Community helps drive success Noel A’Vard has played a large role in the success of the Finley High School agriculture program. Mr A’Vard, with support from Neville Sleeman and the late Ian Sneddon, developed a network of people willing to lend a hand. Their main support is helping to grow feed and fodder for the school’s livestock. Mr A’Vard said all the time and work the area has put in to help the program has been worthwhile. ‘‘We have done a lot over the years and so too have many people in our area; they are happy lend a hand when asked,’’ he said. ‘‘The school does such a good job, so whenever helping the school is mentioned to a farmer or someone else, they’re always there. ‘‘The teachers are phenomenal; it makes all the work worthwhile.” Throughout a decade of volunteering at the school, Mr A’Vard said the program has grown significantly. He said the number of volunteers has also increased, with more people
■ Finley High School teacher Robyn O'Leary, Noel A’Vard and teacher Gary Webb with feed donated to the school’s agriculture program. now giving their time to help with baling and carting hay. ‘‘The school is gifted livestock each year, so we have to ensure there’s good quality feed for them to use,” Mr A’Vard said. ‘‘Throughout the years Neville, Ian and I would work the ground, sow it and we have several farmers that
give up their free time to bale it. ‘‘We just have to look after the organising. ‘‘This year I’ve had to roll some paddocks and use others for grazing to control its growth to ensure the best quality.’’ Teacher Gary Webb said because of Mr A’Vard’s sup-
port, the school has been able to lease extra paddocks this year. ‘‘He has organised three additional blocks this year, as well as helping with all the work, seed, sowing and has also put fertiliser over it,’’ Mr Webb said of Mr A’Vard’s role. ‘‘In the past we’ve had a lot of local businesses and farmers helping with fertiliser and seed, but Noel’s contribution in the last 10 years has been quite extraordinary. It’s all donated time. ‘‘We (the school) haven’t seen a bill for any of it, except for a bit of fertiliser.’’ Mr Webb said it is this community support, and therefore community ownership, that sets the school’s agricultural program apart from others. ‘‘Our community is phenomenal in supporting what we do,’’ he said. ‘‘We have a lot of animals to feed on a small area of land, but they see the benefits the kids get out of it every year and they just keep supporting us.’’
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Contact Jus ne, Jackie or Brenda on 03 5881 1866 or Jus ne on 0427 811 866 or jus ne@peppininsurance.com.au and let’s talk. ’Farm Talk’, June 2020 — Page 5