I grew up on a wheat & sheep farm in the Central Wheatbelt (Bruce Rock, WA). My parents Ken & Andrea, are actively involved with IRE and have hosted many trainees from several different countries over the years.
In 1998, I attended Curtin University and acquired my Bachelor in Commerce, majoring in Finance and Marketing. Whilst there, I also worked part time in the IRE office. My fiancé Ewan & I then travelled and worked on farms in Canada in 2001 which was such an amazing experience. We then toured Europe visiting friends and past trainees to Australia.
On returning home, I worked in an accounting firm and resumed to work part time in the IRE office. As well as the day to day running of IRE, I took a supervisor role, coordinated seminars and was a member of the ACW Board. I was appointed IRE's National Coordinator in April 2004. I am now running the program with Ewan from his wheat and sheep farm in Wyalkatchem (180km east of Perth).

I grew up on a broad acre wheat and sheep farm in Wyalkatchem. After school, I went to Agricultural College, had time on our farm and also others with roustabouting and muelsing and drove trucks for transport and mining companies.

I went away as a trainee with IRE to Canada and Sweden in 1996 to crop and dairy farms. On my return I became involved with IRE and helped with seminars, became a Supervisor and was a member of the ACW Board. I travelled back to Canada and Europe with Tanya in 2001.

I farm wheat and sheep on the family farm in Wyalkatchem and am actively involved with IRE, assisting Tanya in all facets of the IRE program.

The ACW (inc) Board
IRE's parent association
The ACW (inc) Board consist of 9 WA based primary producers. ACW Board Members are hosts in a variety of industries, supervisors, past trainees and experienced in policy and setting the guidelines and direction to operate an international program. The ACW Board meet quarterly to oversee the operation and direction of the IRE. The ACW Board appoint and support a National Coordinator to operate the IRE program. Board Members are elected for 3 year terms at the annual general meeting.

IRE's volunteer network
Past trainees & hosts across Australia help deliver the IRE program. These volunteers are committed to youth having these fantastic opportunities offered by IRE. Volunteers give information & conduct interviews for applicants going OS, help run orientation seminars for trainees into Australia & make supervision visits to hosts and trainees. Their efforts keep the program going, offer many new ideas and enthuse new participants.

IRE's overseas network
IRE is part of a worldwide network of specialist rural exchange providers. IRE works with 32 partners to provide opportunites for youth worldwide. To see more detail check out our partners on the coming to Australia page.