‘There’s nothing like it:’ 80 per cent of Rylington Park students now working in industry

Australian Wool Innovation is preparing to ink a long-term agreement to continue running shearing schools at a South West agricultural research and training institute for the foreseeable future. Boyup Brook’s Rylington Park has been hosting eight AWI-funded shearing and wool handling schools a year for many years, with huge success. Eighty per cent of students to complete the course at the Rylington Park — which is owned by the Shire of Boyup Brook — have gone on to work in shearing sheds in WA. Shire chief executive Dale Putland said the partnership with AWI was one both parties wanted to continue, with the council hoping for a “firm agreement” for 20 years or more. “AWI has asked us for certainty and council have authorised us to enter into a long-term arrangement with AWI to give assurance that the shearing schools will continue with perpetuity at Rylington Park,” he said. Rylington Park — which is managed by Mark and Erlanda Deas — hosts eight schools, a year, attracting aspiring shearers from far and wide to complete the five-day course. AWI wool harvesting training and development program manager Craig French called Rylington Park the “place to go” for anyone wanting a job on a stand. “The shed and facilities are excellent, the sheep are shorn with eight months wool, the trainers are qualified professional shearer and wool handling/wool classing trainers,” he said. “These schools are a vital part of AWI shearer wool handler training and our industry, providing a safe, comfortable place to learn, gain confidence and improve skills. “There is huge demand for staff, we recognise this and believe we can provide a pathway for those wanting to start in the shearing sheds.” Mr Putland said the council was proud to provide a pathway into the industry. “You can learn from an Australian champion shearer how to shear — there’s nothing like it and it’s free for people to do the course,” he said. Shearing teams have been crying out for workers after COVID-19 border restrictions reduced the pool of international and New Zealand workers the Australian shearing industry previously relied upon. Teams have been running three to four weeks behind schedule, but the lack of shearers has provided an opportunity for learners to get a run on a stand much earlier than usual. Cranbrook wool handler and classer Lilly Eddon started working in shearing sheds 12 years ago but decided to join a school at Rylington in October to learn to shear. She has seen first-hand the pressure on the industry during the past two years. “It has been very busy with the lack of shearers, the lack of wool handlers and shed staff,” she said. “They’re pretty hard to come by. “We are screaming out for workers and were playing catch up because farmers are screaming out to get their sheep shorn. “It has been difficult for everyone in the shearing industry.” Traditionally a male-dominated industry, Ms Eddon said she was pleased the school she attended had about a 50-50 male-female split, and encouraged more women to give it a go. “We need more female shearers,” she said. “I just love the physical side of things, once you get into it it’s so rewarding. The money’s there ... and it will take you far — all around Australia and it can take you worldwide. “I love it. It’s a great industry to be in.”