Events
RIEP: Girls Can Too Program
The Girls Can Too! program introduces female high-school students to careers in traditionally male-dominated trades and connects them with trade employers. Girls Can Too was created and delivered by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program within Training Services NSW. Employers like RIC Electrics who participated in the program were able to connect with their future workforce and inspire young women to consider a career in their industry.
Katie Friedlieb, Senior Project Officer at Department of Education
katie.friedlieb@det.nsw.edu.au, 0499 831 022
Renewables Ready Griffith + Leeton
Introduction to renewable energy and general electrotechnology.
Griffith TAFE: 18-19th March 2026
Leeton TAFE: 24-25th March 2026
For more program information please contact katie.friedlieb@det.nsw.edu.au
Parents + Pathways 2026 - Leeton
In 2024 and 2025, CUC Western Riverina introduced the Parents & Pathways program, developed under the EARUCP RPPPP funding, to support parents/carers of students in Year 5 or above who will be the first in their family to navigate higher education. Studies show that the earlier you nurture student aspirations and understand the opportunities, the better!
Our Parents & Pathways program was designed to help parents/carers by providing:
Resources to help your child reach their study and career goals after high school
Practical tips to help support your child’s dreams for study and career
Information about different ways of meeting education and career options
Information on financial help and other local supports.
Although the program is now complete, parents/carers of high school students can contact us to discuss potential pathways to higher education.
A Pathways Consultation can be booked here, or contact Shiron via shiron.kirkman@cucwesternriverina.edu.au or 0436 461 003.
Parents + Pathways 2026 - Griffith
In 2024 and 2025, CUC Western Riverina introduced the Parents & Pathways program, developed under the EARUCP RPPPP funding, to support parents/carers of students in Year 5 or above who will be the first in their family to navigate higher education. Studies show that the earlier you nurture student aspirations and understand the opportunities, the better!
Our Parents & Pathways program was designed to help parents/carers by providing:
Resources to help your child reach their study and career goals after high school
Practical tips to help support your child’s dreams for study and career
Information about different ways of meeting education and career options
Information on financial help and other local supports.
Although the program is now complete, parents/carers of high school students can contact us to discuss potential pathways to higher education.
A Pathways Consultation can be booked here, or contact Shiron via shiron.kirkman@cucwesternriverina.edu.au or 0436 461 003.
Ready, Set, Uni - Griffith & Leeton 2026
The Ready Set Uni program, facilitated by CUC Western Riverina (CUCWR), offers Year 12 students the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue higher education. Whether students plan to attend university, TAFE, or explore other pathways, the program ensures they feel well-prepared for academic life after school.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
Duration: 5 weeks Topics Included: Uni101, University Pathways, Early Admission, UAC Applications, Resumes + Answering Selection Criteria, Finance & Scholarships, Life as a Uni Student (Social & Academic Skills), Using Artifical Intelligence within Higher Education.
Location: CUC Western Riverina. Sessions are offered in Griffith (2/1 Olympic Street) and Leeton (Sycamore Street).
Eligibility: Open to all Year 12 students from the Western Riverina region.
Attendance Requirements: To obtain a Certificate of Completion, students must attend 4 out of 5 sessions.
BENEFITS:
Explore a range of pathways
Build essential academic skills
Guidance on applications and scholarships
Real-life insights and mentorship
Gain confidence in transitioning to university life
Financial literacy and wellbeing support
Build a peer support network
Receive a program completion certificate
More info + registration: Ready Set Uni Program | CUC Western Riverina
MASE Science + Engineering Challenge 2025
The Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with MASE (Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence), Grow Our Own and community volunteers. Through the SEC, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment.
To register as an event volunteer please email projects@rdariverina.org.au
Care Economy Pilot Program 2026
An immersive 3-day program (across 3 weeks) for participants to explore local careers in early childhood education and aged care.
A proud collaboration between RIEP, Work Australia and Grow Our Own.
For more information, please contact Katie Pastro (GOO): projects@rdariverina.org.au
Western Riverina Career Expo (Leeton)
These events draw senior students and parents from across the Riverina and North East Victorian regions. Held annually, this is an opportunity for local students to research post school options.
GOO Industry Tour Month 2026
These tours have been created with the intention to introduce high school students to some of the career and local study opportunities that await them in later years. Our committee is proud to offer this as a FREE school resource to the high schools of the Western Riverina.
The Grow Our Own committee strongly believe that early exposure to career possibilities and pathways is crucial to students making informed Work Experience and subject selections in later years. We believe the earlier students can understand what future employment and study opportunities are on offer within the Riverina, we increase the success in encouraging students to build a career while living locally. We strongly encourage Year 9 (and above) students to participate in these tours.
We look forward to hosting you in August!
Ag Vision 2026
AgVision began at Junee High School in 2012. In 2024 Junee supported Yanco Agricultural High School to be the new event host.
AgVision Yanco 2026 aims to promote agricultural careers to 500 Year 9-11 students from 30+ schools in the Riverina-Murray region.
40 hands on workshops highlighting various topics in agriculture will be delivered by local industry representatives, of which students can pre-register for 5 different sessions.
Contact: katie.friedlieb@det.nsw.edu.au
Griffith Employment + Career Expo 2026
Please contact Griffith Business Chamber for bookings and event info.
Amanda Quarisa
Secretary | Griffith Business Chamber
0412644629
CUC Leeton - Settling Into Uni 2026 (Copy)
Have you just graduated from Year 12 or had a gap year and about to start university? Not sure what to expect?
The Settling Into Uni session will go through:
What Uni support services are available
Key terms and what they mean (e.g. census, withdrawal, special consideration)
Differences between high school and Uni
Finances and what help is available
What to expect with accommodation
Introduction to our free First Year Advisor program
Our top tips for thriving at Uni!
There will be time to ask questions with our First Year Advisor, Maddi, and meet other students. Come along, bring your laptop, and get yourself ready for 2026!
Tickets: Leeton - Settling Into Uni 2026
CUC Griffith - Settling Into Uni 2026
Have you just graduated from Year 12 or had a gap year and about to start university? Not sure what to expect?
The Settling Into Uni session will go through:
What Uni support services are available
Key terms and what they mean (e.g. census, withdrawal, special consideration)
Differences between high school and Uni
Finances and what help is available
What to expect with accommodation
Introduction to our free First Year Advisor program
Our top tips for thriving at Uni!
There will be time to ask questions with our First Year Advisor, Maddi, and meet other students. Come along, bring your laptop, and get yourself ready for 2026!
Tickets: Griffith - Settling Into Uni 2026
Grow Our Own (West) Stakeholder Meeting
These meetings are designed to host all education providers, industry and those that work in-between; within one event. These events are intended to ensure all stakeholders within this space in our region are connected and aware of the important work being done at grass roots level of our workforce. Grow Our Own is proud to host this ongoing event in the effort to ensure education and industry remain connected and aware of support available to them.
At each event, a short speaker session is hosted of key organisations that work in this space, followed by a casual networking lunch to continue these important conversations and build new relationships.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/grow-our-own-west-stakeholder-meeting-november-fqwxd3n8
Griffith Employment + Career Expo
Please contact Griffith Business Chamber for bookings and event info.
Amanda Quarisa
Secretary | Griffith Business Chamber
0412644629
GOO Industry Tour: Bhullar Group & Hutchins Bros
Explore the world of STEM in Manufacturing!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9:00am Bhullar Group (Narrandera)
There's more to Bhullar Group than meets the eye!
Bhullar Group is an all Australian owned and operated company that specialises in Metals & Steel, Welded Beams, Pre-Fabricated Steel and Steel Processing. Recognised as a consistent achiever of extremely high standards within the Australian steel marketplace, Bhullar Group also delivers highly skilled labour to Australian industry through the Bhullar Industrial Training division.
11:00am Hutchins Bros (Narrandera)
Hutchins Bros employs 22 staff including directors and has a workshop throughput capacity of 30-50T per week depending on the intricacy of the work at hand. Through its industry alliances Hutchins Bros can provide the entire Structural Steel package, from design, shop detailing right through to fabrication, finishing and erection.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/careers-in-manufacturing-narr
Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information Session
Are you interested in learning more about what it would look like to take on a Trainee or Apprentice or to become one? Come and hear all about it! The Panel on the day will include Representatives from Apprenticeship Connect Providers and Training Services.
JOIN US FOR THIS FREE EVENT
Light Afternoon tea provided
Thursday 28th August 2025 2:00pm Gem Hotel 201-207 Banna Ave, Griffith
Register here: Griffith Apprenticeship & Traineeship Information Session
GOO Industry Tour: Narrandera District Hospital & Narrandera Ambulance Station
Explore the world of STEM in Health Careers!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
Thanks to our partnership with '3 Rivers CSU Department of Rural Health', this is a unique chance to explore local opportunities in Health, highlighting nursing and allied health.
9:00am: Narrandera District Hospital
Rarely do you get to see inside the walls of this wonderful facility without being admitted! Take a tour through the restricted areas only the professionals have access to, chat with the Managing Director and staff involved in the day-to-day running of Narrandera's vital hospital.
10:30am: Narrandera Ambulance Station
Behind the scenes look at our local ambulance station! explore the facilities, hear from a local ambo, discover what gos into those important roles.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/careers-in-health-narrandera
GOO Industry Tour: Narrandera Shire Council
9:00am: Narrandera Shire Council
Councils are the closest level of government to the community, giving the community a say on matters that affect their local area.
Like all councils in New South Wales, Narrandera Shire Council is made up of elected representatives (Councillors) and administration (Council's operational staff).
Narrandera Shire Council offer excellent career opportunities and employment programs as well as volunteering and work experience opportunities.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/admin-and-business-services-narrandera
GOO Industry Tour: SunRice
Explore the world of STEM in Food & Fibre Manufacturing!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9:00am: SunRice (Leeton)
The SunRice Group is a global FMCG business and one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with significant markets in the United States, the Pacific and the Middle East, as well as expanding markets across Europe and Asia.
As a company founded in the Riverina region of New South Wales, SunRice has an ongoing and important relationship with the Australian agricultural sector, particularly rice growers. Innovation and a focus on our customers are the key to our success.
Explore the food manufacturing, production and STEM focused careers in a global company, right here in the Riverina.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/careers-in-food-and-fibre-processing
Try a Trade & Employment Expo
For event information please contact:
Stacey Suidgeest
Senior Project Officer | Regional Industry Education Partnerships
Training Services NSW, Department of Education
M: 0477 341 030
GOO Industry Tour: Yenda Producers/ Riverina Water Engineering
Explore the world of STEM in Agriculture!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9am: Yenda Producers/ Riverina Water Engineering (Leeton Branch)
The Yenda Producers Co-operative Society is an agricultural retailer and a part of the Yenda Group whose businesses share a common goal to provide quality goods and services to the rural sector in and around the Riverina and North-East Victoria. These businesses include Spencer & Bennett, RWE, Yenda Prods Grain, and Breed and Hutchinson.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/careers-in-agriculture-yenda-producers
GOO Industry Tour: Leeton District Hospital & Masonic Village
Explore the world of STEM in Health Careers!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
Thanks to our partnership with '3 Rivers CSU Department of Rural Health', this is a unique chance to explore local opportunities in Health.
9:00am: Leeton District Hospital
Rarely do you get to see inside the walls of this wonderful facility without being admitted! Take a tour through the restricted areas only the professionals have access to, chat with the Managing Director and staff involved in the day-to-day running of Leeton's vital hospital.
10:30am: Leeton Masonic Retirement Village
Explore the world of allied health, in a sector you may not have considered! Supporting our local community and adding to the health of our elderly, welcome the Leeton Masonic Village. Proudly managed by Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution.
Currently RFBI has 20 retirement villages, 22 residential villages and provides Home Care services to older Australians across NSW and ACT. In total RFBI cares for in excess of 2,500 older community members every day.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/stem-in-health-leeton
GOO Industry Tour: Griffith City Council
9:00am: Griffith City Council
Councils are the closest level of government to the community, giving the community a say on matters that affect their local area.
Like all councils in New South Wales, Griffith City Council is made up of elected representatives (Councillors) and administration (Council's operational staff).
GCC offer excellent career opportunities and employment programs as well as volunteering and work experience opportunities.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/admin-and-business-services-griffith-city-council
GOO Industry Tour: Casella Family Brands
Explore the world of STEM in Food & Fibre Manufacturing!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9:00am: CASELLA FAMILY BRANDS
Casella Family Brands offers exciting and rewarding career opportunities throughout their global network. Explore the labs, the STEM focused careers and opportunities when working in Australia's largest family-owned winery.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/stem-in-trades-casella-family-brands
GOO Industry Tour: A&G Engineering & Flavourtech
Explore the world of STEM in Manufacturing!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9:00am A&G Engineering
For over 50 years, A&G has been at the forefront of the design, fabrication and installation of stainless steel tanks and vessels. A&G's complete vessel engineering solutions, throughout Australia and also abroad, lead the way in stainless steel tanks and associated services. With headquarters in Griffith, and over 150 staff nationwide, multiple manufacturing facilities are backed by an experienced core team of experts in Design, Installation and Project Management.
11:00am Flavourtech
Flavourtech is a global technology manufacturer, headquartered in Australia, specialising in aroma recovery, extraction and evaporation solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The versatility of our flagship product, the Spinning Cone Column (SCC) was quickly realised with its use spreading to the recovery of aroma and removal of alcohol to produce low and zero alcohol wines. More than 90 SCC units are now used in the global coffee industry, with further applications and success also being achieved in other industries, including fruit and vegetables, dairy and pharmaceutical. Today we export to more than 60 countries around the world, serviced by our global network of offices, distributors and agents.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/stem-in-manufacturing-griffith
2025 National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.
Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
GOO is excited to deliver and National Science Week events within the Riverina region in 2025!
GOO Industry Tour: Griffith Base Hospital & St Vincents Private Hosptial
Explore the world of STEM in Health Careers!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
Thanks to our partnership with '3 Rivers CSU Department of Rural Health', this is a unique chance to explore local opportunities in Health.
9:00am: GRIFFITH BASE HOSPITAL
*Please meet in new hospital reception/foyer at 9am.
Explore our new state of the art hospital in Griffith! Proudly hosted by GBH executive team and inclusive of a panel session of various health professionals.
11:00am: ST VINCENTS PRIVATE HOSPITAL (GRIFFITH)
Rarely do you get to see inside the walls of this wonderful facility without being admitted! Take a tour through the restricted areas only the professionals have access to, chat with the Managing Director and staff involved in the day-to-day running of Griffith's only private hospital.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/stem-in-health
GOO Industry Tour: ProTen
Explore the world of STEM in Agriculture!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9am: ProTen
Whether you’re drawn to corporate leadership, operational management, or hands-on roles on our farms as a manager, trainee, or farmhand, ProTen offer rewarding career opportunities with room for growth. Explore the rapidly expanding world of poultry.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/agriculture-proten
GOO Industry Tour: Irribiz & Yenda Prods
Explore the world of STEM in Agriculture!
In celebration of National Science Week, Grow Our own is excited to host these tours to showcase STEM in our local Riverina industries.
9am: Irrizbiz Griffith
Irribiz currently employs in excess of 115 staff and operates a diverse business model covering retail, distribution and direct sales activities across Australia with a focus on water solutions and management, irrigation and greenhouse solutions design, construct and delivery activities.
11:00am: Yenda Producers Griffith Branch
The Yenda Producers Co-operative Society is an agricultural retailer and a part of the Yenda Group whose businesses share a common goal to provide quality goods and services to the rural sector in and around the Riverina and North-East Victoria. These businesses include Spencer & Bennett, RWE, Yenda Prods Grain, and Breed and Hutchinson.
To register: https://events.humanitix.com/agriculture-irribiz-and-yenda-producers
TAFE NSW Certificate II in Career Preparation for career pathways in Construction, Health or Hospitality
Course description:
Be inspired to reach your career dreams as you learn fundamental study and workplace skills that will give you the confidence and ability to succeed. In this course, you will engage in both virtual and face-to-face lessons at either your local TAFE NSW Campus or Connected Learning Centre. Depending on your location, there may be an occasional requirement to travel to another TAFE NSW location for workshops.
Course outcomes include:
As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to choose a career stream with a focus on your preferred pathway in:
• Construction, as you learn work health and safety procedures in the construction industry and undertake a basic construction project
• Health, as you learn work health and safety procedures in the health industry and infection prevention control
• Hospitality, as you learn hygiene practices and how to prepare and serve expresso coffee
Enrolments are now open, so if anyone is interested in starting mid-year and hasn’t enrolled yet, now’s the time to jump on it!
Please contact:
Mel Marin – Griffith Campus
E: mel.marin@tafensw.edu.au M: 0419 183 605
Nicholas Wright - Leeton Campus
E nicholas.wright61@tafensw.edu.au M +61 0409 691 427
Rachael Greenway - Narrandera Campus
rachael.greenway3@tafensw.edu.au
Country Uni Centre - Term Two Registrations
Register Now with CUC Western Riverina!
Local students, studying any degree, diploma or Cert IV pathway, have free access to modern study centres at Griffith and Leeton, high-speed Internet, computers, printers and general academic and admissions support.
Griffith and Leeton sites
Access is 5 am - midnight 7 days a week
Academic support available
Quiet study space
Exam and lecture rooms
Kitchen facilities.
www.cucwesternriverina.edu.au/register-now/
Visit our website at www.cucwesternriverina.edu.au to start your registration process or contact Centre Manager, Shiron Kirkman on 0436 461 003 for all enquiries.
Allied Health Job Readiness Webinar
Allied health students! Are you ready?
Join us for RDN's first Job Readiness Webinar for allied health students! Register nowhttps://loom.ly/XSxlJWo
This FREE webinar will help kickstart your career preparations by delving into the application and interview process, so you feel equipped to find a job in #ruralalliedhealth that’s right for you!
The details:
Wednesday 16 July
6pm - 6:45pm
Online
The perks:
Learn what to look for and how to apply for graduate positions
Tips and tricks for final year/late stage allied health students
Connect with & hear from guest speakers from Western NSW Local Health District and Marathon Health
Q&A session
Come ready (with all your burning career questions) and leave ready (for an amazing career in rural allied health)!
HSC STUDY SKILLS - English
Discover useful study skills and handy essay writing tips for your HSC English exam with Larry Grumley.
Larry is an English teacher, a senior marker and supervisor of marking for the HSC English exams. He has been a member of the committee which sets the English syllabus, and is an author of numerous HSC and preliminary English study guides, including the leading Excel and Warrigal series.
Tuesday 10am - HSC English Paper 1
Tuesday 1pm - HSC English Paper 2
Wednesday 10am - Essay Writing
Tuesday’s sessions are suited to Year 12 students preparing for their exams. Wednesday’s session is suitable for students in Year 10 - 12.
Sessions are FREE but bookings are essential as places are limited wrl.nsw.gov.au/events
Successful Futures- Return to Work (week 4)
Are you ready to return to work or start your career for the first time?
COMPACT Inc.’s Successful Futures: Regional Women & Girls is a Return to Work Pathways Program designed specifically to help young women (17-24) in the Riverina Murray region gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to enter or re-enter the workforce – at no cost to you!
What We Offer:
Work Experience & Mentoring:
Get hands-on experience and one-on-one support to prepare you for the job market.Career Guidance & Support:
Receive personalised career advice to overcome barriers like childcare, lack of experience, or extended time away from work.Confidence Building:
Learn valuable skills to boost your self-esteem and prepare for job interviews, applications, and more.
Who Can Apply?
This program is for young women who are:
Aged 17-24
This program is only available to NSW Residents
Looking to return to work after a break or start their first job
Facing barriers such as lack of experience, childcare challenges, or low confidence
Program Locations & Start Dates:
Griffith: Starting 22nd January 2025
Albury: Starting 19th of February 2025
Wagga: Starting 19th of March 2025
HOW TO REGISTER:
Contact Claire Mackey:
0439 646 301 or 02 6931 9300
Successful Futures- Return to Work (week 3)
Are you ready to return to work or start your career for the first time?
COMPACT Inc.’s Successful Futures: Regional Women & Girls is a Return to Work Pathways Program designed specifically to help young women (17-24) in the Riverina Murray region gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to enter or re-enter the workforce – at no cost to you!
What We Offer:
Work Experience & Mentoring:
Get hands-on experience and one-on-one support to prepare you for the job market.Career Guidance & Support:
Receive personalised career advice to overcome barriers like childcare, lack of experience, or extended time away from work.Confidence Building:
Learn valuable skills to boost your self-esteem and prepare for job interviews, applications, and more.
Who Can Apply?
This program is for young women who are:
Aged 17-24
This program is only available to NSW Residents
Looking to return to work after a break or start their first job
Facing barriers such as lack of experience, childcare challenges, or low confidence
Program Locations & Start Dates:
Griffith: Starting 22nd January 2025
Albury: Starting 19th of February 2025
Wagga: Starting 19th of March 2025
HOW TO REGISTER:
Contact Claire Mackey:
0439 646 301 or 02 6931 9300
Hospitality Job Camp
We are inviting expressions of interest for Year 11 and 12 students to participate in an exciting Hospitality Job Camp delivered by Western Riverina Community College from 23–27 June 2025.
This program is designed for students who:
Are interested in pursuing a career in hospitality
Have not completed, and will not complete, their RSA or Food Handling Certificate at school
Key Details:
Dates: Monday 23 June – Friday 27 June 2025
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm daily
Venues:
Days 1–3: Western Riverina Community College
Day 4: Barista training in Griffith, Rapture Coffee
Day 5: Industry site visits in Griffith CBD
Eligibility: Year 11/12 students from Griffith region schools
Cost: Free – fully funded by RIEP
Transport: RIEP can cover transport costs if required – please get in touch to arrange.
Places are limited to 20 students, including 8 spots prioritised for First Nations students.
Students will have the opportunity to gain:
Hands-on experience in a real hospitality setting
RSA and Food Safety certificates
Barista skills
Networking with local employers
Insight into local job opportunities
If you require further information or would like to discuss transport support, please contact Katie Friedlieb (RIEP) 0499 831 022 | katie.friedlieb@det.nsw.edu.au
