General News
2 April, 2026
Learning from the experts
THE process of transforming a dilapidated football oval into a thriving plot for student learning has proven a hit for South West TAFE.
As Western District Newspapers reported in June 2025, the old football oval at Glenormiston College is being revitalised as a demonstration plot for students taking part in agricultural studies to observe and document the growth of crops.
The program is being delivered as part of Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS), a Victorian Government initiative to develop skills through practical and industry-specific training.
Students were on site last Thursday to learn more about irrigation alongside guests from global irrigation supplier Philmac and the Terang and District Co-op Rural Store.
Casual teacher Rob Durant, who spent his working life as an agronomist in pasture research, is among the staff helping students gain a deeper understanding of the industry through practical education.
He said the plot was growing from strength to strength, ensuring students not only get the opportunity to learn hands on, but to do so while learning directly from industry professionals.
“It’s worked out really well,” Mr Durant said.
“We had a field day last October with Philmac, AGF Seeds, South West TAFE and the Terang and District Co-op Rural Store all involved.
“Each of those entities have put in product, time and effort which is working really well.
“There is clear benefit with the students working so closely with those in the industry.”
The students on-site last Thursday travelled from Terang College, Brauer College, Emmanuel College, Warrnambool College and further afield.
“They’re all students in Years 10-11 who come in once a week on a Thursday afternoon as part of their integrated agricultural students as part of VETDSS,” Mr Durant said.
“Philmac territory manager Brad Stacey came out to set up co-line irrigation pods up.
“The unit they’re doing through TAFE at the moment is irrigation, so this lines up perfectly.
“Philmac donated the whole lot of equipment, which is over $3000.”
Students took an active role in setting up the irrigation under the careful watch of their industry mentors.
“It’s more relevant than just sitting in a classroom and talking about it,” Mr Durant said.
“The footy oval was not being utilised – it was just a bit of a wasteland.
“We decided we’d put in around 30 pasture species so the students could come down and observe what’s going on at various times in the year.
“We haven’t had much rain but they get to see how the perennial and Italian rye grasses have survived so well.
“Once we get a good, decent break we’ll really see it going.”
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