Longey celebrates 2025 graduation

Longerenong College marked a significant milestone on March 20, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025 at its annual Graduation Ceremony, held at Horsham Town Hall.

Longerenong College has celebrated its Class of 2025, with graduates stepping into strong demand across Australia’s agricultural sector.

The event recognised the successful completion of studies by graduates across a range of agricultural disciplines and highlighted the College’s ongoing contribution to the Australian agricultural sector.

The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including College sponsors and partners, alumni, industry ambassadors, and local government representatives.

Among those in attendance were the Mayors of Buloke Shire Council, Yarriambiack Shire Council, and Horsham Rural City Council, along with family members and friends who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments.

Hosted by acting General Manager of Longerenong College, Denise McLellan, the ceremony acknowledged graduates from courses including Certificates in Agriculture, Wool Classing, Agronomy, and Agribusiness Management.

Most graduates have already attracted interest from agricultural businesses seeking skilled professionals for post‑graduation roles, reflecting strong industry demand for practical, job‑ready graduates.

Addressing the audience, Mrs McLellan highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the graduating cohort and the College’s role in developing future agricultural leaders.

“Students graduating this year come from across Victoria and a wide range of farming backgrounds, including broadacre grain, dairy, cattle, sheep, and rice,” she said.

“We also welcome students from further afield, from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to Denison in Gippsland and Southern New South Wales, and in 2026 we welcomed students from Queensland and Tasmania.

"Longerenong College delivers an important service to the industry.”

Mrs McLellan also acknowledged the personal growth demonstrated by the graduating class.

“To see the growth in these students, both in their knowledge and as people, makes it all worthwhile," she said.

"We are proud to have delivered some outstanding future leaders to the agricultural industry.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards recognising high achievers and outstanding contributions.

Excellence Awards were presented in each course, along with specialist recognitions including Show Steer Preparation, Rising Star in Agronomy, the Victorian Wheat Research Foundation Achievement Award, and the Horsham Rural City Council Prize for Citizenship.

Skillinvest Chief Executive Officer Darren Webster also acknowledged a milestone for the College, marking 20 years since Longerenong began operating under the management of the local not‑for‑profit organisation.

“We are extremely proud of the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved with Longerenong College over the past 20 years, and those who contributed prior to that,” Mr Webster said.

“Established in 1889, the College faced closure in November 2005 before Skillinvest stepped in.

"Longerenong College delivers training in an industry that is crucial to Australia’s agricultural future, and every time I see an alumnus contributing to the growth of the sector, I feel immense pride in the team and the work we have done.”