AGRIBUSINESS

Pest workshop for youth to be held in May

A workshop on invasive pests like rabbits and weeds will be held in Melbourne in May.

Staff writer

This article is 6 years old. Images might not display.

The workshop is a new initiative from Agriculture Victoria's Weeds and Rabbits Project.
This workshop is aimed at anyone, volunteer or professional, with responsibilities in land or invasive species management.

This includes interested members of local communities or farming groups, Landcare, universities or TAFEs, government agencies or other non-government or not-for-profit organisations.

"We've spent a lot of time talking with people involved in invasive species management. We know everyone has a role to play, regardless of where they live in Victoria," said Established Invasive Species program manager, Michael Reid.

"We know young people are interested in invasive species management, but they are under-represented in our discussions," Reid said.

"Landscape management is an intergenerational issue, and we want to make sure young people are active participants in discussions about how to address the problem."

The workshop on 6 May will be interactive - focused on building the capacity and confidence of participants to develop youth-focused practices into their programs.

Landcare Victoria deputy chair and Corangamite, Victoria, farmer, Kaye Rodden, said boosting youth involvement was an opportunity to strengthen community-led approaches to invasive species management.

"Young people have so much to offer. They are energetic innovators and we need to inspire and empower them to be part of community-led initiatives such as this one focused on managing invasive species," Rodden said.

"A healthy, pest free landscape needs a strong resilient community, and this relies on people of all ages being engaged and involved."

The workshop at Melbourne Museum is open to people of any age, whether volunteer or professional, from across Victoria. Community volunteers can be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket travel expenses to attend.


To find out more go to www.weedsandrabbits.com/youth/

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Sealable Storage Options (August 2025)

Kondinin Group researchers in collaboration with the GRDC Grain storage extension team test dozens of gas-tight sealable grain storages to Australian Standard AS2628-2010 identifying best and worst features in the ultimate grain storage buyers guide.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.