March2026

In this edition:

• Foundation Learning Centre Introduces new Working Safely on Farms module.
• Register your school to attend or become an exhibitor at our Annual South East Careers and Try-A-Trade Expo on Tuesday 12th May
• A morning of insight and inspiration – our STEM Futures event on 6th March
• New VIC VICE Virtual Reality Experience – Future Recycling, a recycling and waste experience.
• Transition to Work; Workforce Australia and Busy at Work, helping more communities create positive change.
• Take the Find Your Fit quiz for a potential career in manufacturing
• STAR applications now open, closing on 15th April.

Future Proofing Farming: New Working Safely on Farms Module Now Available

The Future Proofing Farming project wrapped up at the end of last year, concluding two years of collaboration focused on strengthening Cardinia Shire’s agricultural future and supporting young people to explore meaningful pathways in the sector.

One of the project’s key outcomes—the Working Safely on Farms module—is now available for the community to access. Developed through the partnership between Cardinia Shire, SELLEN, Koo Wee Rup Secondary College, VicHealth and Foundation Learning Centre, this resource equips young people entering agricultural work with essential safety knowledge and confidence.

The module builds on the project’s earlier activities, including hands‑on farm experiences and industry engagement. Students had the opportunity to visit Thriving Foods Farm, Orchard End Farm and United African Farm, gaining valuable insight into regenerative farming, ethical livestock care and community‑driven food production.

The Working Safely on Farms module is now live on the Foundation Learning Centre website and can be accessed here: Working Safely on Farms.

Thank you to all partners involved in delivering the Future Proofing Farming project and ensuring its legacy continues through practical, accessible training for future agricultural workers.

The South East Careers and Try a Trade Expo is coming up on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, offering secondary students from Years 7–12 a valuable chance to explore a wide range of career pathways and hands‑on trades. The event is designed to help young people discover their strengths, try new skills, and make confident, informed decisions about their futures.

What to Expect:

• Hands‑on experiences — Interactive workshops and demonstrations across a variety of trades and professions, from carpentry and plumbing to digital media, healthcare, and more.
• Career pathways — Insight into training options, apprenticeships, further study, and emerging industries.
• Networking opportunities — Direct conversations with employers, training providers, and industry professionals.

A Morning of Insight and Inspiration

What an inspiring day at Casey Tech School in Berwick on Friday 6th March, where we had the privilege of co‑hosting STEM Futures 2026 with the team at Casey Tech School — bringing together 120 students and teachers, and an incredible group of women in STEM to explore the possibilities shaping our future industries.

From the moment the students walked in, the message was clear:
When you give opportunity, young people gain power—power to choose their future, shape emerging industries, and see themselves in spaces where their voices matter.

Our MC opened the event with a powerful call to action: don’t wait to be ready, step into opportunity.

Students then heard from a remarkable panel of leaders and innovators:

• Sally Bruce – CEO and advocate for equitable access to career pathways
• Amrita Banerjee – Dark matter researcher and science communicator
• Ryland Bruce – Engineering & Astrophysics student designing stratospheric telescopes
• Mallika Sinha – Gravitational waves researcher and STEM educator
• Jane Phipps – Director of TAFE Transformation at Chisholm and published author

Their stories highlighted how chance moments, unexpected pathways, and courageous “yes” decisions can transform a life.

Morning tea became a space for genuine connection as students sat with a woman in STEM or leadership. These conversations were authentic, energising, and filled with insights students will carry with them long after today.

• Students then rotated through immersive sessions including:
• Clean energy innovation
• Virtual reality design
• OzGrav astrophysics exploration
• RoboWars engineering challenges

Each workshop gave students a taste of the industries shaping our future.

We closed the program with an inspiring keynote from Dr Lisa Dethridge, an AI specialist, producer, designer, and global collaborator working at the intersection of ethics, creativity, and technology.
Her message was clear:
The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we imagine, design, and build together. 

New VIC VICE Virtual Reality Experience – Future Recycling

The latest VIC VICE 360° experience has now launched, taking students straight into the heart of metal recycling at Future Recycling. This immersive experience gives students a ground‑level look at how scrap metal is transformed into valuable resources, showcasing the essential role recycling plays in the circular economy. Through the experience, students see that careers in recycling and manufacturing are hands‑on, highly skilled, and make a meaningful environmental impact. The passion and pride of the Future Recycling team in contributing to sustainability comes through clearly in every part of the VIC VICE experience.

There are now 15 Virtual Reality experiences to choose from;

• Agriculture: dairy farming, meat processing, cropping.
• Building & Construction: carpenter.
• Community Services: early childhood education, aged care, working with Disability.
• Health: dental assistance, remedial massage.
• Manufacturing: metal fabrication, metal recycling.
• Transport & Logistics: diesel mechanic, forklift & logistics, distribution centre, electric vehicle.

Book via SELLEN now.

Transition to Work

The Workforce Australia Transition to Work program is an Australian Government initiative that provides pre-employment support to increase confidence and skills in young job seekers (15-24 years of age) and help them access opportunities such as work, apprenticeships and traineeships or education. Transition to Work is focused on building a young persons skills, confidence and readiness to enter employment. Providers help young people:

• Capability development and adult life skills
• Career guidance
• Access to job-specific training, work experience and internships
• Job search and interview preparation and support
• Networking with local employers
• Supporting you and your employer to help you stay employed
• Connecting with local support services, such as housing assistance or mental health support. 

Busy at Work Locations

• Location: Unit 1A 387-389 Springvale Rd, SPRINGVALE, VIC
• Location: Unit 2 24 Langhorne St, DANDENONG, VIC
• Location: CLAYTON, GLEN WAVERLEY, VIC (Call for more information)
• Location: 27 Buckley St, NOBLE PARK, VIC
• Location: 11 Chester St, OAKLEIGH, VIC

For more information please contact Busy at Work on 1800 161 335.

Thank you to Workforce Australia and Busy at Work, helping more communities create positive change.

Transition to Work – Supporting young people on their pathway to employment

Transition to Work – Service Delivery Plan for Participants 

Make it ManuFACTuring

It’s time to find out about manufacturing. Modern manufacturing is all about cutting-edge tech, future-focused industries and a variety of career opportunities. Keep exploring to discover how manufacturing offers secure, rewarding careers with real impact. Take the FIND YOUR FIT career quiz to see which careers align with your interests.

Star Program Open for Young People Across Australia Something Powerful

Applications are officially now open for the 2026 Sony & MMAD STAR Program.

Delivered in partnership with the Sony Foundation, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young creatives (aged 16–24) across Australia who have a passion for music but are currently overcoming significant personal hardships.

What is the STAR Program?

This isn’t just a music course; it’s a transformative mentorship designed to help young people unlock their potential and find a positive path forward. Participants will be mentored directly by:

• Sony Music Professionals (Industry insights & career guidance)
• Sony Artists (Creative inspiration)
• MMAD Mentors (Holistic wellbeing & trauma-informed support)

Applications Close: April 15^th 2026 Program Starts: MAY 2026

For more information contact Kate@mmad.org.au