIC), Kooba Agriculture, Ingrid Bradley FM3, (Longford, TAS), Victorian Lime Producers Association.
Reunions
1969 Farm Management
The 1969 Farm Management graduates held a memorable 55th reunion on the Sunshine Coast in October 2024.
Fifteen of the original 33 alumni, joined by 14 spouses and partners, enjoyed a full timetable of events organised by Colin Beckett DipFM’69, Graduate of Excellence 1999, including a Prawns & Platter Luncheon Cruise on the Mooloolah River and the official reunion dinner at the Mooloolaba Surf Club.
The group acknowledged absent classmates and those who had passed away. Plans were made for biennial reunions, with the next set for Tasmania in April 2027.
Colin organised activities for the alumni who stayed a few extra days, heading to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to admire the scenery and visit the tourist townships of Maleny and Montville before a visit to Templeton Ginger, one of Australia’s largest growers and packers of ginger for fresh consumption.
The 1970 cohort will be invited to join future gatherings, fostering continued connections.
colin@quadrantaustralia.com
1970 Alumni Reunion
College graduates from 1970 enjoyed a weekend in Geelong rekindling old friendships and visiting the College.
A strong gathering of 19 old boys, along with 19 wives and friends, started the festivities on Saturday 19 October, catching up at The Elephant and Castle Hotel for lunch, and meeting with Emma Pierson, Alumni Engagement Officer for Marcus Oldham.
The hotel provided us with a wonderful meal and a great atmosphere.
On Saturday night we convened at The Novotel on the Geelong Waterfront for dinner, with 26 in attendance.
The reunion concluded at the College on Sunday, where Foundation Director Winks Gubbins conducted a very informative tour of the facilities. We were all amazed by the new buildings, and the direction the College is now headed.
Harvey Liebmann DipFM'70
harveythelover@gmail.com
Reunions
Full schedule for 1967 reunion
A reunion for 1967 graduates was held on 17 & 18 October, at Normanville, on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
The get-together started with lunch/drinks/dinner at Alumni Phil Reid’s farm.
The next day began with breakfast in Normanville, followed by a bus trip to Goolwa, via the southern Fleurieu, where they enjoyed a boat cruise with lunch to the Murray Mouth and Coorong, and finally dinner in Normanville that night.
As the endurance horse event, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, was being held nearby, the group diverted and met with Poppy Kettlewell, the granddaughter of fellow student Mike Kettlewell DipFM’67 – who unfortunately could not attend. Poppy’s father Andrew Kettlewell AdDipFBM’02 explained the event while they FaceTimed Mike. Poppy went on to win the junior section.
It was a great get-together, and enjoyed by the 13 alumni, along with 13 wives and widows. The ‘67 cohort endeavours to hold a reunion biennially, with Port Fairy suggested as the next venue.
Philip Reid DipFM’67 philkreid@gmail.com
Alumni from 1963 , 1964 , 1965 and 1966 are holding a combined reunion at Waurn Ponds Estate on 24 October 2025.
1995 graduates will hold a 30-year reunion in Sydney, NSW on 25-26 July 2025. Contact: Paul Riordan at paul@blackwoodpark.org or 0419 898 071 SAVE THE
Contacts are: Philip Bade at pbade@bigpond.com or 0487 498 002 and Hugh Bromell at htbromell@bigpond.com or 0409 441 819
The 1975 cohort will gather in Cairns, Qld, for their reunion from 29 August to 1 September 2025. Contact: Alan Schmidt at alan@ahrschmidt.com.au or 0412 403 402
1985 graduates have organised a weekend reunion in Geelong, starting on 15 August. Contact: Derek Suchting at firstlight6424@optusnet.com.au or 0403 094 456
1990 Horse Business Management 35-year reunion. Date to be decided, however you can contact Amanda O’Loughlin for further details on a-oloughlin@hotmail.com
1977 Marcus Muster
A recent Marcus Muster for the 1977 Farm Management graduates was held from 22 to 25 March, at the farm of Rosie and Ian Metherall DipFM’77
Organised by Alan Green DipFM’77, 20 alumni and their wives and partners, travelled to Nagambie, Vic, for three nights of camping. This was their 5th camping reunion.
A big crew flew over from Western Australia, Tasmanians arrived via ferry and light aircraft, and there were flights and road trips from New South Wales.
Two crews made the road trip down from Queensland, and the mileage winner was from Weipa, on the Cape York Peninsula.
Of course, the locals came from all over Victoria, “including a couple of weaners from first year”.
The main activity as usual, was the wagging of tongues around the campfire, and trips up the Goulburn River in Ian’s collection of boats.
There was no need for organised entertainment, with 37 wonderful people, 20 who were fortunate to have attended Marcus Oldham College, together around a campfire. That was enough entertainment in itself. Time together was celebrated, and those not with us were remembered. It was a terrific few days.
Alan Green mollys@asgreen.net
Planning a reunion?
If you are planning a reunion, please contact our Alumni Engagement Officer Emma Pierson for any assistance, such as promoting your reunion, or suggestions for group accommodation or hospitality bookings in Geelong.
The College is happy to host reunion groups. Emma can assist with costs and bookings for morning/afternoon tea, lunches and dinners in the dining room, and can organise a tour of the campus.
If you have a milestone reunion year coming up, be sure to let 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
Marcus All Over
Top price hustle for Annabel Milling
When three-year-old mare Wilbro Hustlin Helen was sold for $70,000 at the Nutrien Classic Sale in February, credit was given Alumnus Annabel Milling BB(Agri)’22, who had prepared her for the sale.
Annabel prepared Helen for eight weeks and presented her at the sale, where the filly became the top-priced Eagle Hustler Progeny ever.
She had been preparing other horses for the Nutrien sale, when she was approached by Helen’s owners “to see if I’d be interested in putting their beautiful filly through the ring on their behalf”.
“The next eight weeks, with the team of sale horses, we did dry work, worked cattle and bison, travelled to other training facilities for their exposure, along with plenty of feeding, dental work and farriers. On the day, this lovely filly amazed us all with the final result.”
Since leaving Marcus Oldham, Annabel has set out to merge her equine expertise with the business skills from the degree.
“Growing up on the family property in central west New South Wales, horses were both a family passion and an essential part of our livestock operations.”
She has established her own business, training horses and contract mustering for corporate and private beef producers in remote Queensland.
“I’ve pursued this direction to integrate horses and business together to create a lifestyle that I am fortunate to live, pretty different to a 9 -5 job.
“By supplying my own horses, I was able to advance their training on the job, while at the same time be involved and gain insight into how companies operate in the northern beef industry.
“My studies at Marcus have encouraged me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. I’ve been able to align my passion with creating a business that supports it.”
annabelmilling@icloud.com
Zoe Ranine
Breaking New Ground
For Zoe Ranine DipEM’21, starting her business ZR Breaking and Training last year was the result of a lifelong love of horses and lessons gained at Marcus Oldham.
Based in Gunnedah, NSW, Zoe opened a facility offering customised training programs tailored to each horse. With a focus on safety, she aims to create well-mannered, reliable horses through gentle, effective training.
Growing up in Melbourne, Zoe had been riding since the age of six and always dreamt of working with animals. With no clear pathway, she planned to leave school for a trade until a teacher suggested equine courses.
“That’s when I found Marcus Oldham. I set my mind to finishing Year 12, applied, had an interview with Course Director Emma Morel, and was accepted.
“The first trimester was hard, but Emma said: ‘I know you’ve got it in you, you’re here for a reason,’ and that has stuck with me every day since.”
At College, Zoe developed an understanding of business, agriculture, and equine management, gaining skills to navigate the equine industry. Beyond academics, she formed lifelong friendships
and gained invaluable hands-on experience through placements, including Ciaron Maher Racing.
After graduating, Zoe pursued opportunities aligned with her passion, starting with Tim Jackson at Noor Elaine Farm. His mentorship instilled a practical, no-nonsense approach to horse care, now a cornerstone of her training methods. Zoe had set herself a goal to open a breaking and training facility, “but I just didn’t have the space”. The turning point came when she recieved backing to start her business.
Reflecting on Marcus Oldham, Zoe credits the College with shaping her professional path.
“If I could go back and do it all again, I would,” she says.
“Marcus Oldham gave me my love for learning and so much drive.”
When Richard 'Dick' Warner AM DipFM’70 graduated from Marcus Oldham he initially expected to carry on his family’s century-long hop and apple farming enterprise in Tasmania.
However, upon returning home, he realised that a different path in agriculture lay ahead.
“I’m sure I am no different to a lot of graduates, in that my professional life did not proceed as I had envisioned,” Richard says.
“Coming home to the farm as a fresh graduate, I expected to continue these pursuits.
“I quite quickly realised though, this was not going to be, and in the next few difficult years I fully appreciated the lessons learned at Marcus Oldham.
“I have strong memories of my time at Marcus, the people I met, the camaraderie within the whole College community, and of course the learnings provided by the experienced and patient lecturers,” Richard recalls.
Richard embarked on a career that revolved around agriculture and carved out a distinguished career in agribusiness and research, which was recognised in 2020 with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) appointment for service to agricultural research and development.
From 1985 to 2008, Richard owned and managed a thriving horticultural production business specialising in fruit juices for Australian and European markets.
During that period, his expertise led to numerous industry leadership roles. Richard chaired the Tasmanian Grain Elevators Board and served as chairman for both Houston’s Farm and Glenora Raspberries.
He has also been deeply involved in advancing agricultural research and education in Tasmania, serving as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Tasmania’s
School of Agricultural Science and working with the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) to drive rural innovation.
Richard stepped away from his business interests in 2014 to support his wife, Professor Kate Warner, as she took on the role of Governor of Tasmania — the first woman to hold that vice-regal role — serving from December 2014 to June 2021.
Today, Richard’s passion is channelled into The Crawford Fund, where he serves as Chair of the Tasmania State Committee and sits on the national board.
“ The Crawford Fund is a not-for-profit that promotes food security by supporting Australian expertise in agricultural projects across developing countries, mainly within the Indo-Pacific region.”
In this role, Richard has championed capacity-building projects, mentoring initiatives, and “NextGen” opportunities to nurture young agricultural researchers.
Through these efforts, he is helping to empower future agricultural leaders and strengthen global food security. Richard’s enthusiasm for agriculture and education remains undiminished.
“I have found the Crawford experience very rewarding… I recommend learning more about Crawford and maybe getting involved.”
www.crawfordfund.org rwarner@tassie.net.au
Richard Warner and SE Asia scholars they supported to attend the 2024 Crawford Fund conference.
The Crawford Fund Tasmania supported Oliver Gales from the University of Tasmania to travel to Timor Leste to work on an ongoing program aimed at improving the livelihood and education opportunities for communities. After returning to Tasmania he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, the first to study sustainable agriculture.
Timothy Mitchell
A Rising Beef Industry Leader
Marcus Oldham graduate Timothy Mitchell BB(Ag)’20 has been recognised as a rising leader in the Australian beef industry, securing a place in Cattle Australia’s 2025 National Beef Leaders (NBL) program.
Timothy is Livestock Procurement Manager for Drury Farming Company’s Condabri Beef, a family owned and operated integrated feedlot, backgrounding and farming enterprise.
At Condabri, Timothy plays a pivotal role in the business, sourcing cattle and ensuring a strong, sustainable supply chain.
His current goal is to expand the Condabri feed yard from 15,000 to 32,000 SCU, a challenge he approaches with an eye on efficiency, animal welfare, and industry growth.
The Cattle Australia NBL program identifies and supports individuals with the potential to drive the future of Australia’s grass-fed beef industry.
Michael Wallis
A Career in Disability Support
Michael Wallis DipFM’95 came to Marcus Oldham with a passion for agriculture and a desire to expand his knowledge and experiences. Today, he applies those qualities to his work in the disability sector.
Seeing a gap in the market for design and construction expertise servicing people with disabilities requiring complex home modifications, Michael completed an Advanced Diploma of Building Design.
He is now a director of MK Home Mods, in Geelong, specialising in independent living solutions within the disability sector.
His work includes projects in rural areas, helping families adapt their homes so they can continue living and working on their properties.
“I really enjoy getting back onto the rural properties, meeting the families and playing a major role in enabling the participant to continue living comfortably at home and on the farm.”
Reflecting on his time at Marcus, Michael says: “My years at Marcus remain very memorable and rewarding to me, and I remain friends with several of my fellow graduates.”
The program includes leadership training, industry engagement, and policy development, equipping Timothy with the skills to shape the sector’s future.
“It’s an exciting time for beef and agriculture, and I'm enjoying the opportunity to play a small role.”
According to Timothy, a Marcus education prepares students with a skillset that can translate into leadership.
“The exposure to a wide network of leaders from right across the agriculture sector, showed me that there are so many levels of leadership and so many styles of leadership.
“That gave me the confidence to create my own style of leadership, and to begin a leadership journey that has been predominantly in the beef industry.”
That includes Timothy’s appointment to the inaugural committee of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) Future Feeders Network in January 2025.
The network aims to build a network for the next generation to explore career paths, develop skills, and actively contribute to the future of the sector.
"The most valuable aspect of my Marcus education was learning how to adapt, build strong networks, access the right information, and that while I mightn’t be the smartest person in the room, I can recognise them and learn from them"
“That and how to use Excel!” tjmitchell17@gmail.com
A particular highlight was his practical year in Montana, USA, and he continues to value the friendships he made during his studies.
“Working in the disability sector offered me a highly meaningful career path.
"It’s allowed me to directly impact people's lives by promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.”
michael@mkhomemods.com.au
Mike’s modifications helped a young mother with MND, to stay on the land.
Colin Bulbrook
The donkey and the 30-year-old rugby top
When Colin Bulbrook AdCertHBM’95 spotted this donkey at a local fair in Queens Park, north London, he was reminded of his days at Marcus Oldham.
“I met Percy and couldn’t miss the opportunity of having a picture taken of me with him and my Marcus Oldham rugby top - one of my prized possessions.
“So, hi there everyone, 30 years down the track. My memories of you all remain endearing.”
Colin chose to study at Marcus, “because I wanted to learn the ins and outs of horses - and I did”.
Returning to the UK following graduation, he worked with horses in Wimbledon and gave riding lessons to novices on Wimbledon Common for a short time.
Thanks to his qualification from Marcus, Colin was accepted to study for his nursing degree at Kingston University, London.
“I became a District Nurse, working in a relatively deprived area of north London.
“I am now retired and do voluntary work at The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London. I still ride out in North Wales when I can to keep fit.” cmbulbrook@gmail.com
Nicci Teitge
Nicci delivers for rural kids
Congratulations to Nicci Teitge BB(Ag)’20, who completed a 1300km trip on a postie bike, across New South Wales and Northern Victoria to raise money for kids in rural communities.
Taking part in the Variety Postie Bike Dash, Nicci set off in November 2024 with her father and uncle. They each rode a postie bike that had been restored to working order by her dad.
“Starting from Yass, we rode through rural NSW, stopping in towns like Holbrook, Yackandandah, back into Bright, Wangaratta, Corowa, Ardlethan, and finally Cootamundra, visiting schools and community centres along the way.”
Traveling at a top speed of 103km (downhill), and an average speed of 86km, they finished the trip in seven days, with the event raising over $370,000 for the children’s charity, Variety.
Nicci had also previously organised a charity ball that raised $30,000 to support her local campdraft club and rural men’s mental health service “Are You Bogged Mate” in Mansfield, where she now lives.
Her charity work saw Nicci selected as a finalist in the Victorian Agricultural Shows’ Rural Ambassadors’ Award, receiving runner up at the Royal Melbourne Show.
Nicci now lives in Mansfield and works for IIF - Invest In Farming Co-operative. niccimteitge@gmail.com
John Lienert
Baron of the Barossa
Viticulturalist John Lienert DipAA’00 was formally inducted into the Barons of Barossa in December 2024, as recognition for his significant contributions to the region’s wine and viticulture.
Founded in 1975, the Barons are an honorary wine fraternity of influential winemakers, viticulturists, and industry leaders.
While John is a fifth-generation Barossan, he and brother James are first generation winemakers. He grew up on the family farm at Shea Oak Log, on the western edge of the Barossa, first settled by Conrad Lienert in 1854.
In the late 1990s, around the same time as vineyards were being planted near Shea Oak Log, John had been working in the family livestock nutrition business and on the family farm.
“I wanted to gain management and farm business skills, which is why I enrolled in Marcus.”
After graduating, with the support of his father he helped convert 12 ha of farmland into vineyards through manual planting in 2001.
John said his time at Marcus gave him the knowledge and confidence to push for converting some of their land to vines.
Hayley Spitse
Hayley's Great Start in Racing
Congratulations to Marcus graduate Hayley Spitse DipEM’21, who couldn't wipe the smile off her face after riding her first winner aboard Bower Boy on 1 April at Geelong.
Her maiden victory came in her third race, and just two weeks after securing a place in her debut in Bendigo.
Hayley, who grew up on a dairy farm at Nullawarre near Warrnambool, has been involved in the racing industry since she was 16 during year 10 work experience, “and never looked back”.
Hayley spent two weeks with Darren Weir, which turned into a few years of weekend and holiday work.
After finishing secondary school, Hayley worked for Symon Wilde in Warrnambool and improved her trackwork skills with trainer Anne McGrath.
“Symon gave me my first gallop and first jump-out. He sent me out solo for a gallop and the feeling of having full control of a horse and the responsibility that comes with that were incredible. I’ll never forget that day,” said Hayley.
The initial crops, sold to Penfolds in 2004 and 2005, showcased the distinctive inky hues and intense flavours derived from the region’s terra rossa soils.
Over the years, John and James have expanded Lienert Vineyards significantly, now managing 97 ha at Shea Oak Log and an additional 20 ha in the Eden Valley.
John’s commitment to integrating regenerative agricultural practices with innovative clonal selection has earned him a respected reputation within the industry.
https://lienert.wine john@lienert.wine
Moving to Marcus to study equine management, Hayley had her heart set on a career in racing, joining the Lindsay Park stable after graduating.
Her riding apprenticeship kicked off in February 2024, when Hayley was one of 11 aspiring jockeys selected into Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
She is apprenticed to Ben, JD, and Will Hayes for the four-year apprenticeship to become a senior rider and is now based at their Pakenham yard.
Speaking after the race, Hayley said she was happy with how she went, adding she was “thankful and grateful for all the support” from the Hayes.
“It’s not an easy career and there will be highs and lows but at the end of the day, I’d like to be recognised as a real horsewoman.”
spitse@outlook.com
Hailey riding Bower Boy for a photo-finish win in Geelong – 01/04/2025
After the win in Geelong
Kirsty Morrison f inds her groove in
clay
From the paddocks of Frances, SA to boutique shelves around Australia and New Zealand, Kirsty Morrison (Hawkins) AssocDA’11 has turned a long-held dream into a thriving ceramics business.
Kirsty always loved the feel of clay—her first creation, a teapot, still lives at her mum’s place. But life took her on a winding path before she returned to that early passion. After losing her teenage boyfriend in a tragic car accident, Kirsty wrote a bucket list that included working up north as a jillaroo, an acting course, studying at Marcus Oldham and, one day, doing ceramics.
She ticked off most of her bucket list, working in agriculture and retail, until seven years ago when Kirsty moved to Evandale, Tasmania, where she now lives with her husband Ben ‘Booey’ Morrison AdDipFBM’10 and sons Bruce, five and James, three.
But it wasn’t until the pandemic slowed life down that she finally gave ceramics a go. From a shed on the farm, Kirsty began crafting personalised plates and vases —and Noss & Co was born.
The business grew quickly—opening a boutique in Evandale, building a strong Instagram following, and expanding into retail stores across Australia and now New Zealand.
Two years ago, with two young sons, she made the tough call to move production offshore, and she’s never looked back. Every piece is still her design, hand-painted overseas, and distributed from Melbourne.
“ Before Marcus, I knew I loved ceramics—but the business skills I learnt at College gave me the confidence to turn it into something real. “ The connections I made are amazing— I still feel that Marcus support, and I love that.”
In Brief
Emerging Leader Award for Luke
Congratulations to Luke Chaplain DipAgri’17, who won the 2024 Queensland Agriculture Minister’s Emerging Leader Award, recognising professional excellence and leadership.
The Qld awards celebrate individuals who have made an outstanding positive impact from across the sector. Luke’s award was announced in October 2024.
Luke is now recognised as one of the leading experts in drone mustering and aerial stockmanship.
He founded SkyKelpie to complete groundbreaking drone mustering trials, with support from Meat and Livestock Australia and Qld's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, to validate the benefits of drone use in mustering.
His vision is to give livestock handlers the necessary tools they need to unlock the powerful benefits drones have to offer.
Luke has an eclectic mix of achievements to add to his bio, which include professional rodeo champion, winning a Nuffield Scholarship in 2022 and filmmaker with his sister Madeleine.
Their movie ‘The Bank Manager’ was made in their hometown of Cloncurry, featured on the film festival circuit and was nominated for a Screen Producers Australia Award.
info@skykelpie.com
Fiona Hanks wins Dairy Award
Fiona Hanks DipAA’98 received a standing ovation when she was announced the recipient of one of the dairy industry’s highest honours, the Bette Hall Power of Women in Dairy Award for Excellence in January 2025.
The award honours a woman who is an excellent role model for women in the industry.
Fiona was stunned when her name was called during the International Dairy Week 35th anniversary dinner in Shepparton.
“ It really was a major shock and a huge surprise,” she said.
Raised on a dairy farm in Simpson, Fiona’s passion for agriculture gained momentum when she received a Dairy Australia scholarship to study Agribusiness at Marcus.
She now runs her own marketing and advertising business, consults to major artificial insemination companies, and helps coordinate events across the sector—including International Dairy Week.
She is noted for always going the extra mile to ensure the success of dairy shows and youth events.
fiona@hanks.net.au
Regenerative agriculture champions
Marcus graduates Emma King (Lyndley) DipAgri’11 and Angus King DipAgri’11 are among a select group taking part in the Lachlan Hughes Foundation’s leadership program in regenerative agriculture.
Managing Echo Hills Farming Co. near Wallumbilla, Queensland, for Peter and Nikki Thompson, the Kings are putting their training into action—trialling syntropic farming techniques to regenerate landscapes and build long-term soil health.
Their project focuses on increasing fertility by slowing water flow and building biomass, followed by strategic grazing.
“It’s about getting everything above and below the soil working together in a cycle that feeds itself,” Gus explains.
Emma believes in using what’s on hand to make regenerative principles practical on a large scale. Through the Lachlan Hughes Foundation, they’re gaining new skills, mentorship and a community of like-minded changemakers, who are champions for regenerative agriculture.
emking03@gmail.com
gusking1@yahoo.com.au
Future Wool Leader
Tom Sleigh BB(Ag)’21, from Jerilderie, NSW, took part in a study tour of China, as one of the 10-member 2024 Future Wool Industry Leaders program. He was selected for his commitment to the wool industry and engagement with the wool supply chain.
Tom toured Chinese wool processing mills and attended the major Nanjing Wool Market Conference, which attracted 400 internal wool delegates from all major woolgrowing countries.
The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) supported the Future Wool Industry Leaders in 2024. tomsleigh98@gmail.com
Peter’s Pistol saved the day
Pistol the Kelpie received a posthumous award at the 2024 Sydney Royal Show, for raising the alarm when his owner Peter Stevenson AdDipFBM’01 had a potentially fatal farm accident.
Pistol received the Companion Dog Award for his actions the day Peter fell from a horse, hours from home, while mustering cattle.
While Peter lay unconscious with injuries and internal bleeding, the dog that never left his side ran 5km across paddocks and found the station hand. The Westpac helicopter eventually delivered Pete safely to hospital.
Pete and wife Anna (Cockerill) DipHBM’98 are in no doubt; things could have turned out a lot differently if it wasn’t for Pistol.
When a farrier shortage hit her hometown of Coolah, NSW, Georgia White AssocDFBM’19 took matters into her own hands.
Growing up on her family’s property, Talbragar, where the Whites often ran more than 15 horses at a time, farrier visits were essential and expensive. So, when their local farrier stopped working, and no certified replacement could be found, Georgia took action.
“ I could get a set of shoes on, but it wasn’t pretty –and I wasn’t confident I was doing the right thing for the horse,” she said.
Determined to upskill, Georgia enrolled at the Idaho Horseshoeing School in the US. After eight intensive weeks, she became the school’s first woman to pass the final test—shoeing a horse flawlessly in under three hours.
While she’s not planning to become a full-time farrier, Georgia’s now a ‘cowgirl shoer’. georgia.talbragar@gmail.com
The Network
ENGAGEMENT
Lucy & Peter
Lucy Moore DipAgri ’18 and Peter Brooker celebrated their engagement in September 2024 and are planning a 2025 wedding at Lucy’s family farm, Weerangourt, in Byaduk, Vic, where they have made their home.
Lucy works in the family business, Weeran Angus, with Peter, who joined the operation in January 2025. lucy.moore2196@gmail.com
MARRIAGES
Will Fergusson & Sophie Murfitt
Will Fergusson BB(Ag)’19 married his childhood sweetheart, Sophie Murfitt, on 25 October 2024, at his family property Grindstone Bay Pastoral on the east coast of Tasmania.
Marcus alumni in attendance included Hamish Jannings, Sam Jackson, Hannah Vidor, Oli Vidor, Braden Davey, Dougal Morrison, Jack Courts, James McClure, Joe Brady, Lachie Minton, Lucy Moore, George Fergusson, Sam Buntin, Joe Brady, Nicholas Pitt, Will Gibson, Will O’Connor, Anna Cotton, Patrick Taylor, Maddy Taylor and Ned Napier.
Will manages their family property alongside his brother George, partner Isi and parents William and Melissa. Sophie works in marketing and runs her own design business.
Will and Sophie are excited to be welcoming their first child in August. will@grindstonebaypastoral.com.au
Grace Ives & Jack Littler
Marcus graduates, Grace Ives BB(Agri)’18 and Jack Littler BB(Agri)’18 celebrated their marriage on 8 March 2024.
The wedding was held at the Ives’ family property in Glencoe, NSW, with Alumni Lillian Ives BB(Agri)’24, Mick Corcoran DipAgri’19 and Tom Hickman BB(Agri)’19 in the wedding party.
Other alumni who attended were Nikki Gilder BB(Agri)’18, Katherine Bain BB(Agri)’18, Hugh McNamee AdDipAgri’23, Tyler Lewis BB(Ag)’19 and Ben McCullum BB(Ag)’20. gives96@gmail.com jdlittler7@gmail.com
Caitlyn & Joe
It’s said that good things come in threes, and that’s how 2024 could be described for Marcus graduates Caitlyn Ridgway AdDipAgri’24 and Joe Kerin BB(Agri)’21.
The year started with the birth of their first baby, Archer Selwyn Kerin, on 23 January, arriving at a healthy 3.8kg and 52cm long. Caitlyn and Joe were married on 2 November and five weeks later on 6 December, Caitlyn graduated from Marcus with her Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness.
It was a Top End Wedding for Margo Sullivan AssocDFBM’19 and Cam Gugger, when they married at home on Cave Creek Station, Mataranka, NT on 8 June 2024. Alumna Jarita Hopwood BB(Ag)’22 was a bridesmaid, and there were 24 other College Alumni on hand to celebrate with Margo and Cam, who met when they were students at Marcus. margo.sullivan24@hotmail.com
BIRTHS
Daisy Edwards
Sally Edwards (Conway) AssocDFBM’18 and Charlie Edwards DipAgri’18 welcomed their second child, Daisy Anne, on 19 July 2024 at Benowa, QLD. Her big sister, Tilly Norma, was also born at Benowa, on 22 September 2022. caenbycattleco@outlook.com
Rupert Thomson
Rupert Grant Thomson arrived in time for Christmas on 20 December 2024, at St John of God Hospital in Geelong. Congratulations to his mum Georgie Thomson BB(Agri)’12. georgie@ingleby.com.au
Harvey Mickelburough
Congratulations to Sarah and Keeden Mickelburough BB(Ag)’17 on the birth of their first child Harvey Donald Mickelburough.
Harvey was born on New Year’s Eve in Geelong, in time for the celebratory fireworks. k.mickelburough@hotmail.com
Sylvie Wagner
Sylvie Nola Wagner was born in Brisbane on 13 October 2024, the first child for Marcus graduates Robbie Wagner DipAgri’21 and Britt Nash DipAgri’21. Parents reported that Sylvie was 7lb, 51cm long and born at 10.31am. b.nash97@icloud.com rww.95@icloud.com
Peter Smith 3/1/1945 – 6/12/2024
Peter Smith DipFM’64 was the senior student for the second intake of Marcus Oldham students. He grew up on the family property at Bombala, New South Wales, boarding at Scots College in Sydney before heading south in search of an education in the agricultural industry.
Peter Smith was not a regular farmer and will be remembered as an entrepreneur. The day the Floor Price Scheme was suspended in 1991, he was driving from Cootamundra to Bombala with his wife Claire.
With five children at boarding school, he knew he needed to find another income source. Starting with five bales of wool which he had made into tops and knitted, to see if it could be done, Peter and Claire established the Toorallie knitwear label that same year. They produced the wool from their three sheep stations and spun and knitted the wool inhouse to create an iconic Australian brand, now run by sons Simon and Steve.
Always looking for new ventures, Claire said he later got into cattle, and then a butcher shop, delivering meat to restaurants throughout villages in the Cooma, the Snowy Mountains and the far South Coast.
Peter passed away in Canberra, where he lived with Claire. He has five children and 12 grandchildren. clairegarnock@gmail.com
Staff news
20 years for
Scott Vanderkley
ICT Lecturer and Business Systems Manager Scott Vanderkley marked 20 years at Marcus Oldham in February this year.
He began his tenure at the College in February 2005, following roles in database and web development in Ballarat, and a brief period in secondary education in Geelong.
Scott was initially appointed to manage IT resources and to support lecturers in the computer lab at Marcus, however quickly expanded his role to include a lecturing position.
“Since then, the College and its systems have experienced substantial growth, and I now oversee a team of two full-time technical support staff, and lecture across all cohorts.”
In addition to his teaching and IT management duties, Scott assists students with organising the College sports program, held every Wednesday afternoon.
Reflecting on his two decades at Marcus, Scott says that although it has been challenging at times, the past two decades have been very rewarding.
“ I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse group of staff and students, and have benefited from opportunities for travel, professional development, and continuing formal education.” vanderkley@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au
Staff recognition
There was a Recognition of Service at the College in March 2025, for staff who have reached milestone years of employment in the past 12 months.
5 Years
• David Cornish, Director for the Centre for Professional Development
• Kate Gorman, Lecturer in Human Resource Management
• Heather Davis, Director of Teaching & Learning Governance
• Andrew Etherton, Lecturer in Agronomy
• Matt O’Toole, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
• Matt Roberson, Lecturer in Livestock Production & Management
10 Years
• Cleo Gower, Deputy Principal - Academic
• Melissa Maher, Catering & Accommodation
• Val Shelley, Catering & Accommodation
• Bettina Bates Casey, Catering & Accommodation
15 Years
• Annette Stewart, Catering & Accommodation
• Deanne Whelan, Lecturer in Accounting
20 Years
• Scott Vanderkley, ICT Manager and Lecturer
25 Years
• Lyn Cameron, Catering & Accommodation Manager
• Jo Jones, Catering
Melissa Maher, Catering and accommodation staff member for 10 years
Marcus Oldham College 2025
Back Row D Ness, A Marriott, S Coad, H Alick, F Bundock, A Wilson, H Macdougall, S Ross, L Orr, E Napier, H Gillies, J Chaplin, D Mumford, A Heuzenroeder, H Gould, H Hawker, H Clifton, D Macaulay, W Killen, T Conheady, W Dugan, C Schutt, J Hughes, B Hogg, T Drury, X Buntin, N Makeham, T Nixon, C Simpson
Row 6 C Pearson, C Hood, T Thomas, Z Green, C Clemson, L Hurst, R Cooper, O Geddes, A Place, E Kilminster, G Morgan, T Liersch, S Madden, S Stuckey, S Marshall, H Plowman, W Beaton, T Kelly, H Rogers, H Watts, H Kilpatrick, L McCamley, W Maslin, H Manifold, A Hayes, S Hulland, A Inglis, R Wandell, C Traill, W Harris
Row 5 W Noble, L Mayne, J Mosely, B Sudholz, N Sinclair, L Fish, M Molloy, O Rogers, O Lawson, M Houldcroft, F Tuck, H Winter, J Chomley, F Ryan, J Liston, A Gourley, L Campbell, A Golden, A Jacobson, S Bain, J Keiller, J Ellery, A Campbell, Z Warren, C Kinsela, E Arnott, P Hillman, E Gall, G Manifold, P Curr, A Anderson
Row 4 C Cuming, M Hogan, M Nield, M Marshall, D Russell, H Feilen, G Gough, H White, J Stern, L Stewart, A Finlayson, E Robertson, S Koch, G Richardson, C Walton, S Skelton, K Warner, S Hurst, E Wood, M McGrath, J Crothers, G Stuart, G Walter, P Crothers, T Davey, I Bradley, K Henderson, A MacDonald, L Heard, A East, E Wheatley, I Hicks, M Dacres-Mannings ( MDM )
Row 3 G Lightowler, C Loane, N Summers, D Whelan, P McDonald, S Paine, A Mason, F Marais, H Pearce, G Sinclair, R McGavin, A Lithgow, S McConachy, M Browne, B Makeham, H Vincent, H Peadon, B Taylor, J Demeo, C Henderson, T Scifleet, F Cameron, E Hodge, H Lienert, S Leonard, A Nixon, D Webster, L Mcilvena-Innes, M Heath, H King
Row 2 S Fowler, V Shelley, A Stewart, H Davis, L Hanson, K Banner, K McDonald, R Riordan, A Newton, A Bowes, G Moore, C Jensz, A Wikinson, A Mactaggart, A Alker, A Dickson, M Russell, J Tasic, J Cugley, C Smith, B Deery, S Manchee, S Winckle, S Jennings, W Gubbins, K Gorman, E Kennard, S Walker, M Maher, J O`Kane
Front Row D Bond, T Coffey, N Jeffrey, E Pierson, D Cornish, L Cameron, C Dearing, O Vidor, A Etherton, P Amos, D Ashby, C Gower, W Bucknell, A Baker, S Hector, T McMeel, E Espinoza, C Bell, N Howard, C Walsh, J Lang, S Vanderkley, M Robertson, S Crawford, M O`Toole, J Hall
Photography By Pam Hutchinson
Acknowledging the following organisations and individuals who contributed to our scholarship, bursary and curriculum programs this year.
Peter G. Smith Memorial Bursary
Mrs Sandra Dent
The Estate of Susan Haggard
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
Warrawidgee Pastoral Company
Magazine Editor: Deb Howcroft
Guest writers & photographers: Brad Collis, Simone Dalton, Pam Hutchinson, Paul Jones, Georgie Mann
Supported by: Lisa Gowers, Ebaney Espinoza, Emma Pierson, Danni Bond & Marcus Oldham staff. Design: GDJ Advertising Printed by: Adams Print
