How to run a local MTG course in your region

In order to run a regional MTG course there must be a host organisation who can support regional coordinators. In additional to overseeing the selection of participants, venues, local presenters and other aspects the coordinators must ensure the program tackles the issues and topics important to the participants and the region.

The first step.

If you are interested in seeing a MTG course run in your area contact Rowan Reid to discuss possible arrangements and plan the course development. Quite often Rowan or some experienced in coordinating MTG courses will visit to meet with sponsoring organisations, course coordinators and key potential participants.

For a comprehensive guide to running a MTG program download the following report:

Who are the Australian Master TreeGrowers?: Guidelines for the development and delivery of regional Australian Master TreeGrower courses.

What the University provides

The national MTG program provide the following support for each regional MTG course:

1. THe time and travel costs for Melbourne University staff involved in the planning and delivery of each course. Rowan Reid usually attends 3 of the 8 days and delivers presentations and practical sessions on design, measurement, management and economics.

2. Hats, measurement tapes, books, gate signs and certificates for all participants.

3. The time and travel costs associated with the involvement of special expert presenters (scientists and leading farmers) from outside the region if required.

4. A commitment to underwrite the program and contribute additional support if required due to unforeseen or special circumstances.

The contribution of the National MTG program towards each regional course is estimated to be around $8000.

What the Regional groups must provide

The regions must provide local coordination of the course. This is usually managed by a team representing the major organisations and community groups that are supporting the program. Often one or two people are given the job of organising the participants, venues, transport and other logistics.

We estimate the to deliver an 8-day MTG course requires the equivalent of a half time coordinator for a period of at least 3 months. Local organisation also tend to contribute office, postage, copying and other facilities.

Participant Costs

Participants usually pay a fee which stays in the region to cover local costs such as venue hire, travel and food. This is commonly set at around $100 per farm family. If the participants are asked to contribute to the costs of coordination a higher fee may be set and arrangements made for partial refunds through government programs like FarmBIS.

Sponsors

In every region many organisations support the program by providing presenters, site visits, venues or even contributing to the costs. This support is highly valued and recongised where possible.