Nestled in the heart of Victoria, the Gippsland Agricultural Centre, a beacon of agricultural excellence, will provide vital support and resources to the local farming community. This dynamic centre will play an important role in shaping the future of farming in the region and beyond.  

Receiving nearly $1million in funding through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, the Gippsland Agricultural Centre will provide a place for the local community to gather, learn and improve on natural hazard recovery and mitigation practices.  

With around 14 different community groups partnering in the design and construction of the centre, it truly is a multi-purpose facility that will benefit the region in so many ways.  

Supporting community education at Gippsland Agricultural Centre 

The Gippsland Agricultural Centre’s new learning hub provides a space for local farmers, industry specialists and community groups to build on agricultural education and innovation in the Gippsland region.  

Through workshops, seminars and hands-on training programs the centre empowers the community with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape. Learnings from previous natural hazards and a changing climate will be put into practice and shared with locals to support the agricultural industry to identify hazards and prepare for future disaster impacts.  

Education workshops will now be maximised by having the facilities to present to large groups, as well as being able to step outside and get a hands-on learning experience at the farm. 

Research and development in Gippsland 

The centre is located at the 100 hectare Gippsland Research Farm and will allow experts to explore the latest technologies to enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact.  

“The Gippsland Agricultural Research Farm provides a place for myself and my seed company, and 14 other industry seed companies, to trial our products and look at how our portfolios and seeds and crops can grow in the Gippsland region,” said Casey Willis, Research Agronomist, Valley Seeds.  

Crop production, soil management, livestock farming and sustainable agricultural practices all form part of the research being conducted at the farm.  

Driving community engagement 

In addition to education and research, the Gippsland Agricultural Centre also provides a place for the community to gather. Building on local networks and relationships, and increasing the opportunity for peer supported learning, will only further benefit the industry.  

As a community driven and community run facility, it means the doors are open to absolutely everybody.  

Natalie Jenkins, Manager at Gippsland Southern Farming Systems said, “we get schools, from pre-schools, right up to university level come in. We have different business representatives so you can get seed companies, fertiliser companies, not-for-profits, research groups, community groups. There wouldn’t be a week here that there isn’t an event.  

 “It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’re doing, it’s a central repository for information and people you can contact and somewhere you can get help,” said Natalie.  

Committed to ongoing excellence  

The newly established Gippsland Agricultural Centre plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural community in Gippsland and beyond, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the region’s farming industry.  

Jen Smith of the Gippsland Agricultural Group said, “it’s been a really fulfilling project and we know that this project will build our capacity and our resilience for future emergencies.”