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OCOSA MMAGAZINE Marcus Oldham College Old Students Association Volume 22 I Issue 1 I April 2015 Recreational Hub Principal’s Perspective many schools were viewed by their Australian workforce. Several recent non-agricultural student peers Productivity Commission reports as being ‘second class’. In some have identified that higher levels cases, they were given derogatory of education are estimated to be nicknames which reflected the lack associated with significantly higher of respect from others for their wages and productivity. People who hold a tertiary qualification can earn he Federal Government’s choice of study. Those students also felt that some school teachers wages between 30 and 40 percent Agricultural Competitive- held the same attitude. higher than people with otherwise Tness Green Paper states similar characteristics, who have It is clear that agriculture has an that agriculture is one of the not completed Year 12 or equivalent image problem. But it shouldn’t, five pillars of the economy. schooling. The Paper acknowledges and the rural sector cannot afford for this image to continue if it is to So what can be done to encourage that agriculture helped build prosper in the future. young people to participate in Australia, continues to put food agricultural education so that our on our tables, and it underpins …many young people don’t sector is a key driver and pillar in our national economy and rural realise that modern farming the Australian economy well into communities. and the broader agricultural the future? sector can provide highly All noble and credible claims. Tertiary qualified agricultural professional occupations. The problem is, only a small number graduates are our industry’s of school children see agriculture as We are well aware of the reasons ambassadors. an attractive career choice. Recent why many young people don’t pursue a career in agriculture. The answer lies, in part, through media claims that agriculture in our industry’s alumni. We need to Victoria’s secondary schools is in There have been many government inquiries that have documented the encourage and empower alumni to dire straits, with just 0.48 percent promote the Rural Industry. Tertiary of Year 12 students studying image problems experienced by the rural sector. These perceived qualified agricultural graduates are agriculture in 2014. Professor Jim our industry’s ambassadors. They Pratley’s 2013 review of agricultural and often inaccurate beliefs have been analysed many times. The are the participants in our sector education in NSW found that who can make a difference. students studying agriculture at reality is that many young people don’t realise that modern farming Agricultural graduates from and the broader agricultural sector colleges and universities around For You to Enjoy can provide highly professional Australia need to play an increasing occupations. role in encouraging young people Principal’s Perspective......................... 2 to enter our sector. From the President’s Desk ................ 3 The Federal Government’s Marcus Minds ............................................. 3 Green Paper acknowledges the If agriculture is to be a major Recreational Hub Opening .......... 4-5 professionalism that is required, economic force in the future, which John (Jack) Sadler .............................6-7 stating that Australian agriculture the Federal Government believes Philanthropic Gift .................................... 8 is a highly skilled sector – with 70 it will be, we can only achieve this Graduate of Excellence ..................... 10 percent of the industry working aspiration through the efforts of Marcus Celebrates Graduates .........11 as managers, administrators or our people. David Sweetapple .................................12 professionals (compared to 40 Tertiary institutions marketing Samantha Baillie .....................................13 percent for the national average). the rural sector as a career of Cam Nicholson ................................. 14-15 The Green Paper states this is due to choice can only achieve so much. the sector having a high proportion Sandy Sharp ..............................................15 Our graduates showcasing their of small scale owner-operated Health & Resilience Program ......... 16 wide and varied success stories businesses with few employees. The Centre..................................................17 is a powerful message which Corporate Training ............................... 19 To me, there are two statistics that can influence young people’s Reunions ..................................................... 19 stand out in this debate. The first is career decisions. Marcus Oldham Louisa Cormack ....................................20 the low proportion of the agricultural graduates are leaders in this field. Lachlan Seears ........................................21 workforce with higher education They have the practical know- Graduation 2014 ............................ 22-23 qualifications relative to the wider how and have been recipients Campus Columns ..........................24-29 population. The second is the much of a quality tertiary education. Foundation News ...........................30-31 higher proportion of the agricultural Agricultural graduates working as Where We Will Be ................................32 workforce without any post-school ambassadors and mentors will go Editor’s Memo ........................................ 33 qualification. In 2013, only 47 a long way to encouraging the next Scholarship Program ......................... 34 percent of agricultural workers generation of rural leaders. The Network ....................................35-42 held post-secondary qualifications Dr Simon Livingstone Need to Contact Someone? .......... 43 compared to 69 percent of the total Principal 2 MOCOSA April 2015 From the President’s Desk from the old woolshed making its plexi-pave product – as fine as any way into the main function room. courts in the country. A grassed A purpose built service area has berm shoulders the courts and not made for the smooth running of only provides good wind protection functions already conducted in for the keen sports participants but our new venue. Internal bathroom also produces an excellent viewing facilities have taken the pressure platform for those interested in a off the hostel and make for a more more passive pastime. professional facility. My thanks to all past students who A well-equipped gym is located have been kind enough to make on the west end of the building, this project a reality. Thanks also boasting running machines, spin to the hard work of the Foundation bikes, a rowing machine and both and other great friends of Marcus free and static weights. The gym Oldham. Thank you also to the room is well lit and has great natural whole team at Marcus for making and fanned air flow. A stereo system the Recreational Hub project an outstanding success. “On time. On ell, I am very excited was being installed last time I visited the gym and more equipment was Target. On Budget.” to inform you that the on order. I understand that larger Recreational (Rec) Good luck with your projects. W group exercise sessions have been Hub is completed. This new conducted in the main function James P Bufton FM 94 facility is for the use of our room, with great success. MOCOSA President current and future students, Due to very dedicated project as well as visiting parties and management by our own Dave perhaps future reunion get- Bent and builder, Andrew Gordon, togethers. the boys had funds in the budget The building is visually appealing, to design and build a new BBQ and user friendly and durable. There is a food service area – alfresco style! A very raw, earthy theme with polished big hit in the warmer months. concrete floors, stained timber As sensational as the building is, internal paneling, big windows my personal favourite area at the and the rural Australian icon – Hub is the outdoor courts and corrugated colorbond cladding. the wonderful landscaping which Even some history from the first complements the facility. The “watering hole” finds a home in our basketball/netball court and tennis new Hub, with some of the timbers court are made of the high quality Marcus Minds Taste of Marcus A popular initiative, the ‘Marcus Minds Weekend’ attracts strong interest across Australia from people In 2015 the date for the who are keen to study at Marcus Oldham but not ‘Marcus Minds Weekend’ is quite sure what it’s all about. Each year there is a 6pm Friday 19th to 1pm Sunday 21st June. rise in the number of participants and they speak highly of the experience. This free weekend offers the opportunity to A schedule of events and details on how to reserve experience Marcus first-hand. Participants attend a spot is available online at marcusminds.com.au. mini-lectures, learn from keynote speakers, interact However, spread the word and visit the Marcus with graduates and current students and visit a website and Facebook page to keep up to date with farm business. Accommodation is in the Student our activities. Residences on campus. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au Find us onwww.facebook.com/MarcusOldhamCollege Facebook MOCOSA April 2015 3 Recreational Hub Official Opening 17 April 2015 Early view of the hostel Social Room MOFAC Social Room Social Room and paddock on which the AKA Shearing Shed AKA Lambing Shed Opened 1984 Recreational Hub is sited Jenny Upton, Robert Beggs AM,

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