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careers
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This week, our HR Business Partner Lea Lehideux and Merimbula Farm Manager Braden Joiner represented Australia’s Oyster Coast at AgCAREERSTART Orientation Week in Ballarat. AgCAREERSTART is a fantastic national program that gives young Australians hands-on experience in agriculture, connects them with industry professionals, and helps them gain a nationally recognised qualification over a 10-12 month gap year.
Connecting with the Next Generation of Farmers
Lea and Braden had a busy and rewarding week as part of the program's Host Farmer Panel. They also joined several industry tours, visiting a high-tech dairy farm to explore automation, a forestry farm, and Andy Laidlaw’s impressive grain farm. These tours offered valuable insights into the diversity and innovation within the agricultural sector, reminding us how much we can learn from one another across industries.
The highlight of the week? Meeting Calum, our 2025 AgCAREERSTART participant! Calum will be joining our Shoalhaven farm next month, where he’ll experience the unique magic of farming premium oysters along the stunning NSW coast. Lea and Braden also had the chance to meet the rest of the 2025 cohort, who were full of energy and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Lea shared how impressed she was with the group’s engagement, curiosity, and passion for agriculture.
Insights from the Host Farmer Panel
Braden, who mentored our 2024 participant Harry at our Merimbula farm, was well-positioned to share his experiences on the panel. As a young, approachable, and passionate farm manager, Braden is relatable to the next generation of agricultural workers. Lea noted how much the 2025 cohort connected with Braden’s friendly demeanour and his enthusiasm for farming.
Braden expressed how much he enjoyed representing Australia’s Oyster Coast at Orientation Week. He appreciated the opportunity to meet Calum and the other participants, saying, “Calum is going to love his experience at Shoalhaven with Waite and the team. With other young oyster farmers nearby who enjoy fishing and surfing, he’ll fit right in.” Braden also added that the South Coast’s incredible fishing spots will give Calum plenty of opportunities to explore his passion for the outdoors.
Looking Forward
We’re proud to be part of AgCAREERSTART, supporting young Australians as they experience farm life to see whether the world of agriculture is right for them.
Stay tuned as we welcome Calum to our Shoalhaven farm next month - we can’t wait to introduce you to him and share his journey. Here’s to another year of fostering careers in agriculture and inspiring the next wave of passionate oyster farmers.
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