The Dookie campus came alive with innovation, community spirit and agricultural excellence at the recent Dookie Food and Fibre Expo.
Held at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus, the Expo highlighted the critical role that food and fibre industries play in Australia’s future. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of exhibits, demonstrations and presentations that reflected both traditional farming practices and cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
A new feature of this year’s Expo was the Career Speed Dating workshop, which gave students the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals in a dynamic and interactive format.
Students rotated through a series of themed hubs, each designed to showcase different career pathways and emerging areas within the industry. These included Farming 2024, Hidden Careers, #LivestockHustle, Future Farm HQ, #Farm2Lab, Plant Vibes, and LegenDairy.
The Expo also served as an important networking platform. Students studying agriculture and related disciplines were able to connect directly with industry representatives, gaining insight into career pathways and future opportunities in the sector. Employers highlighted the growing demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and environmental challenges.
The event saw excellent student participation, with 160 students from our region attending. In total, approximately 500 students participated across the day, representing three LLEN regions, including Campaspe Cohuna LLEN, North East Tracks and Goulburn Murray LLEN. This strong attendance reflects the growing interest in agriculture and related industries among young people and underscores the importance of providing real-world learning experiences.
Event organisers expressed their appreciation to exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the Expo’s success. The strong turnout and positive feedback underscored the importance of events like this in promoting knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration across the agricultural sector.
Overall, the Dookie Food and Fibre Expo demonstrated the resilience and forward-thinking nature of the industry. By bringing together education, research and real-world practice, the event continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of food and fibre production in Australia.
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