An Overview of the MTG Program

Each course is run as a partnership between the University of Melbourne's School of Resource Management, local regional coordinating groups and the landholders. More than 20 local, regional and nationally recognised presenters help deliver each course. The participants are given the opportunity to help plan the course on the first day and share their own experience and expertise.

This is not an introductory course in tree growing for novices. The MTG is a serious and carefully targeted adult education program for farmers and those who work with them. The program recognises the importance of the local experience and expertise held by landholders. Expert presenters are asked to engage with the participants in discussion and debate.

If farmers are to take responsibility for the design and development of their forests on their land, then research, education and promotion needs to focus on the requirements of farmers, their opportunities and their performance criteria within their social, economic and environmental circumstances.

The job of coordinating a regional MTG course is a large responsibility. It is time consuming but ultimately very fulfilling. Coordinators are usually employed by a local agency or non-government organisation although some courses have been run by farmers themselves with sponsorship from regional organisations.

How to run an MTG short course.