THE WA College of Agriculture – Denmark has played a crucial role in educating young people, particularly those in the South West, about agriculture and guiding them into farm industry careers.
In recognition of its 75th anniversary, the college will be hosting a reunion for former collegians, staff and their families on the campus, on October 7.
The college was formed in 1942 and was based at the Denmark Agricultural Research Station with 45 students boarding throughout the town.
Seventy five years later, the school has purpose-built facilities, onsite boarding dorms and is at capacity every year with 130 students.
Denmark Old Collegians Association chairman Don McCausland attended the school in 1953 for two years.
He wanted to be a farmer like his parents and went to the school after attending boarding school in Perth.
“They were some of the best two years of my life,” Don said.
“Because we were away from home so much, we all bonded and became mates for life.
“The modern college is magnificent – they learn a lot more and get a lot more opportunities than we did.”
Don went on to have a long and rewarding ag career, including working as a studmaster in Keysbrook, a livestock agent in Waroona and Busselton and a farmer in Dardanup.
Now retired, the 81-year-old has a small 50 hectare farm in Dardanup and he is looking forward to the milestone reunion which is held every five years.
Don said the reunions allowed old peers and colleagues to reminisce about past memories, as well as share stories of life in agriculture after school.
“The last reunion (2012) was a great success with about 350 people and this year we are hoping to get about 500,” he said.
Attendees will be given a tour of the campus and will have the opportunity to taste the college’s wine before a dinner in the evening.
They have been encouraged to take along any photographs and memorabilia.
p More information: denmarkag.wa.edu.au/ students/old-collegians
