The life and times of Tocal College will come into focus next year as part of the establishment’s 50th anniversary.
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From its opening in March 1965 – with 15 male students – the college has grown to become one of Australia’s largest and most diverse agricultural colleges.
“The college was established by the Presbyterian Church as the CB Alexander Presbyterian Agricultural College,” principal Cameron Archer said.
“Its operation was transferred to the NSW Department of Agriculture in 1970 and it continues to be operated by the NSW government through the Department of Primary Industries.”
The original college was consolidated in 2006 with the former Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture to form Tocal College and it now delivers programs throughout NSW.
“Tocal has gained an enviable reputation in agricultural education with a particular focus on farming and land management,” Dr Archer said.
“It now provides training, including skills recognition, in around 20 courses with up to 400 people graduating each year.”
The college will celebrate 50 years of education on the Tocal property including a Back to Tocal weekend on July 25 and 26, 2015.
“This will be an opportunity for past staff, students, industry and community members to visit Tocal and renew friendships and acquaintances,” Dr Archer said.
“The college is fortunate to be located on the wonderful Tocal estate, one of the first land grants in the Hunter Valley with the indigenous name of the locality now being the name of the college.
“We understand Tocal meant plenty or big in the local dialect of the Gringai clan of the Wonnaruah people.
“The celebration of 50 years is important for the college and for the local and wider community who have been so supportive of the college for the past 50 years.”
