WA College of Agriculture - Harvey to welcome public for first time in two years for open day

A Harvey school is set to roll out the proverbial red carpet this weekend as it invites the community to explore its facilities.

The WA College of Agriculture — Harvey will host an open day on Saturday, May 27, the first time it has been held in two years.

Principal Stephen Watt is excited to welcome the community back to visit the school, which this year marks its 70th anniversary.

“I look forward to a whole crowd of people who are fascinated and enthusiastic about what we do and I look forward to our students and our staff being really proud of what we have to offer,” he said.

“It’s just lovely to see everyone come together to put this on — we’re all part of this Ag College family and we’re all proud of what we have here and proud of our students.”

There is set to be plenty on offer, from sheep shearing to metalwork showcases and class tours to those of the onsite residency.

Agricultural industry representatives will also be present at the open day.

For Mr Watt, he thinks a whole-farm tour should be on the to-do list for open day visitors.

“It’s always nice to go on the bus tours around the farm so they can see the extent of our property and see what students do when they go out on the farm, particularly the sheep areas and the beef areas,” he said.

“What we try to do is have so much happening that people can’t see it all at once, so they always go away saying ‘I didn’t get to see that thing’, so it’s nice if that’s the case.”

It is hoped a number of interested groups will attend, including families of current students, prospective students and their families, along with those who have previously been involved with the school over its seven-decade history.

“It’s always lovely seeing old students come back because we can say ‘what have you been up to?’ and they bring their own kids along and they say ‘you know, when they are a bit older, I’m going to enrol them in the college as well, so we have this enduring connection to families which I think is lovely,” Mr Watt said.

With COVID restrictions now over, those who want to attend will not need to register for tickets to come to the event.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase with cash only.

The open day will take place on Saturday, May 27 between 10am and 2.30pm.

For more information visit harveyag.wa.edu.au.