A new training program for aspiring Aboriginal shearers in the Great Southern region will build on the success of a Mid-West pilot program in January this year.
Up to 10 young Aboriginal people from the Great Southern will participate in a shearing and wool-handling camp at a Wellstead farm beginning on April 20, 2020.
The camp will be run by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in conjunction with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the WA Shearing Industry Association and local businesses.
Accredited AWI trainers Kevin Gellatly, Amanda Davis and Todd Wegner will work with local shearing contractor Mick Thomas and Aboriginal mentor Barry Ugle to deliver the program.
The Great Southern event follows an Aboriginal-focused shearing camp held in the Mid West with Geraldton-based Mhunga Whalla in January, which saw all nine young participants graduate and obtain further experience in regional shearing sheds.
The camps are part of a McGowan Government effort to explore the creation of permanent Aboriginal-focused shearing hubs throughout the State.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Great Southern shearing and wool-handling camp follows the outstanding success of the inaugural Aboriginal-focused training program in the Mid-West.
“It will make another strong contribution to realising the McGowan Government’s vision of permanent Aboriginal-focused shearing training hubs in regional WA.
“This partnership with AWI will create jobs for local Aboriginal people and support future labour needs in a wool industry that is seeing a return to higher prices.
“Further shearing trials are planned in the next six months in the Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Esperance regions.”
