Canowindra High School has marked a major milestone with its Farm, Market and Agribusiness Pitch Day, showcasing the talents of students, the strength of local agriculture and the launch of a new social enterprise venture.
The event combined farm tours, market stalls and student pitches, giving senior students the chance to share their enterprises while connecting directly with farmers for mentoring and exchange sessions.
Rebecca Iliffe said the day was an important celebration of both education and community.
“The day was a fantastic celebration of the talents of its students, the quality of their produce, links with agribusiness and investment and its new venture as a social enterprise,” Ms Iliffe said.
“The combined event of farm tours, market stalls and the Agribusiness Pitch Day reflected the many years of behind the scenes dedication to the importance of local agriculture and agribusiness.”
The event drew strong support from the farming community, with six farmers including Megan Milton from Edellen Flowers, Greg Hamilton of Windradyne Poll Dorsets and David Refalo from Refalo Pork spending the afternoon with students.
The hybrid session, hosted by local stock and station agent Paul Breen from KMWL, also welcomed Year 9 students from Canobalas Rural Technology High School.
National partners added further backing, with the Sally Foundation, the AMP Foundation and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) joining to support the school’s Social Enterprise Schools program.
The day also saw the official launch of Cano ACRE Angels, the social purpose arm of the students’ agribusiness enterprises, which reinvest profits back into the local community.
The arrival of new show team shirts was also celebrated, just in time for last week’s show.
“The day sought to create a Friends Register to recognise the efforts of so many and keep connected with all those keen to support the school,” Ms Iliffe said.
“Over 50% of Friends registering were new to the school and keen to continue their involvement.”
“The hope was also to raise some much-needed funding into a venture capital fund for future students to develop their agribusiness social enterprises.”
“The fund has started which is great, more to do always of course.”
The event was praised for forging deep community ties, celebrating student achievement and building momentum for future agribusiness opportunities.