‘GOLDEN STENCIL’
The 2018 winner of the ‘Golden Stencil’ and $500 prize money is Matilda Scott from Conara in Tasmania. Ms Scott is a graduate of TAS TAFE and trained by Evelyn Archer.
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The 2018 AWEX/TAFE National Graduate Wool Classer Competition was held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Wednesday, March 28.
The aim of the competition is to recognise excellence in wool classing and education and to lift the profile of wool classing as a profession and career opportunity.
Second place and ‘Silver Stencil’ ($300) was won by Josie Post of Wuddina, SA; and third place ($200) ‘Bronze Stencil’ was won by Sophie Watson of Kentucky, NSW.
The other finalists on the day included Lena Price of Pyramul, NSW; Harry Kemp of Binnaway, NSW; Jack Finch of Forbes, NSW; and Tom Hurley of Boorowa, NSW
“The competition (the seventh) showcases the best of wool classing and is a platform for new and emerging wool classers,” said Mark Grave, chief executive of the Australian Wool Exchange.
“What is particularly pleasing is that we have some very talented – and younger – people coming into the industry. This is something we should celebrate.”
All finalists completed the tasks of classing crossbred, medium merino and fine merino wool as well as exercises in AWEX-ID, valuation and an oral presentation to the judges.
Ms Scott demonstrated an all-round ability to class wool and perform under the unique pressured environment of the competition.
“TAFE organisations across the country nominate their best graduate from the previous year,” Mr Grave said.
“To be nominated is an honour that has been earned and they are to be congratulated on achieving this recognition. In many ways, this is as good as a job interview for prospective industry personnel.”
TAS TAFE and Evelyn Archer received the 12th Dennis Teasdale Perpetual Trophy, which is awarded to the training organisation and trainer of the competition winner.
The judges of this year’s competition were: Simon Hogan of Elders Limited; John Mills of NSW TAFE; and Bob Mead, AWEX.