Grow Our Own January Update
L-R Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager and Katie Pastro, Projects Officer
2025 was a year of growth for Grow Our Own (GOO), as the program deepened connections between young people, schools, industry, and communities across the Riverina. Katie Pastro, Projects officer, coordinates GOO activities and partnerships, helping schools and employers engage meaningfully so young people can see real opportunities to learn, work and live locally. Her organisation, communication and commitment ensures that pathway information is shared clearly and effectively with the youth of the Riverina.
Grow Our Own is an industry-led alliance of business, education, and government agencies who work together to inspire young people to explore career and training opportunities in the Riverina. The aim is to help students understand the local career pathways available to them, and support employers in developing sustainable local workforce by “growing their own” talent. The program works closely with high schools across the region to build strong connections between students and industry, fostering awareness, aspiration and real engagement with regional career opportunities.
GOO delivers a wide range of activities that provide hands-on learning and real exposure to local industries. GOO Industry Tours are one of the program’s most impactful experiences, giving students the chance to visit workplaces, meet local employers and gain insight into real jobs. These tours motivate the youth of the Riverina and helps them make informed decisions about their future. GOO also attends regional careers expos, supports data collection on post-school intentions and collaborations with partners on initiatives such as Behind School Gates, which brings industry representatives directly into school environments to strengthen understanding between educators and employers.
To help students, families, educators, and employers stay informed, GOO provides a range of resources and tools on the Grow Our Own website. These include:
The Riverina Careers Calendar, featuring upcoming industry tours, events and opportunities.
A comprehensive Resources library designed to support career advisers, teachers and students with up-to-date pathway information.
Information for businesses and community groups who want to get involved in workforce development initiatives.
Grow Our Own also provides a growing library of short industry videos that showcase real workplaces, local businesses and practical career pathways across the Riverina. These videos are designed to help students understand what different jobs look like in action, hear from real employees and gain insights into training, skills and day-to-day work environments. They feature local employers and industry partners from sectors such as health, energy, disability services, trades and more. You can watch the videos on the Grow Our Own YouYube channel: Grow Our Own or through the website here: Grow Our Own Website
Looking ahead into 2026, Grow Our Own will continue to expand partnerships across industry and education, deliver meaningful student experiences and strengthen the regional career pipeline. With Katie’s coordination and the program’s strong community and industry network, GOO will keep supporting young people to explore local options and help employers invest in a thriving, future-ready local workforce.
