Zoe has joined us for a work experience placement this week!
Tell us about yourself!
I am originally from Melbourne but have moved to Bendigo for my first rotation of the DEECA graduate program. I was originally going to study a degree in architecture but swiftly moved to environmental science as I have a passion for working with and for the natural environment. In my spare time I love to go on hikes, read and café hop with my friends.
How did you get into Ag? What interests you?
I originally studied a degree in environmental science/ environment and society and graduated in November 2025. Last year, I applied for the DEECA science graduate program, and they allocated me in the Agriculture Victoria position. The Agriculture Industry wasn’t something I had ever thought of being part of, I grew up in Melbourne and had no ties to farming. I took the graduate role at Ag Vic to explore regional and rural Victoria, and I wanted to learn more about agriculture, seeing how growers build their businesses, and the hard work that is involved in getting crop from paddock to market.
Why did you choose to do a work placement at BCG? What have you enjoyed/learnt so far?
In the short time I have been working for Ag Vic, I have noticed the partnership and overlap we have with BCG in projects and events. I thought it would be a great opportunity to head to Birchip to get to know the team better and understand how they operate and see all the research they are working on.
I visited a handful of trial sites with Lucy and Noah to collect slugs, slates, centipedes, and millipedes for their pest management project, it was a very fun day picking up slugs off the mats!
What’s it like being a Birchip local for a week?
Birchip is a lovely tight knit community, it’s lovely seeing such friendly people every day.
I will say, the land is incredibly flat here WOW.
Quick fire:
Pineapple on pizza: Yes
Death row meal: A plate of sashimi
Running late excuse: Traffic – can’t use that one in Birchip.
Favourite weekend activity: Going to the cinemas or visiting a new café.
If you wanted someone’s job at BCG who would it be and why? Tough question. Hayden’s role, because he gets to greet everyone on their way in OR one of the research agronomist roles, every day is different and it’s exciting being out in the field and help projects develop.
