Western Australian College of Agriculture

- Morawa  

The Western Australian College of Agriculture - Morawa is situated 360 kilometres north of Perth, adjoining the Morawa townsite. The property is 3,242ha and primarily a broad acre cropping farm with enterprises in Gelbvieh Cattle Stud, Merino and Crossbred Sheep and a Piggery.

The College offers a hands on approach to education using traditional classroom teaching combined with learning through Farm Skills, Automotive and Engineering Workshops

and Plant and Animal Science based subjects. Classroom subjects are delivered using practical and agriculture bias.  

Students spend one day per week working on the farm ensuring exposure to all facets of farm operation. Half a day is spent in both Automotive and Engineering workshops, and the rest of the week in the classroom.  The course, although agriculture based, is a spring board for many career opportunities, placing students in a perfect position to enter the work force, apply for apprenticeships/traineeships or further study at universities or TAFE.  

The College works closely with Agriculture WA to develop and trial new and improved farming methods and technologies.

The modern residential hostel houses up to 84 male and female students. The design varies between individual rooms with a shared bathroom or twin share room with a private ensuite. Dormitories are airconditioned and have a common room with kitchen and television.  Dedicated hostel staff frequently organise weekend activities including camps, picnics, AFL football games, concerts and day trips.

Students boarding at the hostel are welcomed into community activities. Regular socials and school balls allow College students to enjoy the company of the other students from the District High School.  

Spring and Autumn carnivals are held between the other residential Agriculture Colleges. Morawa township compete in the North Midlands winter sport competition this includes; football, hockey and netball. The students are able to play winter sport for Morawa, the hostel staff organise transport to and from the games. Any students are allowed to travel to watch the sport for the day. Sport is played in the surrounding Mid West Wheatbelt towns of Mingenew, Three Springs, Carnamah, Perenjori, Coorow and the coastal town of Dongara.

Residential management policy is designed to create a balance between supervision, freedom and responsibilty.

                                                                  2011 Karara Scholarship Winners

                       L - R    Hamish Brown, Rowan Smith, Michael Muhs, Keanu Westropp

with Principal Craig Chadwick