The Program

“I really enjoyed going to the Piangil Farm at select Harvest and Southern Cross Farms in Nangiloc and learning about the Citrus and I enjoyed going to the SuniTAFE Farm and learning about everything that’s there.”

– Rebecca Shugg, Student, Mildura Specialist School

Northern Mallee LLEN leads the Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion (NMHI) Project in partnership with Chaffey Secondary College.

The Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion (NMHI) Program offers a dynamic 18-week program that immerses students in the vibrant world of horticulture. Students from Year 9 attend the Chaffey SC Farm each Thursday during the two semesters of the program, the daily schedule combines classroom learning, industry visits, and hands-on farm activities.

The program features a well-rounded framework that includes OH&S induction, supervision by registered teachers, and strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Every week is meticulously crafted, offering a precise sequence of daily activities at the farm and immersive experiences in the industry.

The concluding day culminates in a Graduation ceremony, featuring participant presentations on the insights gained from the program. It serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of participants throughout their transformative 18-week journey. In 2026, semester 1, 11 participants successfully completed the program from three partnering schools;

Chaffey Secondary College
Red Cliffs Secondary College
Merbein P10 College
Mildura Specialist School

Sponsor’s 2026

For 2026 the program is sponsored by are-able, Mildura Fruit Company and Mildura Fruit Juices.

Through the generous support of ARE-able, students were provided with sponsored footwear (group 1)

As a major sponsor of the program, MFJ made a generous financial contribution, helping to strengthen program delivery and create meaningful opportunities for students.

As a valued supporter of the program, Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) has donated new hi-vis vests and water bottles for Semester 2, helping to promote student safety, wellbeing, and participation.

“are-able is proud to support initiatives like the NHMI Program that promote inclusion and remove barriers to participation. By ensuring students have the equipment they need to participate safely, we are helping create equitable opportunities and supporting the development of a capable and confident future workforce.”
Chloe Baron – Area Manager are-able

Industry/ Worksite Visits and incursions:

NMHI Project Documentary Film

Discover the essence of the 2023 NMHI Project in the following Documentary. Journey through modern technologies, industry visits, and hands-on experiences at Chaffey Secondary College Farm. Hear from students, experts, and staff sharing impactful experiences, exploring the entire produce journey from labs to global markets.

Watch more videos related to the NMHI Project :

NMHI Project 2023 review

NMHI Project 2023 Group 2

NMHI project Group 3 Review

Participant Testimonials

“NMHI Project opened my eyes to the vast possibilities in horticulture. I never knew it could be this exciting. I was interested in the Almond industry learning about different almonds and the food processing how you can make different like spreads of almonds that’s what really interested me because I didn’t know that.”

– Destiny French, Student, Chaffey Secondary College.

“I really love the industry visits I didn’t think around here specifically there would be as much technology involved but there’s quite a bit. Since doing this program looking into year 10, I am planning on doing a Cert II Horiculture at TAFE and doing agricultural science throughout year 10. I would like to become a farm manager one day. It teaches you a lot about Horticulture and helps you stay interested in it. Just jump in and see what you can do.”

-Roman Curphy- Student, Irymple Secondary College

“When we go to the nursery lab and see all the plants being grafted and how they are grown and are grafted at the same time, it really changed my perspective of going into this type of Career path.”

Sienna Evans- Student, Chaffey secondary College

To follow more updates about the Northern Mallee Horticulture Immersion Project, search for #NMHIProgram or follow Northern Mallee LLEN’s Facebook Page.