Peter Sommerville is well known to all of those involved in delivering the education projects funded by the Australian Wool Education Trust (AWET). He has been both a Trustee and the Secretary of AWET since 2006. Over those 18 years, he has contributed significantly to “hub and spoke” undergraduate education initiated by AWET through universities active in Agriculture, particularly sheep and wool. In more recent times, Peter has played a pivotal role in AWET expanding its scope by actively engaging with fashion and design schools to encourage their students to experience wool and embrace it as a premier natural fibre. Peter has also been the face of AWET to other education initiatives in sectors such as VET and schools.
The time has come for Peter to step down as Secretary, but AWET is fortunate that he will continue as a Trustee enabling it to draw on his considerable experience and knowledge of the range of programs that the Trust funds.
I am pleased to advise that Dr Kerry Hansford has taken up the role of AWET Secretary. Kerry is well known to the wool industry having recently retired from AWEX after earlier roles with CSIRO, AWH and managing important joint industry projects. Increasingly, you will hear from Kerry with regard to AWET activities.
Please join me and other Trustees in thanking Peter for his contribution thus far to education in the wool industry and also join us in welcoming Kerry to AWET.
Kerry can be reached at kerry.hansford@woolwise.com if you have projects that you would like to discuss.
Yours sincerely
Michael Jackson
CHAIR
AUSTRALIAN WOOL EDUCATION TRUST
Applications
Applications for 2023 scholarships close on Friday 24th November 2023.
Applicants must download the following 3 documents:
Scholarship Application Instructions
Applications for these scholarships must be made directly to the Trust and must be supported by an academic referee from the University at which the student is enrolled or intends to enrol.
Background
The Trust supports up to 15 Undergraduate Project and Masters by Coursework Scholarships each year These are usually awarded to students undertaking an Honours year, but also to students enrolled in 4 year courses which do not include a specific Honours Degree but which require the student to complete a research project and write a thesis.
The scholarships have been in effect since 2007. The total value is $7000.
Students planning appropriate Masters by Coursework studies can also apply for these scholarships.
Criteria
The research project must be relevant to sheep and/or wool. This relevance is the most significant criterion considered by the selection panel in assessing applications.
The funds, unless otherwise specified, are split equally between the student and the University. The University’s component is to cover costs arising from the project. However, the University and the student may negotiate how these funds will be split and, consequently the split of the funds must be specified in the application.
The students are obligated to provide the Trust with an abstract or summary report of their Thesis for publication on Woolwise. Alternatively they can provide their Thesis or a copy of a journal paper produced from the material in the Thesis.
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Wool4School is an annual student design competition encouraging emerging fashion designers to promote the unparalleled properties and benefits of wool.
The competition is open to most secondary school students in Australia, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and Italy.
AWET provides some funding to assist in delivering this program, which is organised by AWI
Discover Woolmark’s first course tailor-made for Australian woolgrowers – Price Risk Management – on The Woolmark Learning Centre. Learn about the sale of wool with expert-led content created in partnership with industry experts, Southern Aurora Price Risk Management.
This course will take you on a deep dive into risk, risk management products, strategies, and hedging principles. By the end of the course, you will have a greater understanding of price risk management and how its applied to the sale of your wool and will have explored examples of Australian agricultural innovation.
Dr Jane Littlejohn has been nominated by Australian Wool Innovation Ltd to replace Professor Andrew Vizard.
Jane’s qualifications include BVSc, MVPHMgt, Grad Dip An Sci (Animal Breeding Mgt), GAICD.
From 2008 t0 2013 Jane worked for AWI as Project Manager Animal Health and Welfare followed by Head of On-farm RDE.
From 2014 to 2015 Jane served on the Mid-north Coast Strategic Advisory Committee for Primary industries, providing advice to CSU to enhance its role in servicing the educational needs of primary industry.
From 2015-2017 she was Implementation Manager for the National Wild Dog Action Plan.
Jane was re-employed by AWI in the position of General Manager – Research, in July 2017.
Jane is eminently qualified for her new role as AWET Trustee.
Professor Andrew Vizard is a well known and widely respected academic at Melbourne University’s Division of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences and has published numerous scholarly works. He was appointed by AWI as a trustee in 2003 and has served with distinction in that role, providing valuable insights to the Trust’s policies and programs. His resignation took effect from the 31st December 2022.
Augmented reality is an evolving technology increasingly being applied in education programs. This is one example. Melbourne University is also creating “Virtual Farms” as a means to educate students in Agriculture Degrees.
AWI’s eNewsletter for wool growers for November 2022 is now available. It includes:
- Market Intelligence
- Report on AGM 2022
- Flood Resources information
- Management tools
- Purchase of Geelong Textile Group by Australian Textile Investments
- Effective residue management
- Domestic Processing: Dream of Reality
The December 2022 issue of Beyond the Bale is now available.
Beyond the Bale provides you with the latest information about AWI’s R&D and marketing initiatives to enhance the profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wool industry.
The Christmas season is upon us and the Woolmark Company’s reminder is ageless