TAFE Gippsland’s talented team of agriculture experts navigated a successful pilot program recently, which enabled the construction of an exclusion fence at the Benambra Recreational Reserve to prevent wild pest incursions.
Together with local suppliers and the local farming community, delegates from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the Australian Wool Industry, Benambra Dinner Plain Omeo Landcare Group (BDPOLG), Western Fence, Benambra Neighbourhood House, Benambra Recreational Reserve committee took part in a two-day exclusion fencing course delivered by TAFE Gippsland agriculture teacher Barry Shepheard.
Business Development Consultant Partnerships & Commerce Fred Vanderslik said the 13 participants were served up a selection of skills throughout the program, which showcased best practice in specifically designed fencing built to keep out the region’s most persistent pests.
“The cohort was a mix of inexperienced to experienced participants ranging in age groups from secondary school students to old hand farmers keen to learn new tricks of the trade along with new innovation in fencing design,” Fred said.
“The pilot project was a great success with participants highlighting their gratitude to agriculture teacher Barry Shepheard who delivered a program with professionalism, enjoyment and supported by his depth of knowledge.”
Treated to a typical Gippsland array of weather conditions and a cameo appearance by a resident copperhead snake, Barry’s motley crew of fence builders looked pretty pleased with their fencing efforts and satisfied with the knowledge gained from their experience.
So much so, Fred can report that TAFE Gippsland and DEECA intend on delivering this program into other impacted regions of Gippsland soon.
Pictured: L-R David Pooley (BDPOLG President, Barry Shepheard (TAFE Gippsland agriculture teacher), David Mosele (TAFE Gippsland Skills & Jobs), Trudy Anderson (Benambra Neighbourhood House) and Fred Vanderslik (TAFE Gippsland Business Partnerships)
Barry and his team of fencers hard at work.
Thumbs up from project participants on a job well done!