Name: Bindi 
Role Title: Extension Graduate
(Irrigation Salinity Extension Officer)
Location: Tatura (6 mths), Maffra (6 mths), Echuca/Kerang (12 mths)

Description of work undertaken:  Bindi is involved in a Graduate Program with DNRE where graduates are encouraged to undertake training to develop extension skills and gain wide understanding of their particular field (irrigation salinity in Bindi's case). Her position involves whole farm planning, community surface drainage & ground water pumping and working with groups and individual landholders.  Bindi at work in the field

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Bindi works within a salinity team and has weekly meetings with other members of the team to discuss progress and exchange ideas. Specific projects that she is involved with include an evaluation of dairy whole farm plan uptake and horticulture whole farm plan workshops.

Future? 
The work undertaken and responsibilities will change with location over the next two years. She will then find a placement for a further three years, and this could be anywhere within the state.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Glenthompson (Western Victoria) where the whole family shared interest in agriculture and conservation.

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Bachelor of Biological Science, La Trobe University. Honours in Botany, Uni. of New England.

Work experience: 
Bindi has been involved with voluntary work for Greening Australia and conducting vegetation surveys. Prior to her current position she did contract work and was a research officer on a native plant seed bank.

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
Commencing a Graduate Certificate in Rural Extensions.

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
Undertaking training courses. The graduate program has a strong emphasis on training.

Travel, etc.
Bindi has done quite a bit of  travel with movement between the three locations in Victoria during the first 2 years.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
students up to Year 10
Start thinking about where your interests lie and pursue subjects that will enable you to undertake appropriate courses.

VCE students 
Look into interstate courses as well as Victorian Universities. You may find a different range of subjects and the move can be a great experience. Agriculture and Science/Natural Resource courses address a broad range of subjects and also allow you to specialise as your interests develop.

OTHER: 
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Many stayed on to do Honours or undertook different training in addition to Biological Science, such as Nursing and Geology. Many also moved into environmental sciences.