Ongerup’s Taite O’Neill has been selected as top pick for Australia Wool Innovation Graduate Training Program

A Great Southern graduate is set to leave her home in Ongerup for Sydney after Australia Wool Innovation elected her as their top contender. Ongerup’s Taite O’Neill has been selected as the prime candidate for the Australia Wool Innovation Graduate Training Program on October 21 set to start in March 2025 in Sydney. Ms O’Neill said it was unbelievable. “It is not really real yet, my university exams are coming first,” she laughed. “It was pretty surreal because I found out in the middle of class and had to excuse myself when I read the email. “I just couldn’t believe it when I first heard.” The 21-year-old said she had grown up around sheep on her family’s Merino and crop farm which sparked her interest in wool production and inspired her to undertake further studies. Ms O’Neill is about to complete her final exams for her Bachelor of Agricultural Science double major in Animal Science and Crop and Pasture Science at Murdoch University. The graduate said her studies developed her interest in the production line outside the farm. “I’m excited to see every part of the supply chain,” she said. “Going to university opened my eyes to the next little step and the next as farming is an industry where we don’t see the product beyond the farm gates. “The prospect of exploring all aspects of the Australian wool industry and expanding my knowledge is incredibly exciting. “I am looking forward to learning as much about our supply chain as possible and fulfilling my desire to contribute to AWI’s vision.” In the program, Ms O’Neil will be exposed to on-farm research, processing innovation and education extension, global marketing, consultation and engagement, business services and two international rotations to gain global experience. AWI chief executive John Roberts said it was a competitive selection process. “Taite O’Neil was selected as the top candidate to take part in their 18-month program,” he said. “AWI saw a 22 per cent increase in applications this year, a clear indication of the passionate and enthusiastic young talent we have within the wool Industry. We look forward to having Taite on board. “It is a lengthy and rigorous selection process, with all short-listed candidates interviewed online.” The program’s 2023 graduates Kate Rice and Harrison Dunning have taken on new roles. Ms Rice has become the Stakeholder Communications Coordinator and Mr Dunning has joined the Global Sustainability Team for AWI.