Home Hill State High School opened its Agricultural Precinct on Thursday, 21 August, offering students, families, local businesses, and the general public an opportunity to explore the new facility for the first time.
The day began with a welcome and acknowledgments, followed by student-led guided tours of the greenhouse, the Dig Inn market garden, the Aqua Lab, and the kitchen.
Industry groups including Canegrowers, Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, Sunwater, and Bowen Gumlu Growers Association ran stalls, offering displays and Virtual Reality demonstrations. Visitors also joined plant identification activities, received seedlings, and sampled local produce, pickles, and tuckshop food, with a feedback wall and survey gathering ideas for future involvement.
The precinct combines horticulture, aquaponics, protected cropping, and traditional farming, preparing students with skills for agriculture, food production, and sustainability.
Construction of the facility happened over a six month period. Funding came from the Department of Education and Navarro Minerals, with support from MP Dale Last. The protected cropping structure, imported from Canada, allows controlled growing conditions, and regulates humidity, temperature, and airflow, reducing pests and disease.
Agriculture Lead Louise Nicholas explained the facility allows students to experience every stage of production. “Students can propagate, grow, harvest, and pack crops, then see their produce distributed to the community. It’s hands-on learning from start to finish," she said.
Crops such as cucumbers and lettuce were trellised to the ceiling, with the system capable of producing up to 1,500 lettuce heads at a time. Fresh produce was stored in a cold room and distributed through initiatives like Meals on Wheels, local retirement homes, and local businesses such as The Prawn Stop, which purchased and sold the school’s produce.
The initiative also plans to launch a Vocational Education Training (VET) course in Certificate II in Production Horticulture in February, partnering with Ayr High School to provide both practical and theoretical learning experiences. The program aims to inspire students to pursue agricultural careers while fostering local workforce development.
Nicholas said community backing has been vital. Local organisations and businesses provided sponsorship, guidance, and intellectual contributions, while the school hopes more will join in as the program grows. “The community has been incredible. Their support allows students to connect with industry and see real outcomes for their work,” she said.
The Open Day highlighted the new precinct and showed its impact on students and the wider community.
Home Hill State High School opened its Agricultural Precinct on Thursday, 21 August, offering students, families, local businesses, and the general public an opportunity to explore the new facility for the first time. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
