The Youth Agritech Expo, organised by East Gippsland Shire Council and held over three days in May, has been hailed a success with 188 students and young people inspired to consider a future in agriculture.

The expo, held at The Hub in Bairnsdale and other venues, showcased advancements in agricultural technology and opened doors to opportunities for young people considering a future in farming.

Students were offered a range of interactive experiences that sparked curiosity and excitement including drone flying, wind turbine operation and virtual reality experiences. Many of the attendees expressed surprise at the wide range of job opportunities in agriculture.

East Gippsland Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said he hoped the Youth Agritech Expo had ignited a passion for farming among the shire’s youth.

“With the support of our partners and the participation of so many young people, this event opened doors of opportunity for the next generation," Cr Reeves said.

Our youth can be agritech trailblazers, harnessing technology and creativity to revolutionise the farming sector.”

The expo was made possible by the support of the East Gippsland Community Foundation,the Victorian Department of Education and education providers and programs including Central Queensland University (CQU); Next Generation Farm Safety; EXCITED 4 Careers in Agriculture; Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network (GELLEN); TAFE Gippsland and Gippsland Tech School.

“The partnership that delivered the Agritech Expo was an important aspect of the success of the event because of its extended reach to a range of networks,” Pam Waters, GELLEN Executive Officer, said.

“The event had a direct impact on young people across the region, which helped to build their knowledge of opportunities available in the agricultural industry,”Ms Waters added.

The event also featured gaming stations, cutting-edge technology demonstrations and a video series by Food & Fibre Gippsland, which showcased the diverse career options available. CQU’s Raising Aspirations in Careers and Education(RACE) program organised excursions for around 70 students, providing valuable insights into horticulture, dairy, research and stock handling.

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