Hunter Valley student Sofia Kennedy has swapped the classroom for the cattle yards, completing her first off-campus placement at Landsborough Station in Nebo, Queensland.
Now in her second year of a Certificate IV in Agriculture at Tocal College in the NSW Hunter Valley, Sofia is also one of eight students awarded a Glencore Community Investment scholarship in 2025. With the help of the financial scholarship, Sofia has been able to continue her studies and take confident steps toward her future in agriculture.
Sofia described her time at Landsborough Station as an unforgettable first step into station life.
“The team at Landsborough were incredibly welcoming and I learned something new every day. From mustering on horseback to helping with backburning and cattle work, it was hands-on from the moment I arrived. It gave me a real sense of what life on a station is like in Queensland.
“It was also really special to do my first placement at Landsborough Station, which is managed by Colinta Holdings, Glencore’s pastoral business. As one of the recipients of this year’s Glencore scholarship at Tocal, it felt like everything connected. The support for my study and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience came together in such a positive way.”
John O’Kane, Manager of Colinta Holdings said they are proud to be helping the next generation of station professionals.
“Queensland’s agricultural future relies on young people getting hands-on experience, not just classroom theory. When pastoral businesses like ours work with education providers, we’re helping grow the next generation of skilled station professionals.
“Industry and agriculture have always been the backbone of regional Queensland. By opening our stations to students, we’re not only passing on practical knowledge, but we’re also helping young people see a long-term future in our regional communities.”
Lakin Agnew, Tocal College Student Welfare and Support, said Sofia’s achievements showed the impact of combining study support with industry placements.
“Placements like Sofia’s at Landsborough Station show how valuable it is for students to step into real-world environments. With the added support of a scholarship, students can focus on learning and building their confidence for the future.”
The partnership between Tocal College, Colinta Holdings and Glencore is helping to create those opportunities, with Colinta opening doors for students to build practical skills.
Glencore Community Investment Coordinator, Tracey Snedden, said Sofia’s story is an example of how these programs set young people up for success.
“We’re proud to support young people like Sofia as they take the next steps in their education. By offering both scholarships and placements, we can help create opportunities that develop the next generation of skilled agricultural professionals.”
For Sofia, the combination of study support and industry experience has not only strengthened her skills but also built her confidence for a future in agriculture.
