Jo Marshall’s ambitious plan to open a centre for agricultural education dedicated to the learning development of children is being celebrated for its innovation and vision.
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The project, a three and a half year effort, by Mrs Marshall is nominated for the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Award at the 2018 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
In what Mrs Marshall describes as an agricultural game changer, she said the Australian Agricultural Centre (AAC) is a unique concept, and the agicultural industry being Australia's second largest industry should be on display. The AAC can do for agriculture, what Questacon has done for science and technology, displaying to children how cool agriculture can be.
"Jo has been a driving force behind the Australian Agriculture Centre, which will be a hub for tourism and education in Crookwell, providing employment and economic development opportunities for the town and its surrounds," said Upper Lachlan Shire Council's General Manager John Bell.
The AAC is a multipurpose hands on interactive education and tourism centre for agriculture. It will hold static and changing displays that will demonstrate different elements and areas of the agricultural industry and satisfy components of the school curriculum & STEM. It will also include a paddock to plate restaurant and tourist information and gift shop.
Mrs Marshall said receiving recognition for the AAC is an honour. "It will not only promote the idea, but hopefully be the impetus to move it to the next level," she said.
"I believe that the Australian Agricultural Centre will be a game changer not only for our Shire, and our region, but for agriculture as well," said Mrs Marshall.
"[It will] bring on the next generation of farmers that are enticed towards cool ag and the many opportunities that are offered in the agricultural industry," said Mrs Marshall.
The project which is identified as a high-value project for the Southern Tablelands regional economic development strategy 2018-2022, recently received a contribution of $20 000 from the Upper Lachlan Shire Council. The next step for Mrs Marshall is to complete a feasibility study that will provide opportunity to approach private enterprise and government for funding.
Mr Bell and Cr Paul Culhane were also appointed as on a working group and advisory committee.
"Council wishes Jo all the very best with her nomination and we hope to see her advance to the semi-finals," said Mr Bell.
Mrs Marshall’s is commended by Daryl Smith, “Jo has been working tirelessly on this Community project for 3.5 years now and has spent countless hours of her own, unpaid time on the road visiting potential partners, sourcing support and rallying the community to get behind this great initiative for Crookwell, and equally importantly, Australia,” he said.
The AAC will be located in Crookwell.
The award winners will be announced at an Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday 16 November.
