CDU lecturers provide accredited pastoral training to Indonesian students
A group of four Katherine based Charles Darwin University TAFE Agriculture and Rural Operations lecturers travelled to Alice Springs to provide accredited training to Indonesian students as part of the Northern Territory Cattlemen Associations (NTCA) Indonesian 360 Program (NTI360).
Over the week the students worked with the trainers to learn about pastoral industry work health and safety, how to handle, treat, transport and care for livestock, operate two-wheel motorbikes as well as how to work effectively in entry level roles in the North Australian pastoral industry.
The training prepares the students for their six-week placement on cattle stations across the NT.
CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Katherine and Big Rivers Region Alison Haines said the program benefits all parties involved.
“Indonesia is one of our closest neighbours and the program helps foster understanding of both countries agriculture industries and their different process when it comes to the livestock industry,” Mrs Haines said.
TAFE Lecturer/Workplace Assessor Agriculture & Rural Operations Leah Turnbull said the experience was incredibly rewarding and loved working with the students.
“A lot of these students have not had the hand-on experience with cattle, horses or motorbikes but they are so eager to learn and helped each other out so everyone could succeed,” Ms Turnbull said.
“We cover a lot of skills that they will need to use once on their work placements however they are very capable and willing to put in the hard work,” she said.
“It has been a privilege to get to know these students and learn from them as well.”
Animal Science student and NTI360 participant Kanaya (Yaya) Ratu Dyandra said she was so grateful to all the lecturers who shared their firsthand knowledge with the students and is looking forward to visiting more of Australia.
“All the instructors have just been amazing, they have so much knowledge about cattle stations, and it is a great opportunity for us to learn about the industry more broadly.”