Hundreds of Students to Descend on Dookie for Food & Fibre Careers Day 2026

Friday 29 May 2026 9:30am – 2:00pm University of Melbourne Dookie Campus

Up to 500 students from across regional Victoria will gather in the Dookie Hills later this month for Food & Fibre Careers Day 2026. A large-scale immersive event designed to showcase the future of agriculture, food production, AgTech and agribusiness.

Hosted at the historic University of Melbourne Dookie Campus, the event will welcome students travelling from across the state, including Wangaratta, Echuca, Shepparton, Mansfield and surrounding regions, for a day of hands-on learning, industry connection and future career exploration.

Set on one of Australia’s most iconic agricultural campuses, first established in 1886, the event combines the region’s rich farming history with the innovation and technology shaping the future of the food and fibre industries.

Students will rotate through seven interactive learning hubs, each offering real-world experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals, educators and emerging technologies.

Experiences include dairy and livestock production, plant science, genetics, hydroponics, vineyard innovation, AgTech machinery, drones, sustainability, climate-resilient farming and specialist agricultural careers.

The event has become regional Victoria’s leading agriculture-focused career experiences for secondary students, providing meaningful pathways into industries critical to Australia’s future economy and regional communities.

NE Tracks LLEN Chief Executive Officer Tim Oliver said the event continues to grow as young people seek greater connection to future-focused career opportunities.

“Food & Fibre Careers Day is about showing students the incredible diversity of careers available across agriculture and food production. Modern agriculture is innovative, technology-driven and full of exciting opportunities that many young people may not have previously considered,” Mr Oliver said.

“From science and sustainability to engineering, livestock and emerging technologies, students are gaining firsthand insight into industries that are shaping the future of Australia.”

The success of the event is made possible through strong collaboration between education, industry and community partners.

Gold Sponsors for the 2026 event include NVIT (GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE) and Nutrien Ag Solutions, with support from Silver Sponsors Rabo Client Councils and

Charles Sturt University, alongside Bronze Sponsors SAUSROV, Baker Seed Co., Alltech and Veg Education.

Food & Fibre Careers Day is delivered collaboratively by NE Tracks LLEN, Goulburn Murray LLEN and Campaspe Cohuna LLEN in partnership with the University of Melbourne and regional industry stakeholders that include Shearer Woolhandling Training Inc