Construction has begun on a new agricultural training facility in New South Wales
Richmond Agricultural Centre will open in a new permanent location for students from the start of next year, the New South Wales state government has announced.
Currently using temporary facilities at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury campus where it is co-located, it will have a permanent location on the site in time for the 2027 school year.
It will cater for about 360 students from kindergarten to year 12, the state government says, and facilities will include modern classrooms, five science labs, farming facilities, a greenhouse, multipurpose hall, canteen, administration facilities, and covered outdoor learning area.
“Richmond Agricultural Centre offers agricultural and STEM learning opportunities to students, with partnered learning experiences with academia and industry, preparing the next generation of scientists, agribusiness and data experts, agriculturalists and innovators to meet the challenges of a changing landscape, from sustainability to food security and emerging technologies,” principal Kristine Beazley says.
The centre is partnered with Richmond High School, providing students from across western Sydney with access to resources, facilities, partnerships and programs which are already in place at the university
Agricultural STEM selective and specialty students will attend the centre three days per week and Richmond High School for the other two days.
Acting NSW education minister Courtney Houssos says the centre will be a “game changer” for students pursuing careers in agriculture industry, while skills and tertiary education minister Steve Whan says it is a great example of what can be achieved when secondary and tertiary education comes together.
“The new Richmond Agricultural Centre will have a strong focus on transitional farming practices between urban and regional areas, which is important for food security and economic development now more than ever,” Whan says.
“Having the centre co-located at the WSU Hawkesbury campus will also help provide students with clear career pathways into the agricultural sector.”