09/10/2026
BIG DREAMS. BOLD FUTURES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.
Defying The Drift in action — and what an inspiring story to share!
Our Colac Otway Rotary Club meeting was filled with pride, inspiration and a glimpse into the exciting future of agriculture when we welcomed three outstanding young women who recently participated in the Defying the Drift program at Longerenong Agricultural College.
Veronica and Matilda from Colac Secondary College, and Anna from Trinity College, shared their experiences with our members, speaking passionately about their discoveries, their dreams and their aspirations for the future.
And their message was loud and clear — this program opened their eyes to a world of opportunities they never knew existed!
From visits to NuFarm, Crop Opti and Barton Station, to hearing from inspirational speakers David “DJ” Jochinka and James, a former Defying the Drift participant, the girls were immersed in the incredible diversity of career pathways available across modern agriculture.
One standout example? A female beekeeper demonstrating that agriculture is full of unexpected opportunities, breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation.
These young women were blown away by just how many possibilities there are — far beyond what many people might traditionally imagine when they think of agriculture. From innovation and technology to hands-on farming and specialised careers, their horizons have expanded, and their ambitions have room to grow!
But perhaps the most touching part of the evening was their heartfelt gratitude.
All three girls spoke warmly about how thankful they were to Colac Otway Rotary Club for making this opportunity possible, with special recognition for our Youth Director, Jackie Beckmann, whose instrumental work and commitment have helped bring this wonderful initiative to life.
Jackie, your dedication is helping create experiences that can genuinely change the way young people see their future. And that is something worth celebrating!
We also heard from Fiona Chambers of Defying the Drift, who shared an extraordinary milestone: 380 participants have now experienced this program!
Think about that for a moment — 380 young people exposed to new ideas, introduced to inspiring role models and encouraged to imagine a future filled with possibilities.
That is the power of Rotary in action. Not just opening doors, but helping young people discover doors they never knew were there.
Three young women. Countless possibilities. One program helping shape the future of agriculture.
At Colac Otway Rotary, we believe investing in young people is investing in our future. Hearing Veronica, Matilda and Anna share their stories reminded us exactly why programs like Defying the Drift matter so much.
Who knows where their journeys will lead? One thing is certain — their futures are looking a whole lot bigger!
Congratulations to Veronica, Matilda and Anna, thank you to Fiona Chambers, and a huge shout-out to Jackie Beckmann and everyone who makes this remarkable program possible.
Rotary doesn’t just dream of a better future — we help the next generation grow it.
Defying the Drift is a Rotary initiative that inspires young people from rural communities to explore the diverse career opportunities in agriculture and discover pathways to exciting futures they may never have considered.
