Celeste Towers is busy breaking new ground on her future plans.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Damascus College year 11 students knows her future is on the land in farming, and is working hard to ensure sure her dreams come to fruition.
This year she has juggled VCAL studies with a school-based agriculture apprenticeship involving two days a week of farm work, working toward her Certificate III in Agriculture at Fed Uni, and studying a Certificate II in Equine Studies.
“I know what I want do and want to jump straight in to it. There’s no point waiting,” she said.
“I want to be a farm manger and eventually own my own farm.”
Farming is often thought of as a male-dominated industry, a perception she’s keen to change.
“I think that’s going to change with me around hopefully. I think women are just as capable physically and mentally as men are for farming.”
Having discovered a passion for agriculture after growing up with horses and living in rental properties on farms, Celeste recently attended the Defying the Drift program, a Rotary-initiated program for teens to explore agriculture and agribusiness careers, build communication skills and develop career networks.
There were equal numbers of males and females on the three-day course, which was held at Longerenong Ag College in Horsham last month.
“It’s helped open my mind to what I want to do and helped me realise there are other options,” she said.
“I think I’ve still got the same end point in mind, but I also want to try other things like agronomy.
“I’m keen on agriculture because it keeps me busy, there’s variety and always something to do, and it’s one of those jobs that when you finish something you get a great sense of achievement.”
Celeste lives and works on a dairy and potato farm in Bungaree, and as part of her school based apprenticeship she developed a real interest in Merino sheep, beef cattle and crops.
Celeste will finish Year 11 this year and then start full time work at the farm for two years, before going to Longerenong College to study an Advanced Diploma in Agribusiness Management for two years.
She also has plans to work with horses. “I want to be a jillaroo, and hope to work in the Snowy Mountains working with brumby horses,” Celeste said.
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
