ABOUT US

AusChem was initially established in the late 1980s as an industry initiative, and eventually transitioned to become AusChem Training Ltd. AusChem is a Registered Charity and not-for-profit company, controlled by a Board, with representatives from various stakeholder groups, and connections to the Victorian Farmers Federation.

AusChem has a broad charter to support, encourage and promote training and accreditation in the safe, effective, and efficient use of AgVet Chemicals.

Over 120,000 people have been trained in AusChem courses throughout Australia.

Our Mission

To facilitate relevant, quality delivery of training in AgVet Chemical use and management.

The AgVet chemical course

The first “Farm Chemical Users Course” was delivered in 1989.

The course has provided the level of training needed by producers to make sure to understand the requirements to use agricultural and veterinary chemicals safely and effectively. The course also encourages people to think about using alternatives to chemicals in their production systems by taking a risk management approach, as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program.

This course has become the industry standard for AgVet chemical training and provides the necessary outcomes for participation in most of the industry quality assurance programs including GrainCare, CattleCare, FlockCare, FreshCare and MilkCare.

AusChem Training

Objectives

  1. To identify AgVet Chemical use and management training needs of the market, chemical users and training providers.
  2. To provide information and knowledge to support training in AgVet Chemical use to meet market and training provider needs.
  3. To ensure the quality standards for delivery of AgVet Chemical use and management training and assessment are met.
  4. To develop AusChem as an organisation at state and national level whose leadership is respected, and which demonstrates good corporate governance.

Outcomes

  • Responsible use and management of AgVet Chemicals.
  • Further enhancement of attitudes and behaviours toward AgVet Chemical use, management and training.
  • Knowledge updated in management of risks.
  • Increased awareness of availability of AgVet Chemical training.
  • AgVet Chemical training and resources are relevant, adaptable and responsive to needs.
  • Confidence to apply chemicals in a practical situation.

BOARD PROFILES

Rob McRae

Chairman, Director

David Phillips

Director

Nick Wachsmann

Director

Chris Wyhoon

Director

Dan Austin

Company Secretary

Richard Franklin

Professor – James Cook University
Treasurer

Dr Jacquie Cotton

BSc(AnimSc) (Hons), GCertHighEd, PhD, Vice Chair

Jenni Uliando

Office Manager