29 March 2022
Students and staff from The Western Australia College of Agriculture in Harvey and Cunderdin have rallied together to support a farmer affected by devastating fires.
Students and staff from both schools attended a busy bee helping to remove destroyed fences and structures to prepare for rebuilding works at Murray Williams’s farm in Quairading.
Their efforts included dismantling and rolling up several kilometres of burnt fencing to make way for volunteer organisation BlazeAid to install new fences.
Western Australia College of Agriculture Harvey principal Stephen Watt said it was a pleasure to help Mr Williams who has been a champion of agricultural education over the years.
WA College of Agriculture staff and students helped a farmer affected by fire.
“It is really important for young people to be involved in community events and discover the satisfaction gained in helping others,” he said.
“In doing so they learn that catastrophes like fires can be only just around the corner, and that it is the community that rallies to support those affected and assist in the recovery.
“Murray has given so much to agricultural education over many years and it was our pleasure to be able to help him in his time of need."
Mr Watt said he was proud of the students for taking the time to support someone in their community.
“Students can see that even seemingly little things can make a big difference to support someone in need,” he said.
Students helped remove damaged fences.
“It’s an attitude that is alive and well in country areas and I was really pleased and proud that our students so readily volunteered to help.”
Year 12 Harvey student Josh Miller said he liked the idea of being practical and doing something to help someone in need.
“I have never been to that part of the Wheatbelt so it was a new experience and an eye-opener to see how much farm land was affected by the fire,” he said.