Anna Cotton in the archives of Vitale Barberis Canonico (a fabric mill established in 1663), which has 100 plus years of documents relating to the company and the consumer trends.
Young people with a passion for the sheep and wool industry are encouraged to apply for the 2019 Peter Westblade Scholarship.
Now entering its eighth year, the 12-month scholarship provides opportunities to experience all aspects of the sheep and wool industry.
Open to young people aged 18 to 30, the scholarship honours the late Peter Westblade, a Lockhart sheep producer passionate about breeding profitable sheep, and a supporter of young people interested in agriculture.
The 2018 Scholarship recipient and Tasmanian woolgrower, Anna Cotton, is touring the processing sector in Italy.
Anna has followed her clip to the processing stage at the woolen mills where it will be spun into high-end fabric for clothing.
Since receiving the scholarship Anna has been busy flying round Australia to gain experience, and build a network in the wool industry.
Joe Walden also received the 2018 scholarship, and hails from Bogo Merinos at Yass.
Joe and Anna spent a week in Western Australia classing with Craig Wilson of Craig Wilson Livestock, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
They also attended the annual MerinoLink conference in Goulburn NSW in June.
Joe flew to LambEx in Perth and now plans to do a Lifetime Ewe Management Course and travel overseas on a Merino tour in early 2019.
Scholarship executive officer Georgie McGuiness said the scholarship aimed to deliver knowledge to young people aspiring for a career in the sheep and wool industry, through a personalised 12-month period.
“It provides hands on experience and mentoring for young participants,’’ Ms McGuiness said.
“The scholarship is tailored to each individual and recipients finish the twelve months with a network of mentors they can call upon throughout their career.’’
The 2019 recipient will be involved in the industry’s largest commercial genetic trial, receive practical training, travel and the opportunity to develop wider networks of key industry contacts.
Applications close on Friday, December 21 at 5pm with applicants short-listed in early February for interviews by an industry panel.
The 2019 Peter Westblade Scholarship recipient will be announced at a dinner in Wagga Wagga, NSW, on Thursday April 4, 2019.
For more information visit www.pwscholarship.com.au