By Sandra Ireson – Hay Inc

This year’s group is comprised of students from across Australia, with participants from Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. 

Remarkably, nine of the group members are now working within the local district, contributing to the community’s agricultural industry. 

The first training week focused on refining the group’s sheep handling skills at Wyvern Station, Carrathool. 

Since its inception in 2014, TA Field Wyvern has been a valued supporter of the Hay Inc. Program. Wyvern hosted the group for three days, where expert sheep handling trainers Rhys Warren, Chris Bowman, Ed McFarland and Glen Walker shared their knowledge. 

Above: The Hay Inc group, near the Murrumbidgee River at Hay; Ashlee Trebilco, Sarah Henderson, Sheridan Venables, Lachlan Routley, Quinlan Madigan, Olivia Heinrich, Scarlett Wood Adelaide Robb, Stella La Porta, Isabel Mecham, Sarah Evans, Charlotte Fishburn, Clancy Harvey, Finn Stanley. Image: Hay Inc

Additionally, Matt Ireson delivered a hands-on demonstration of sheep butchering, allowing participants to gain valuable practical experience. 

A special moment during the week was the presentation to Cheryl Hurst, recognising her invaluable support and assistance at Wyvern over the past 11 years. 

The Hay Inc. committee and students extended their heartfelt thanks for Cheryl’s contribution to the program’s success. 

In addition to sheep handling, the first week of training included sessions on workplace health and safety, delivered by Tocal and Rob Gibson from Croidon, Hay. 

Red Cross facilitated a Rural First Aid course, and Jacqui Crawford presented "Strength from the Land to the Mind," a talk focused on mental wellbeing. 

Tocal also conducted training on the safe operation of two-wheel and quad bikes, an essential skill for rural workers. 

Clancy Harvey and dog Rocky at the working dog training day. Image: Hay Inc

Susan Hanna provided an insightful presentation on employment paperwork, tax tips, superannuation and savings, ensuring participants are well-prepared for their careers in agriculture. 

The second training week, held in March, offered further hands-on experience, including working dog training and management at Shear Outback. Volunteers and Hay Working Dog Club members Ed McFarland and Geoff McDougall guided participants in developing essential skills for handling working dogs. Participants also attended a three-day shearing school at Paraway 

Participants also attended a three-day shearing school at Paraway "Steam Plains," delivered by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), with a wool handling presentation by Hay Inc Alumni Emilia Browne.

A new inclusion in the second week was the Farmer Flexibility session, hosted by Michelle Spence on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. 

The group enjoyed stretching and relaxation techniques after long days in the shearing shed, a perfect way to unwind. 

The final day of training focused on fence construction and maintenance at Shear Outback, with expert guidance from Sandy Symons, Tom Porter, Keith Bolitho and Duncan Fraser. 

Thanks to Kurt Woods Elders Hay and Waratah fencing for supplying the fencing materials. 

The Hay Inc. group will come together for their final training week in June, culminating in their graduation at the Hay Merino Sheep Show on Saturday, June 14. 

Since compiling a strategic plan in 2024 with input from over 30 community and industry members, Hay Inc. has acted on the outcomes and has recently received charity status and being accepted to become a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, approved to hold the fundraising account with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) which enables Hay Inc deductible gift recent status.

This is a significant step forward for the program, as it now allows rural communities to benefit from tax-deductible donations through accounts hosted by the FRRR. 

This milestone will enable donors to contribute to the program’s projects with added tax benefits. 

Additionally, Hay Inc. has been surveying its alumni to plan for a special event aimed at enhancing networking opportunities and strengthening connections within the community. 

The Hay Inc Committee is immensely grateful for the support of funding from key partners - Australian Wool Innovation, Rabo Client Council, TA Field, Engie, Transgrid, and Bullawah Wind Farm. 

Along with the contributions from volunteers and those who offer their facilities and livestock, they have all been essential in ensuring the ongoing success and growth of this vital rural education program. 

For more information, and details on how to make a tax-deductible donation to Hay Inc. contact Hay Inc Program Manager, Sandra Ireson, on 0439 938119, email [email protected] or visit www.hayinc.com.au