Wine Australia recently led an innovative program across South Australia's Riverland region aimed at connecting students with the local viticulture and wine sector in a meaningful and hands-on way.
Delivered in partnership with CQUniversity Australia (CQU), the initiative brought together schools, educators and industry leaders to showcase the diversity of career paths available across the sector.
More than 230 students from five schools — Renmark High School, Berri Regional Secondary College, Loxton Lutheran School, Loxton High School, and Waikerie High School — participated in the program which was fully funded by Wine Australia and involved visits to local wineries. The initiative reached students from Year 5 through to Year 12, introducing them to real-world experiences and behind-the-scenes insights from across the region.
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| Berri Regional Secondary College |
Dr Jaime Manning, researcher and educator from CQU, who coordinated and delivered the program, reflected on the week’s success: “We were tasked with challenging traditional career stereotypes and opening students’ eyes to the diverse and exciting opportunities across the region.”
She said the visits to wineries and vineyards were especially impactful for schools with limited or no agricultural programs or existing industry connections, with teachers leaving the sessions energised and eager to develop ongoing collaborations.
The student tours included Mallee Estate, Kingston Estate Wines, Vinarchy Wines, The Wine Group, PIRSA’s Loxton Research Farm and Oxford Landing. Students’ experienced first-hand the range of roles and technologies across the businesses —from regenerative viticulture to cellar operations.
One particularly memorable visit was to Oxford Landing in Waikerie, where students and teachers were impressed by the site’s automation technologies and nursery operations. Waikerie High School teacher Paul was especially inspired: “It was a vineyard we hadn’t engaged with before. I left buzzing with ideas for our viticulture unit, and we’re excited to explore future collaboration. A few students wanted to stay and do tractor work and not return to school!”
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| Waikerie High School |
The passion and generosity of the local hosts were evident throughout the program. At Kingston Estate Wines, Renmark High students explored both winery and vineyard operations.
“It was a privilege to share our stories and knowledge with this emerging workforce,” said Shelley Ray-Brennan, Grower Relations/Technical Advisor at Kingston Estate. “The diversity of opportunities in the wine industry for local Riverland students is boundless — we look forward to seeing them back again as our next apprentice electrician, winemaker or laboratory technician.”
The program not only benefited students but also strengthened ties between schools and industry. Many teachers commented on the value of having direct exposure to local career opportunities, particularly in communities where such experiences are rare.
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| Loxton Lutheran School |
While it might seem unexpected to involve a Queensland-based university in a South Australian warm inland initiative, the collaboration between Wine Australia and CQU has proven highly effective.
“A few years ago, Wine Australia was fortunate to be included as an industry partner in a government grant awarded to CQU,” explained Jo Hargreaves, Senior Program Manager at Wine Australia. “Their ‘Excited 4 Careers in Agriculture’ program is evidence-based, engaging and has already delivered exceptional outcomes in regions like the Barossa and Clare.
“The CQU team are a trusted driving force in undertaking research projects and delivering outcomes that generate positive change in the agricultural and education sectors,” she added.
Jo thanked the team at CQU, the many supporting organisations, including the Riverland Wine Centre and Riverland Wine, and the enthusiastic teachers who made this initiative possible.
“Their collaboration ensured a seamless and impactful delivery across the week.
“By connecting students with real-world industry leaders and showcasing the breadth of roles within the sector, Wine Australia is helping shape a skilled and inspired local workforce for the future. The Riverland program is a testament to what’s possible when education and industry come together with a shared vision,” she said.