Meet the Team

Kayla joined the AgCAREERSTART team in January 2022 to spearhead the AgCAREERSTART program as Project Manager. She oversees the delivery of the gap-year program and is passionate about improving the pathways available to young people entering agriculture. Originally from a family beef and cropping farm in QLD, Kayla has run several agricultural careers, education, and capacity building projects in Western Australia for organisations such as the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia. Kayla also runs her own agriculture podcast for youth and won Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year – Agriculture in 2020. Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn.

Stef joined the AgCAREERSTART team in January 2022 as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Stef is who you will speak to when you first apply to the program and during the farm matching stage. Stef also conducts regular check ins with participants when they arrive on farm to make sure that they are having a good experience. Stef is passionate about encouraging young people into the agricultural sector due to the amazing range of career opportunities available. Stef is always more than happy to chat and encourages you to reach out with any questions that you might have. Stef comes from a family dairy farm in Southwest Victoria and has worked in legal and agricultural roles prior to joining the AgCAREERSTART team. Connect with Stef on LinkedIn.

Chloe studied a Bachelor of Animal Science at The University of Adelaide before spending two years as a Jillaroo in the Flinders Ranges, SA. She has travelled across Northern SA and Western NSW as a contract musterer and prior to her AgCAREERSTART role, Chloe was working as a senior station hand on the 280,000-acre merino sheep property in Hay, NSW. Chloe understands on-farm roles and the challenges associated with farm life. As the Training and Career Development Coordinator for the AgCAREERSTART program, Chloe is responsible for researching and accessing training opportunities for our participants to upskill themselves whilst completing their gap-year program. Connect with Chloe on LinkedIn.

Haylee is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England. During her studies, she has spent time as a bug checker on the Liverpool Plains, a sample stand attendant during harvest on the Queensland border, and an Events Coordinator for a rural events company. Before commencing her role with AgCAREERSTART, she worked in student recruitment at the University of New England. Haylee is passionate about promoting the diversity of roles in Agriculture. As the Outbound Project Officer for AgCAREERSTART, Haylee develops strong relationships with schools to attract participants to the program and ensures that prospective participants have all the information they need. Connect with Haylee on LinkedIn.