Defying the Drift 2013
Participating in the defying the drift program a second time was a very rewarding experience. I was able to see, not only how the program had grown, but I was able to gain a better understanding of what I had learnt in my first year. I found the farm visits very beneficial for seeing various jobs and roles that can be found in agriculture, and seeing what possible jobs are out there. Being a mentor was very rewarding. Being able to share my experiences with Rotary with the participants, and also help with their public speaking was beneficial for them, and has given another edge to the program. I am also happy to announce that the program now has a Facebook page and group, which hopefully will be useful in increasing the promotion of Defying the Drift.
Katherine Bain – Participant 2010 – Mentor 2013
I was pleased to help in the capacity of Den Mother; it brought back memories of my time at RYLA in 1992.
Upon arrival I felt that the Leaders were welcoming to the participants, and that the venue was well organised. The initial team activities were great ice-breakers. The participants were ‘a good bunch’ – it was immediately obvious there was a range in confidence and interest levels, and they interacted well to encourage and support each other.
Bringing in a past-participant & guest speakers (particularly Timboon Diary owner Simon Schultz, was a good idea, as was establishing a Facebook page. I think this gave participants a wider context to the program, and something further to reflect upon. They responded well to Katherine Bain, and I think it was also of benefit to her – she seemed enthusiastic and keen to stay involved, particularly in managing the social media. It would be great to see this happen again, because if getting people to attend is an issue, I wonder if a solution would be to empower past participants in sourcing the next group. Overall, it was a great initiative and I would be happy to help out again next year.
Averill Deans – Ballarat Specialist School
Matt presented at our club’s meeting this week, and everyone was impressed with his presentation, personal drive & ambition. He obviously enjoyed the experience and gained valuable experiences and an appreciation that there is a variety of ways to approach an agricultural business. The program has inspired him to research alternative methods of running his own breeding business. He has also been stimulated to further his education in the world of agricultural business.
Our Future Generations director has asked Matt to advise us of any other students who may be interested in participating in the program next year, & will approach the local secondary schools career advisors regarding the same.
Thank you for a wonderful program that is inspiring our youth to follow their dreams of a career in agriculture and related industries.
Brendan Condon
Defying the Drift 2010
Year 9 student from Lake Goldsmith
….. I can honestly say it was a life changing experience ….. showed me that staying in a rural community is an achievable goal. The course taught me many things ….. to believe in ourselves, patience, respect for others, listening to others, gaining leadership skills and to take any opportunity which presents itself …. It has given me the courage to speak in public, take charge, show determination, believe in myself and others.
Ben Uwland, Lake Goldsmith
Year 9 student from Stockyard Hill
….. I learnt about Australia’s involvement in supplying agricultural products around the world, different jobs and opportunities in agriculture ….. enjoyed getting to know new people ….. the opportunity to discuss agriculture ….. if you have a dream stick with it and write down the goals you can achieve …. very interested in the information on creating networks and how effective they were ….. I will put everything I learnt into my hopeful agriculture career.
James Kirkpatrick, Stockyard Hill
From a parent at Charlton
….. Thank you ….. certainly opened his eyes to the many career paths that could be available to him ….. related to agriculture. He has certainly seen the down side of farming over his short lifetime, as we have worked in very challenging times, ….. he competed in the school public speaking competition after he had done his presentation to the Charlton Rotary Club. He found the school experience somewhat easier than his classmates did ….. evident in his relaxed and confident delivery. The practice in Charlton ….. was responsible for making this second experience much easier.
Heather Bourchier, Charlton
From Rotary Club of Kerang
Thank you for running this program. We found our student Sam had a great time and came home with a different attitude towards his farming future. ….. the club was very impressed with what Sam had to say as he spoke way beyond his age and he put this to the program giving him new confidence in his life .
Rob Basile, Immediate P.P., Rotary Club of Kerang
From Rotary Club of Casterton
All 5 ….. spoke …… to a special evening including Rotarians, the Principal and the Ag teacher from Casterton Secondary College ….. visiting Rotarians from Geelong ….. partners of Rotarians and members of the Board of Edgarley Aged Care facility …..(They) had no previous experience with public speaking. In fact, the Principal and the Ag teacher were “blown away” by the way they presented…… one girl openly admitted that her intention had been to “quit school” ….. (but) as a direct result of what she had heard and learned during those 2 days, that her intention was to now continue with her education …… before turning her careers options to the rural sector.
The powerful and direct statement from her really impressed everyone, and we all then realised just how powerful had been your messages.
We at Casterton Rotary Club would certainly be very keen to see the program continue.
Kaye Annett, Immediate
The Weekly Times
