SHEEPVENTION Rural Expo has announced that Leila McDougall will officially open this year’s event, with an interactive Q&A session facilitated by South West TAFE.

McDougall wrote, produced and starred in the recently premiered, ‘Just A Farmer’ movie, which centres on the resilience of farmers, their partners, and community in the face of adversity.

McDougall said she is excited to open the event, having attended for many years prior.

South West TAFE, a key sponsor of the event, will facilitate the session in the form of a Q&A.

Chief executive, Mark Fidge said South West TAFE was thrilled to be supporting this year’s Sheepvention in such a dynamic way.

“Leila has a great story of persistence and passion and her film, ‘Just a Farmer’ raises awareness of mental health and resilience in rural communities,” he said.

“It’s great to be able to help share this message with the Sheepvention and Hamilton community.”

Mr Fidge said South West TAFE had been involved with Sheepvention for many years and remained committed to supporting the Hamilton community and helping to train the region’s future workforce.

“We have courses in agriculture, wool classing, health, nursing, early childhood education, VCE programs and many more for people to choose from in Hamilton,” he said.

“People interested in training can come and visit us in the Producers Market at Sheepvention to talk to our team about different options available.”

Sheepvention president, David Botterill said, “We are thrilled to have Leila McDougall open this year’s Sheepvention Rural Expo, her extensive background and passion for agricultural industry and the challenges which can be faced make her an ideal speaker to kick off our event.

The opening event is expected to draw a large crowd, eager to hear from one of the industry’s most respected voices and will take place on Sunday, August 4 at 12:30pm in the Ram Shed.