Chris Sheppard
After an earlier career working as a baker and pastry chef, Gundidjmara man Chris Sheppard changed career and started at Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative, based in Warrnambool. Ten years later, he is now the CEO. Chris shares how the Co-operative’s nursery is not only opening up career pathways for First Nations people but also helping them learn about culture.
Find out more about Chris’s story in the resources below, which can be downloaded and/or shared through networks that help promote First Nations peoples’ connection to agriculture or in conversations relating to First Nations’ careers, skills and training for jobs across this sector.
Chris Sheppard, CEO of Worn Gundidj Nursery, talks about using plants to support healthy ecosystems
Creative collaborations bring new ventures in the native plant space
Cultural safety, caring for Country and teamwork helps to establish careers in horticulture
Chris’s story
Read or download this case study about Chris’s connection to agriculture:
- Cultivating skills in a native nursery
[PDF File - 6.9 MB] - Cultivating skills in a native nursery – accessible file
[MS Word Document - 40.4 KB]
More information
For more information about:
- Worn Gudidj Native Nursery, go to worngundidj.org.au or check out the Worn Gundidj Nursery Facebook page
- studying relevant qualifications at TAFE, go to the Victorian Skills Gateway, search for ‘horticulture’ or ‘conservation & ecosystem management’ to find a TAFE or training provider near you. Ask for the First Nations contact officer based at the TAFE to find out more. Victorian government subsidies are available to eligible students.
To speak to someone with a general enquiry about courses and qualifications, call the TAFE and Training Line on 13 18 23, Monday–Friday, 8.30 am – 4.30 pm; or email your query to tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au (a free service).