2024 Australian Cotton Conference to Cultivate Excellence in Education

The cotton industry’s most concentrated education effort in one location is scheduled to begin on the Gold Coast next week with high school students, educators and university undergraduates all set to benefit.

In a campaign sponsored by Cotton Australia and managed by CA Education Manager Jenny Hughes, funded scholarships across three categories are bringing a strong education focus to the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast.

The scholarships have provided places for:

  1. 15 Undergraduate students enrolled in a relevant university course
  2. 5 Educators from primary to secondary schools
  3. 38 Secondary school students accompanied by a supervising teacher.

All three groups will engage in a series of events aimed at immersing them in the cotton industry and connecting them to growers and industry representatives to further their interests in agriculture.

It represents a significant financial commitment from Cotton Australia, aimed at addressing the worker shortage in the industry by introducing them to a career possibility they may never have considered.

Jenny Hughes said connecting students and educators to our industry is paramount in ensuring Australia has a strong and vibrant cotton sector and attracts the best minds to help further our industry.

“There was strong competition for the undergraduate scholarships which covered event, accommodation and some travel costs, and that’s a strong indication that there is an interest from the next gen to become our future skilled workforce.

“We aim to further their knowledge and understanding of cotton whilst learning about the variety of career opportunities within the cotton industry.”

The Cotton Conference from August 6-8, brings together new and experienced farmers, agronomists and researchers, brands and marketers, students and educators, supply chain partners, industry groups and cotton supporters.

“Together we will explore a wide range of issues, ideas and opportunities from a variety of standpoints. They will walk away informed, challenged, inspired and motivated to do their bit for the future of the Australian cotton industry,” Jenny said.

Cotton Australia's Education Manager, Jenny Hughes with some of the undergraduate students who recieved scholarships to attend the Australian Cotton Conference.
Cotton Australia's Education Manager, Jenny Hughes (bottom left) with some of the undergraduate students who received scholarships to attend the Australian Cotton Conference.

Latest News

May 01, 2025

A Win for Make the Label Count and the Natural Fibres Industry in the EU

Thanks to a coordinated voice from natural fibre industries via...

May 01, 2025

Goondiwindi Educators Take Part in 'Teach the Teacher'

Fifteen teachers from schools across the Goondiwindi region recently took...

May 01, 2025

Cotton Australia wraps up a successful Sydney Royal Easter Show

Cotton Australia has wrapped up another strong showing at the...

May 01, 2025

Ministerial Meeting on Border Rivers Overland Flow licences

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray and Border Rivers Food...

Apr 29, 2025

Young grower using social media to showcase Ag Careers

A young Goondiwindi agronomist and cotton grower is using social...

Apr 22, 2025

Cotton Australia returns Pick N Match in response to picker shortage

Cotton Australia is calling on cotton picker owners, whether they...