State MPs discover the impact of agricultural innovation at Dookie

Four Victorian MPs visited the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus recently to learn more about the agricultural education, research, and industry engagement activities hosted there, and to visit the recently upgraded accommodation and laboratories.

Pictured L-R: Lynn Macaulay, Vic Hub NE Node, Riverine Plains; Te’o Lau Dr Vili Iese; Samantha Schelling, Communications, Vic Hub; Ros Gall, Dookie Campus Director; Kim O’Keeffe; Emma Kealy; Peter Walsh; Peter Fisher, Soil Coordinator, Vic Hub; and Annabelle Cleeland.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, Shadow Minister for Regional Development Peter Walsh, Member for Shepparton, Kim O'Keeffe, and Member for Euroa and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Annabelle Cleeland spent three hours touring the campus facilities and receiving briefings from University staff.

University of Melbourne Professor Giovanni Turchini, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, appreciated the opportunity to explain how the University is developing knowledge, technology, and future leaders to promote and sustain primary industries, rural communities, and regional development.

“We showed our distinguished visitors how we are working with industry, government and community to find innovative solutions to pressing problems in food production, agricultural waste and emissions, and land and water management,” Professor Turchini said.

University of Melbourne Associate Professor Ros Gall, Dookie Campus Director, said the campus resources and infrastructure provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in a 2440 hectare living laboratory that encompasses a wide range of agricultural enterprises.

“The Agricultural industry is an exciting and dynamic industry – it isn’t just about farming,” Associate Professor Gall said.

“The career opportunities are endless with more jobs available than there are graduates. Many of the agricultural careers require graduates with a strong science, technology or agribusiness background.

“It was great to be able to demonstrate our specialist training and unique hands-on learning experiences that our agriculture students gain at Dookie, with integrated industry exposure providing real-world insights and career development opportunities.”

While at Dookie, the MPs were also impressed by updates from Lisa Birrell, NorVicFoods Executive Director and Professor Michael Tausz, Director of the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (Vic Hub).

Based in Shepparton, NorVicFoods connects agri-food businesses in the region with University of Melbourne expertise to solve issues, build skills, create jobs, and increase economic prosperity.

Headquartered at Dookie, the Vic Hub is a partnership between four universities, the State Government and farming groups. It is one of eight national hubs funded by the Australian Government to enhance drought preparedness and broader agricultural innovation through economic, environmental, and community initiatives.