In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, we’re shining a light on the enriching, hands-on experiences that are shaping the next generation of green-thumbed changemakers.
Our horticulture students have had a busy start to the year—traipsing across East Gippsland’s diverse landscapes and gathering invaluable skills in sustainable production horticulture practices.
As Atif Riaz, Coordinator of Production Horticulture (Paddock to Plate), aptly put it:, “At TAFE Gippsland, we believe the best learning happens beyond the classroom—and our Certificate III in Horticulture students are living proof.”
Sustainability in action
Recently, students visited Lilydale Turf Farm in Bengworden for an immersive look at the turfgrass production cycle. Guided by experienced team member Ty, the tour covered everything from soil preparation and grass selection to harvesting, machinery operation and maintenance.
Atif said the students explored a range of turf varieties and gained insight into sustainable turf production techniques, irrigation and pest management, environmental responsibility and workplace safety.
“This hands-on exposure not only cemented students’ theoretical learning but also highlighted the critical role of the turf industry in landscaping, sports surfaces and environmental care,” Atif said.
Horticulture students got the full turf farm experience at Lilydale Turf Farm in Bengworden recently.
Another standout excursion took students to Riviera Vegetable Production Farm, where they saw sustainable horticulture in action in East Gippsland.
“From soil preparation to post-harvest packaging, students observed how local producers manage high-quality, large-scale food production while keeping sustainability at the heart of every process,” Atif added.
The students visit to the Riviera Vegetable Production Farm reinforced the vital importance of innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
Giving back to the community
In May, our students brought their skills into the community, visiting the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre and East Bairnsdale Community Hub to plant winter veggie seedlings they’d nurtured as part of their course.
These plantings didn’t just brighten up the local gardens—they supported community food security. Students also shared leftover seedlings with residents to take home, encouraging homegrown produce across the region.
As Julie Fitz-Gerald from the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre said, “We really appreciate the time you and your students have taken to grow (and then plant) these for us. It’s a great help to our community.”
A big shoutout to Atif and his dedicated students for championing sustainability and giving back in such a meaningful way.
Atif and students helped out at the Paynesville Community Garden, planting winter vegetable seedlings to brighten up the gardens and support community food security.
Growing knowledge, cultivating change
Whether it's turf cultivation, commercial vegetable farming, or planting in community gardens, our horticulture students are leading the way in land restoration, community stewardship and environmental resilience.
Want to join our green thumbed eco-warriors of tomorrow?
Explore our horticulture courses and apply to grow your green future today.