INDONESIAN students may be placed on North Queensland cattle properties to learn vital animal husbandry skills while undertaking an Australian Government sponsored training program.
The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA) has confirmed the NTCA Indonesia Australia Pastoral Program (NIAPP) will recommence in 2018, with project manager Kylie Gracey travelling to Indonesia to recruit potential students next week.
Indonesian university students studying animal science and husbandry are eligible for the program, which is designed to foster greater learning and understanding between Australia and Indonesia.
Students spend 10 weeks in Northern Australia, first undertaking an intensive two-week training block to learn skills needed to operate in the cattle supply chain, before they undertake six weeks work experience on cattle stations in Northern Australia.
Ms Gracey said while participants were predominately placed on properties in the Northern Territory, there are plans to expand the program to include Queensland and Western Australia.
She said competition for places in the program was strong, and the program had delivered amazing results in bringing the supply chain from paddock in Australia to plate in Indonesia closer together.
Rohan Sullivan, from Cave Creek Station near Mataranka has been a strong supporter of NIAPP, hosting a number of students over the life of the program.
“I see tremendous opportunity to create strong relationships through the entire supply chain, with improved animal welfare outcomes a key driver in supporting the program” Mr Sullivan said.
This year, the students will complete their intensive training in Alice Springs at the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association new training facility at the Bohning Sale and spelling yards.
“This will give the Indonesian Students a unique opportunity to experience cattle transportation and handling in an Australian context”, NTCA CEO, Paul Burke, said.
Ms Gracey will spend the next few weeks in Indonesia interviewing students, and meeting key educators and government officials.
“Indonesia is a very important trading partner and it is critical that we foster strong relationships with our customers in Indonesia,” Ms Gracey said.
“The NIAPP program allows the Northern Territory cattle industry a unique opportunity to do this.”
