MARKING 60 years of education in 2025, Tocal College has celebrated the graduation of a cohort of some 180 students.
The NSW Government-run college is a cornerstone of agricultural training in NSW.
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In 2024 alone, Tocal College graduated 179 students and delivered skills training to 2,929 participants across 91 locations throughout the state.
Of the 2024 cohort, several students have received special recognition for their efforts.
Michael Lynch, from Millfield in the Hunter, was named Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program).
Grace Lawrence, from Rosebrook in the Hunter, earned the title of Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program).
Mariah Livingston, from Stockrington in the Hunter, was Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program.
Harrison Wand, from Hargraves in the Central West, was Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program).
Grace Nesbitt, from Sydney’s south, recipient of the Bronze Medal for Excellence in Certificate IV in Agriculture, with her study tour to Peru and subsequent success in Sydney RAS alpaca judging and involvement in the NSW Alpaca Youth event showcasing her leadership in the field.
Tocal’s educational outcomes consistently exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates 44 percent higher than the national average.
An impressive 96 percent of full-time students who began training at Tocal in 2024 successfully completed their qualification.
Almost half of fulltime students received fee concessions or exemptions highlighting the College’s support for disadvantaged students.
More than 12 percent of students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just over 60 percent of 2024 full-time enrolments are female.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “For more than 60 years Tocal College has provided exceptional education and skills development for the State’s agricultural workforce.
“I’m proud of the Government’s commitment to Tocal College and I congratulate this year’s young graduates.
“I look forward, in the years to come, to hearing of their successes and the contributions they will make to the State’s ag sector.”
NSW Independent Agriculture Commissioner Alison Stone said, “By equipping the next generation of agricultural professionals with both the traditional knowledge and modern tools they need, Tocal plays a vital role in ensuring the future of our agricultural industries remains strong and sustainable through programs which provide hands on experience, knowledge and the modern technologies to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals.
“Workforce and skill shortages continue to be significant challenges for primary industries, and I am proud to say that Tocal College is making a direct and impactful contribution to addressing these issues.”
