Grow Our Own – September 2025 Update

Students attending a tour at Leeton Hospital, August 2025

September saw Grow Our Own deepen its regional partnerships and begin planning for 2026. Following August’s successful health tours, feedback from Griffith Base Hospital highlighted the value of hands-on student engagement and the importance of clearer career pathway messaging. This insight is shaping the development of Riverina Health Careers Week, a new collaboration with RIEP set for May next year.

GOO also finalised its National Science Week reporting and acknowledged the support of local health partners. Planning is underway for the Term 4 Behind the School Gates event at Murrumbidgee Regional High School, continuing efforts to connect schools with local industry.

In Narrandera, GOO is working with schools and council to reschedule industry tours, ensuring new members are supported. Conversations also progressed around a new pilot program focused on aged care and childcare careers, with GOO, WorkForce Australia and RIEP agreeing to co-develop the initiative for launch in Griffith next year.

Feedback from schools and industry partners continues to affirm the impact of GOO. Career advisors praised the tours for giving students real-world insight into local career pathways, and several students have already taken up work experience and part-time roles as a result. These reflections reinforce the importance of continuing to build meaningful, locally driven career engagement across the Western Riverina.