Solar farm helps Wangaratta teen passionate about rural life
Glenrowan Solar Farm is helping a young Wangaratta apprentice to develop her agricultural career through award of a scholarship for training and education.
Lauren Stone is a third-year apprentice technician with local business, McGregor Machinery, having transitioned from her school-based apprenticeship at Galen Catholic College.
Pacific Partnerships Managing Director Graham Whitson said Lauren will benefit from the $5,000 scholarship as she pursues her agricultural training and passion for ensuring tasks are done in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“Well done to Lauren, who is well-regarded as a hard worker and eager to learn and grow her skills in a male-dominated industry,” Mr Whitson said.
“This is the third of 12 scholarships to be granted as part of an eleven-year local commitment to help young people facing barriers to entering a trade,” he said.
Lauren was nominated by her mother and her employer in partnership with local community organisation, the North East Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network (NE Tracks LLEN).
NE Tracks LLEN CEO Tim Oliver says the Glenrowan Solar Farm scholarship program provides a springboard for new apprentices in our region.
“The extra assistance they receive gets these young people off to a good start, and past recipients have thrived when given the support they need,” Mr Oliver said.
“It is a delight to connect our scholarship recipients with Pacific Partnerships and share local benefit from the solar farm,” he said.
McGregor Machinery Dealer Principal Brendan Breen said, “We are thrilled that Lauren has been recognised by this program for her efforts and are very proud, as she is our first female apprentice.
“This financial support will make a positive difference for Lauren as she continues on her journey with us,” he said.
Lauren is pictured receiving her scholarship from Pacific Partnerships’ Delivery Manager, Michael Sun, along with McGregor Machinery’s Dealer Principal, Brendan Breen.
The presentation coincided very appropriately with the lead up to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.
Located just south-west of Glenrowan, the solar farm is owned by Pacific Partnerships and has been maintained and operated by fellow CIMIC company, UGL, since May 2024. It is supplying clean power to the equivalent of 55,000 Australian homes and contributing towards the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET).
Focusing on young people who are embarking on their apprenticeships, the scholarships are part of the solar farm’s funding program to contribute positive social and economic outcomes to the local community.
“Ultimately the scholarship program aims to benefit the local region through more labour market participation and increased capacity and capability,” Mr Whitson said.