GROWING MORE THAN TREES: 29 GRADUATE AS MASTER TREEGROWERS

From shelterbelts and carbon farming to biodiversity and timber production, 29 participants have graduated from the award-winning Master TreeGrower program, held recently in the southern Otways, gaining the skills and confidence to make the most of trees on their properties.

Developed by forest scientist and Otway local Rowan Reid at The University of Melbourne in 1996, Master TreeGrower is Australia's leading tree-growing and agroforestry education program. It is now owned by the not-for-profit Australian Agroforestry Foundation.

The graduates were recognised at a ceremony in Birregurra on Friday 14 August, hosted by Mr Reid, where they received graduation certificates and iconic yellow Master TreeGrower farm-gate signs, and reflected on their experiences throughout the program.

The eight-week program was delivered throughout winter at properties across the southern Otway region by the Otway Agroforestry Network (OAN) in partnership with Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN), combining workshops, farm visits and hands-on learning experiences.

Participants explored how trees can improve farm productivity, biodiversity, carbon storage, livestock welfare and landscape resilience, while gaining practical skills in revegetation design, species selection, tree management, timber production and emerging market opportunities.

Master TreeGrower Program co-ordinator and OAN Facilitator Becky McCann said the benefits of Master TreeGrower extend beyond individual properties.

"It’s so much more than just learning about trees. Master TreeGrower brings together an inspiring group of people from diverse backgrounds with a common love of trees and a desire to improve their properties and the environment.

“We had participants from France, Germany and Japan, alongside local farmers, long-time tree growers, new landholders and people exploring careers in agroforestry. It was such a delight to get to know them, hear their perspectives, and help give them the confidence to make informed tree planting decisions that strengthen farm resilience, create new income opportunities, enhance property aesthetics, and support livestock, healthy soils, clean water, carbon storage and the wider catchment.”

Master TreeGrower also fosters valuable connections between landholders, tree growers and industry professionals, helping build a stronger network of people committed to productive and sustainable land management.

A strength of the southern Otways program was the partnership with SOLN, whose local knowledge, strong community connections and understanding of local challenges helped ensure the program was practical, meaningful and tailored to the local area.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) supported the delivery of the southern Otways program through its Diverse Farms, Resilient Catchments project, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Sarah Brien, Corangamite CMA Senior Project Officer, said trees play an important role in supporting healthy catchments.

"By supporting biodiversity, protecting soil and water resources, storing carbon and strengthening landscape resilience, trees contribute to healthier catchments and more sustainable farming systems across our region."

Since Master TreeGrower was established 30 years ago, more than 2,500 people have graduated through 134 programs delivered across Australia and internationally.

Following the success of the southern Otways program, the next Master TreeGrower will be delivered in the Ballarat region from May to August 2027. Registrations of interest are now open for those interested in learning how trees can support productive, resilient and sustainable landscapes.

For more information or to register your interest, visit www.oan.org.au.