Sara busts man’s world myth

Whoever said that agriculture was a man’s world obviously hadn’t dealt with the women of Muresk.

Proving this outdated stereotype wrong was one of Sara Kinnersly’s many achievements while studying at Curtin University of Technology’s Muresk campus in Northam.

Ms Kinnersly, 22, from Mt Beckworth, Victoria, said the move to Western Australia to study had been worthwhile because of the valuable skills she gained.

“I have always seen myself working on the farm one day,” she said. “That’s why I moved from Victoria to Northam to study at Muresk.

“At first I hadn’t planned on moving so far for university.

“However, I have been delighted with the results. In particular, I found the way the academics at Muresk explained the theory in the context of practical management in the grains industry very relevant.

“I have confidence that my education at Muresk will be very useful in the future.”

Ms Kinnersly received the CBH prize, worth $800, as the Dux of Agribusiness Marketing.

“I was surprised to receive the prize. I had never really thought about whether or not I would win,” she said.

CBH Group Public Relations Advisor, Brianne James, congratulated Ms Kinnersly on her achievement and said the CBH Group was proud to sponsor the prize.
 
“The CBH Group is delighted to support the awards for the third year running,” she said.

 “This is a unique opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution that graduates, like Ms Kinnersley, make to their industry.

“Graduates bring enthusiasm and innovation to agriculture and we’ve been lucky enough to experience this first-hand through our graduate program.”

Ms James said the CBH Group had employed many Muresk graduates in its 76-year history, with some working their way to senior management positions within the business.

Ms Kinnersly was also the recipient of two other awards, the Country Women’s Association Prize for the Best Corporate Business Management Student and the Murray and Pauline Hawkins Prize for Food and Agribusiness Marketing Research.

Although the award they sponsor is available to both male and female students, State President of the Country Women’s Association of WA, Pam Batten, is thrilled to see the award won by an outstanding young woman for the second year in a row.

“The Country Women’s Association has a long history with Muresk and this award,” Ms Batten said.

“We are pleased to see that the number of young women participating in agricultural studies at Curtin is continuing to increase and we look forward to retaining our involvement in encouraging this.”

Ms Kinnersly is now working on her parent’s farm and considering her options for the future. However, judging on past performance, it will likely be impressive.

School of Agriculture and Environment Head, Professor Graeme Robertson, said the corporate support demonstrated the success of the School and its Northam Campus.

“Sara’s success gives the entire faculty a great deal of pride,” he said.

“In her, we can see that the future of farming is in safe hands.”

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Modified: 18 June 2009

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