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College marks 80 years

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Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

WA College of Agriculture Denmark’s open day last weekend also marked 80 years since the school was established.

To commemorate, education dignitaries were on hand to unveil an old collegians society plaque.

The Department of Education’s deputy director general, Melesha Sands, said she was honoured to have one of the first students at the college, Ron Wise, 94, in attendance to witness the unveiling.

“This college is not only well-known for the quality training and education it provides but also for growing great people,” Melesha said.

Principal Rebecca Kirkwood said she was proud of the school’s achievements as it was now widely known for its excellence in cattle and dairy programs.

She also highlighted how far the school had come since the days when it catered primarily to male students.

When the college first opened in 1942 there were only 40 students who were all males.

“We now have an almost equal balance of male and female students and we have more girls than boys as residential students,” Rebecca said.

“Our equine program is a major drawcard for girls and out of 37 students in this program there is only one boy.” This year’s open day is Rebecca’s first as principal.

She is also the college’s first female appointed to the role and sees this as yet another sign of the growing prevalence of females entering the agriculture industry.

“The agricultural industry is booming and the job opportunities for both men and women are countless,” Rebecca said.

“The open day enables us to showcase our programs and outstanding student work and we know a lot of parents and potential students will be taking a close look at what we offer.”

With an estimated 800 people flooding through the school for the open day there was ample to see with a long list of events and demonstrations on offer.

Shearing and wool classing was a highlight with both male and female students picking up the shears.

Farm tours and wine sales were also on offer, as was horticulture produce and lots to see in both the cattle yards and the equine arena.

Denmark Bulletin 1 September 2022

More photos from the day in the issue.

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 1 September 2022.

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