WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE Denmark
“Inlet Views News”
December 2014, Issue 8
On Friday 14th November, 2014 we celebrated the accomplishments of our students and said farewell to our graduating body. Graduates from the College leave us with a wide variety of qualities, skills and experience, that we trust will
carry with them throughout their lives. Go with confidence Class of 2014.
Pictured Back Row (L-R) Kris Segreto, Phillip Onions, Scott Hearn, Levi Collinson, Jesse Jones, Charis Syme, Max Bradfield, Lewis Newton,
Chris Scott, Anthony Snell, James Bidstrup. Front Row (L-R) Mathew Brockhurst, Giovanni Gianatti, Michael Bocian, Hannah Collins, Madison
Meares, Jayme Sheridan, Roxanne Mostert, Kelly Perrin, Liam Connor, Able Watson, Steven Piacun.
“After three years our high school story finally ends. But years from now, no matter where we have travelled we will all
look back and think about our friends.” (Anon). So much so, the College invites all graduates to join the “Old Collegians
Association”. Founded in the early days of the College, the Old Collegians Association was formed to foster a strong
fellowship between graduates and the College and to provide networking opportunities for its members.
The main objectives of the Association is to keep alive College friendships and to provide social gatherings amongst Old
Collegians. The Association also promotes the welfare of agricultural colleges in WA and promotes advancement of
students leaving the College through sponsorship and mentoring.
Staying in touch via the Old Collegians Association has many benefits. It gives you an opportunity to catch up with old
friends and network with collegians from other year groups. Stay connected and join now.
www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au/oldcollegians/MembershipForm.pdf
Contents:
Principal’s Report
2
Farm Supervisor’s Report
Deputy Principal’s Report
3
Head of Department—Studies Report
10
Residential Manager’s Report
4
Extra Curricular Activities
11
Calendar and Contacts. Return dates 2015
12
Graduation
Business Manager’s Report
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8
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Principal’s report
[email protected]
Enrolment Days for our new intake of students is on
the 11th and 12th December and we look forward to
meeting with them. I’m sure they are excited and
ready to make their mark at the College. Enrolments
for next year are very strong with numbers around the
130 mark, a new record for us. Applications for enrolment in 2016 have already been taken indicating the
strength of and interest in the program on offer here at
Denmark.
Graduation was held a couple of weeks ago now; it almost seems a distant memory as we race towards the
end of the year. Always a very positive day Graduation
went smoothly with the focus on our 25 graduates and
their achievements. Parents will be aware that numbers
of students graduating across the state are well down on
previous years as the “half cohort” of students that has
been working through our system finally reached Year
12. This was our smallest cohort for some time.
Around the farm students have been busy with hay
and silage production in what has turned out to be a
difficult season with regular rain events disrupting the
process but providing an ideal start for our summer
crops.
Complete details of award and prize winners will be listed
in this newsletter and congratulations to them all. I would
like to congratulate a few in particular. Roxanne Mostert
was Dux of the College this year adding to the list of her
many achievements in her time at the College. As a College captain, outstanding student and genuinely nice person Roxy has left no stone unturned in her time at the
College and been a wonderful ambassador for us and
herself. Roxy is intending studying at UWA in 2015 and I
know she will do well.
Shearing has also been completed with all Year 10’s
and 11’s having a go at shearing with several showing
great skills. Well done to all for having a go.
And finally as I reflect back on the year that was 2014
we have had many highlights and some outstanding
achievements along the way and a few low points but
too few to dwell on. I would like to take the opportunity of wishing all parents and students a very merry
and safe Christmas and New Year and look forward to
meeting up with you again next year.
James (Jimmy) Bidstrup was our runner-up to the Dux.
Coming to the College this year from Lockridge Senior
High School, Jimmy has been a fantastic student and
terrific addition to our College. He is motivated and was
also involved in every aspect of the College curriculum
and residential program. He achieved in 12 months almost as much as students that had attended for 2 or 3
years indicating his commitment and desire to achieve
his goals. Jimmy is destined for UWA as well and I am
confident he will do well also.
- KEVIN BEAL
Finally Phillip Onions was our top VET student. Phillip
was also a College Captain and is a terrific young man
and has been a great asset to the College. His skills and
application in the autos and metals areas and his terrific
attitude made him a standout for this award but he was a
wonderful addition to residence as well. Phillip is looking
for an apprenticeship next year and again I’m confident
he will do well in his chosen field.
RAS YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
Our guest speaker on the day was Esther Price. Esther
originally from a wheat and sheep farm is a “country girl”
at heart, is currently Executive Officer of Western Dairy
and has run her own promotional company. Esther drew
an analogy with life and the paths students are now
heading down and a gravel road. It was an outstanding
speech and we thank Esther for taking the time to come
and talk to our graduates.
The Bendat Family Foundation/RAS Youth
Scholarship provides financial assistance to a
worthy student commencing undergraduate
tertiary study in an agricultural related discipline.
The inaugural scholarship in 2013 was won by
Jessica Perrin a WACoA—Denmark graduate.
I would like to take the opportunity of wishing all graduates every success, they have had some amazing times
and experiences in their time at the College and I know
they will do well. They join a very elite group of people as
graduates of Denmark Agricultural College, they have
made many friends in their journey and I would encourage them to stay in touch with not only each other but the
College as well. We will follow their progress with pride.
This is a 3 year scholarship and the terms and
conditions for the 2015 application round are
available on the RAS website:
http://www.raswa.org.au/Community/
YouthScholarship.aspx
I would encourage all graduates to join the Old Collegian’s Association (See link front page).
With graduation behind us the focus is on finishing off the
Year with our Year 11’s and Year 10’s and reporting on
their progress.
2
Deputy Principal’s report
[email protected]
2015 YEAR 12 STUDENT PREFECTS
Congratulations to Georgia Henderson, Michaela Hendry, Morgan Warren, Todd Banks, Samuel le Breton and
Dylan McKay who were recently elected as our Year 12 Student Prefects for 2015. Students and staff vote on the
make up of this important leadership group and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Our new College Prefects 2015
Pictured here with Roxanne Mostert
College Dux (on stage) as the outcome of the nominations were
announced at Graduation.
Left to Right:
Sam le Breton
Morgan Warren
Michaela Hendry
Dylan McKay
Georgia Henderson
Todd Banks
FINAL DAY FOR YEAR 10’S
The learning program at the College will finish at 4pm on Friday December 5 for our Year 10’s. They will then spend
the final two weeks of the school year on school-authorised work experience placements.
SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Semester Two Reports will be posted out to parents in the last week of term. These reports will provide details on
students’ 2014 course and VET achievements.
2014 PARENT SURVEY
After a slow start we have now had over fifty parents who’ve provided feedback to us through the online parent
survey. The survey was scheduled to close on Friday 5 December but we have decided to leave it open for another
week to try and boost the response number even higher.
A couple of parents who’ve completed the survey have requested an opportunity to provide some written comments
in future, as they found the current survey items a little too limited and generic. We’ll make that adjustment in next
year’s survey.
This year’s online parent survey can be completed by accessing the following link:
http://www.schoolsurvey.edu.au/s/3AstQKuh
START OF 2015 SCHOOL YEAR:
 All new Year 10, 11 and 12 students required to be at College by 12 noon on Friday January 30 2015.
 Previously enrolled Residential students return after 3pm on Tuesday 3 February 2015.
 Previously enrolled Day students return to College at 8.00 am Wednesday 4 February 2014 for the start of the
normal timetable.
- KEVIN OSBORNE
3
Residential Manager’s report
[email protected] u
Extra curricular activities played an important part of the
RAISING AWARENESS
school curriculum this year and Term 4 was no exception and was extremely busy in this area.
Several students participated in the National Colour
Run and National Bandana Day. Both of these events
raise awareness and funds for charities to help people
dealing with health and social issues. It is wonderful to
see our young students aspiring to help others less
fortunate than themselves.
AFTER SCHOOL SURFING
The popular sport and after school surfing programme
will run again in 2015, with the added opportunity to attend surf camps conducted by Mike Neunebel, enabling
students to achieve a Cert I & II in Surfing. The Surf &
Body Board and Iron Man competitions will be reintroduced in 2015, both being great beach days at Ocean
Beach and Greens Pool.
From L-R: Students Meagan Zweck, Bonni Adams and Chelsea
Burke with Resi Staff Dane Carter & Peter Worthington as they
pose for the official Colour Run photo.
Jaxon Hailey and Josh Kippin (front) waiting for a wave with
classmates. Students learn important skills such as ocean
awareness as well as the skills of surfing.
RECREATIONAL SKIPPERS TICKET (RST)
A total of 26 students completed the RST this year and
allows students to be active participants in planned
boating excursions in 2015. For students to attain this
qualification they need to achieve the Greens Pool
annual swim survival training and assessment. This
then allows them to take part in other activities such as
scuba, kayaking, yachting and boating excursions. For
students with their RST we ask that you observe the
rules during these summer holidays.
Above: Raising money for Canteen and wearing their
bandanas on National Bandana Day are L-R:
Georgia Henderson, Alyssa Bruce, Robyn Adams, Jai
Marsden, Sam le Breton, Bonni Adams, Maddi Meares, Hamish Fraser, Roxy Mostert, Liza Dowinton, Sasha McWilliams
and Lucy Dunholm. Well done team.
SCUBA
Six students participated in the Open Water Scuba
Diving programme, achieving their open water assessment in a programme run by Gary Westerberg of South
Coast Diving. This is a challenging programme in what
can sometimes be difficult conditions. Students are to
be commended for their achievements, the way they
bonded as a group and supported each other. It is
planned to run the programme again early in Term 1.
Please contact Mr. Levinson on 0429 094 884 for further
information.
Thank you to all of our residential staff who help organise and assist at many of these events.
For more on what the students have been doing off-site
see page 11 of this newsletter for a complete round-up
of extra-curricular activities.
- KELLI GILLIES
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College Dux, Roxanne Mostert, receives the Dux Award from David Egerton-Warburton, Managing Director, AgriMaster. Roxy also
won the Farmwest Award for Cattle Husbandry, Certificates of Excellence for Stage 3 Maths, Plant Production Systems and Animal
Production Systems, the MLA Terry Redman Award and the Slater Gartrell Sports Award (Female).
2
Josh Kippin is presented with the Australian Defence Forces Long Tan “Teamwork” Scholarship by Phillip Marshall, Albany Regional
Commercial Horticulturists Association for the ADF.
3
Philip Onions won the VET Award and was Highest Achiever, Automotive Mechanical; and Trades, Farm Practice—Sheep, and Metals
& Engineering. Pictured with Alysia Keppert, Snr. Curriculum Officer, DET.
4
Danielle Trappitt won the Stud Merino Breeders Association Scholarship, pictured with Paul Norrish Committee member.
5
Patrick Swallow (Yr 10) was awarded the Shire of Denmark Scholarship, presented by Shire CEO, Dale Stewart.
6.
Guest speaker Esther Price, Executive Officer, Western Dairy, gave an inspiring and relevant address to the students.
7.
Anthony Snell was Highest Achiever, Farm Practice Viticulture; pictured with Alysia Keppert, Snr.Curriculum Officer, DET)
8.
Dylan Birss won the “Old Collegians” George Elliot Memorial Scholarship and is pictured with Phillip Marshall.
9.
James Bidstrup won Runner up Dux, the Edith Cowan University Personal Excellence Award and Certificate of Excellence in Stage 3
Mathematics, pictured with Patrick Hunt from DeLaval.
10.
Jai Marsden was awarded the Albany Regional Commercial Horticulturists Scholarship, pictured here with Phillip Marshall.
11.
Alysia Keppert presents Jarvis Dekker with Certificates of Excellence Auto Mechanics and Stage 2 Mathematics.
12.
Rachel O’Dell with Liz Jack, Business Manager, Denmark Chamber of Commerce as she receives the DCC Business Prize.
13.
Kelly Perrin was the recipient of Certificates of Excellence in Stage 2 Animal Production Systems, Plant Production Systems and Stage
2 English in addition to the Yr 12 Farmsafe Achievement Award. Pictured with Matthew Mancini from CBH.
14.
The Royal Agricultural Society Scholarship was won by Rachel Lamont and is pictured with Dr. Rainbird of the RAS.
15.
Auschem’s Handling Chemical Safely and Most Improved Student was awarded to Michael Bocian.
16.
Steven Piacun receives a Certificate of Excellence Farm Practice—Horticulture from Alysia Keppert.
17.
Lewis Newton received Certificate of Excellence Equine from Matthew Mancini from CBH along with the Haddon Family Citizenship
Award.
18.
The Elders Farm Practice Award was won by Mathew Brockhurst. Mathew also won the Slater Gartrell Sports Award (Male).
19.
Kris Segreto receives a Certificate of Excellence General Farm Practice from Alysia Keppert.
20.
The Neville Munns Scholarship funded by the WA Shearing Industry Association was won by Todd Banks and is pictured here with
Phillip Marshall.
21.
Alysia Keppert presents Max Bradfield with a Certificate of Excellence Farm Practice—Beef Cattle.
22.
Johanna Richmund receives the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee CALM Prize from Alysia Keppert.
Visit www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au/Photo Gallery
WA NT T O KN OW M OR E A B OUT W HAT’ S HA P PE NIN G ?
Follow us for regular updates about events happening at the College. You will see pictures of this
year’s events such as the Graduation Ceremony, Blackwood Marathon , Open Day, work on farm
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Scholarship and
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Award Winners 2014
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7
Business Manager’s Report
CHANGES TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TAX FILE NUMBER PROGRAM IN 2015
The Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN) Program will not continue beyond 31 December 2014. This means
that School TFN forms will no longer be processed beyond this date.
HOW STUDENTS CAN
APPLY FOR A TFN FROM 1 JANUARY 2015
The Australian Taxation Office in partnership with Australia Post is making it easier for individuals to apply for a
TFN.
Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.
Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on applying
online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC27248'
Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post office will need to complete the application form Tax
file number - application or enquiry for individuals form (NAT 1432). More information about lodging this form can
be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC22604'
The ATO will continue working with teachers to educate students about tax and superannuation. The curriculum
resource Tax, Super & You is a free, easy to use, online educational resource aligned to the school curriculum of
each state and territory. This resource can be accessed at taxsuperandyou.gov.au
In the coming weeks we will provide more information by email on how students can apply for a TFN and the
educational services we can provide. In the meantime if you require any further information you can phone
1300 130 282 between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
- CRAIG ARMSTRONG
College staff wish all
students, families and
associates a happy and
safe holiday season.
8
Farm Manager’s Report
fred.knight @education.wa.edu.au
As this is the last newsletter for the year I would like to
take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. This term has really
flown and has been extremely busy with students completing a TAFE induction to basic shearing techniques,
helping with hay and silage production, harvesting vegetables and shearing our sheep flock.
Rain has also hampered our fodder production program;
not large falls, but just enough to drag it out and help
turn very good hay into average hay. However, we finished on Wednesday November 26 and are now busily
cleaning equipment to prepare it for routine maintenance and placing back into the shed.
Students were very productive during hay and silage
season operating vehicles, tractor and various types of
machinery. Because of rain we have prepared 10ha of
summer fodder crop which is looking very good at the
moment.
Shearing has taken up a large part of the term with all
students being involved learning shearing techniques,
wool handling and after care procedures for shorn animals. We will also go through our flocks recording any
that need culling, selecting weaners and replacements
and selling off unwanted sheep. We purchased 75 F1
Border Leicester x Merino ewes as replacement breeders and these will bring our prime lamb flock numbers
up to 250.
Above: (Top) Sasha McWilliams winner of one of the Year 10
Farmsafe awards receives her prize. Followed by: Tyla Smith is
congratulated in winning the Year 11 Farmsafe Award.
ALPACA SHEARING EXCURSION
A group of Year 10 students assisted with Alpaca
shearing at the Denmark property of Peta and Stewart
Irving. Tooth clipping and grinding, inoculating, toe
clipping and shearing 32 alpacas in an afternoon. Students are to be commended for their skills, work ethic ,
politeness and general behaviour. This was an excellent learning opportunity for students and good PR
exercise for the College.
The beef cattle have either been weaned or about to be
weaned and we have selected some stud bulls and heifers to prepare for Wagin Woolorama along with a
couple of steers for the carcass classes. During the holidays we will also be looking at steers and heifers for
next year’s Royal Show.
The College is also preparing three bulls for the
Supreme Bull Sale in Albany in January 2015 so if you
are looking for a good Simmental Bull, now is the time
to buy one of ours.
Students also extended the height of the horse stable
yards with Mr Jones and they are looking very smart.
We will also do a little more work on this area to tidy it
up prior to the end of term.
On Friday 29th November the Year 10 and Year 11
Farmsafe WA Awards were presented to students who
excelled in this area of study and demonstrated best
practice. The Farmsafe WA Alliance was formed in
2013 to create a network to effectively improve the
health and safety of the agricultural community.
Sasha McWilliams won the Year 10 Farmsafe Prize
awarded by C&C Machinery and Tyla Smith was the
winner of the Year 11 Farmsafe Prize awarded by WFI,
both members of the Farmsafe alliance. Congratulations
Sash and Tyla.
Above: L-R Year 10 student Jack Keast prepares to pick up
Alpaca fleece while Robyn Adams and Ashley Baxter observe
the proceedings , during shearing of Alpacas at the Irving
property.
- FRED KNIGHT
9
Head of Department, Studies report
[email protected]
As mentioned by Kevin Beal earlier in this newsletter,
REWARDS FOR VET & GOOD CITIZENSHIP
Graduation for year 12 students was an outstanding
success and I’m sure a memorable occasion for all
students, parents and College staff.
On Friday 29th November three students received high
commendation during an award ceremony for Year 10
and Year 11 students held in the College dining room.
To all graduate students, congratulations and well done.
It has been a great pleasure working with you over the
past two years.
To Todd Banks (Pictured at top) who was the recipient of the Great Southern Institute of Technology VET
Award, for a Year 11 student demonstrating strong
vocational endeavours in their area of study.
Congratulations also to all prize and scholarship
winners; you are all very worthy recipients of the
awards.
To Steven Brookes (Centre) who won the Edith
Cowan University Citizenship Award, awarded to a
Year 11 student demonstrating outstanding citizenship
qualities.
YEAR 12 EXAMS
College students completed external WACE examinations in Animal Production Systems, Plant Production
Systems, Mathematics and English early in November. It
is the record year College students have had the opportunity of achieving a tertiary entrance score by studying
Stage 3 courses. The students involved and their teachers spent a great deal of time revising and preparing for
these exams over recent weeks. Best wishes to the students involved and thank you to our ATAR teachers for
your dedication and hard work over the past 12 months.
And to Ethan Riemer (Bottom) who was the recipient
of the Great Southern Institute of Technology VET
Award, for a Year 10 student demonstrating strong
vocational endeavours in their area of study.
AQUACULTURE
Year 11 students had the opportunity of completing an
Aquaculture Course during Term 4. Great Southern Institute of Technology provided training in Occupational
Health and Safety, Feeding Strategies, Livestock Handling and Behaviour and Water Quality & Filtration Systems.
All students involved said they enjoyed the course with
the majority being awarded a Certificate I in Seafood
Industry. We are hoping to extend this programme by
offering a Certificate II to Year 11 students next year.
COMPUTER NETWORK
As most of the College community is aware, the WA
College of Agriculture-Denmark will have its highest student enrolment in 2015. As a result the computer network will come under increased pressure. It is highly
recommended that all College students have access to
their own personal computer next year. Students using a
computer at the school will be able to use the College
network to access the internet via the Department of
Education filtered proxy server.
Desktop computers and laptops are useable in residential rooms and will be connected with a cable that must
be supplied by the students. CAT5e and CAT6 cables 2
or 3 metres in length are suitable. We also suggest
using a mouse with laptops if students are using them
for long periods of time. All operating systems are able
to connect to the wired network system. The College is
currently using Windows 7 machines in classrooms, with
Office 2010 software.
- STEVE SWALLOW
10
Extra Curricular Activities
WATER SPORTS
with more invitations to perform and a music video opportunity on the horizon. It is great to have so many
talented musicians working together and to have Mark
Gretton as their teacher.
Something new —Year 10 and 11 students participated
in dragon boating as part of their sports programme.
The Denmark Dragon Boat Club kindly ran the sessions
on the Denmark River with very positive participation by
students.
A Certificate II in Performance & Recording will be introduced in 2015 through Tony King at GSIT, supported
by Mark Gretton.
With 20 to a boat, plus sweep and drummer, this is a
great team sport. The College paddlers are keen to
challenge the high school and have been offered the
opportunity to compete at the State Titles in Mandurah
in 2015.
- NIGEL LEVINSON, Facilitator
Deputy Principal, Kevin Osborne at the Helm with Kevin Mead
and Shoneeka Gilchrist seated immediately behind as they
strike out for Dragon Boat training on the Denmark River.
Yachting will be re-introduced in 2015 with students
able to become junior members of the Denmark Yacht
Club. The Club sails predominantly Windrush and Hobie
catamarans with club members providing the training,
Students can crew and progress to skippering (or just
come along in the fully equipped rescue boat). The Club
has boats available and we sail on the Denmark and
Walpole inlets.
Above: The student sculpture spanning the wetlands adjacent
to the College. It proved somewhat challenging to get it into
place, but students persevered and were well rewarded.
ART AND MUSIC
Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety
of art forms, be it painting, potting, ceramics and sculpture, or contemporary dance, capoeira (martial arts
mixed with dance influence) or acting in a Denmark Arts
theatre production. All under the guidance of professional instructors.
Year 10 and Year 11 students participated in a “wheel
sculpture” project on the wetlands adjacent to the College as part of the “Brave New Works” festival. There
has been much favoured comment about their work,
particularly the “Serpent Sculpture” which proved
challenging to mount in the swamp. The art works will
eventually return to the College for display.
2014 has been an outstanding year for the College music group, culminating in public performances in the
Spirit of Peace and Brave New Works festivals, WACoA
College Open Day, Kojonup Show and a private party;
Above: Rising stars (from left to right) Kael Carnachan,
Danielle Perkins, Wil Watson, Josh Kippin and Sam le Breton
perform at the Kojonup Agricultural Show.
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WK
Term Calendar : Week 9 & 10 Term 4
9
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
8 DEC
9
10
11
12
13
14
ENROLMENT
DAY—New Students
ENROLMENT
DAY—New Students
18
19
20
21
Last Day Work
Experience
School
Yr10 Work
Experience
Begins (8-18
December)
WACoA RTO/CoS Workshop
REPORTS DUE
Newsletter Out
1 0 15
16
17
Teacher’s
Meeting
Development Day
Term 4 Holidays Commence
2015 




Admin Staff return Tuesday 27 January 2015
Teaching Staff return Thursday 29 January 2015
All new Year 10, 11 and 12 students required to be at College by 12 noon on Friday 30 January 2015
Previously enrolled Residential students return after 3pm on Tuesday 3 February 2015
Previously enrolled Day students return to College at 8.00 am Wednesday 4 February 2014 for the start of the normal timetable.
“Excellence and Innovation in Education and Training”
College Addresses
Email:
Leadership Team
Principal
[email protected]
Mob: 0428 480 204
Deputy Principal
Phone
Kevin Beal
Kevin Osborne
Phone: 08 98480200
Fax:
Residential Manager
08 9848 2997
Mob: 0428 480 203
Postal Address:
Kelli Gillies
08 9848 0200
HOD – Studies
Steve Swallow
Business Manager
Craig Armstrong
08 9848 0204
Fred Knight
08 9848 0209
After Hours
08 9848 0270
PO Box 350
Denmark WA 6333
Farm Supervisor
Website: www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au
Mob: 0428 480 205
Residential Office
Mob: 0428 480 206
Bank Details: BankWest – Denmark
A/c name: WA Collage Agriculture - Denmark
Please ensure student surname is provided with all deposits.
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BSB: 306-009 A/c: 011 0895.