Elderslie High’s agriculture students experienced a memorable day when they recently welcomed ABC Radio host Craig Reucassel to their school.

Although Agriculture teacher Megan Atkinson was initially outbid in an on-air auction to win the visit from Mr Reucassel, he decided to come to the school anyway, where he shared his passion for sustainability with more than 100 eager students.

Mr Reucassel, who is also known for his work on programs like ‘The Chaser’ and ‘War on Waste’, captivated the students with his insights on recycling and sustainable practices, before embarking on a tour of the school farm.

Principal Jennifer Lawrence said agriculture was a source of pride at Elderslie High School and emphasised the broader impact of Mr Reucassel’s visit.

“As the school looks to the future, the excitement generated by Craig’s visit will undoubtedly inspire even greater commitment to sustainability initiatives among our students,” Ms Lawrence said.

“Beyond the obvious benefits to our students, Craig also spoke of his background as a graduate of a public school, demonstrating they too can achieve great success in their lives.

“This inspiration is crucial for our kids – after all, you can’t be what you can’t see.”

During the 30-minute visit, Mr Reucassel toured the school’s sustainable initiatives, which include a renovated mushroom cultivation room using recycled materials and water-saving measures, such as wicking beds, compost piles, and a thriving worm farm.

He also enjoyed interacting with the school's livestock - including poultry, goats, and beloved black-nosed sheep, ‘Smudge’.

Mr Reucassel was impressed by the school’s hatchery, where students explained how each year, Year 7 students raise a hatchling chick and monitor its growth throughout Term 1.

At the end of the visit, the school’s Agriculture students presented Mr Reucassel with a hamper filled with fresh produce from the school, including eggs, potatoes, youngberries, mushrooms, and a bottle of Elderflower cordial, made from the school’s Elderflower tree.

“It was wonderful to reward our hardworking Agriculture students with this event and have their work validated,” Ms Atkinson said.

“There was so much excitement both before and after his visit, and now they are eager to introduce even more sustainable initiatives.

“We were so lucky to have Craig visit – he’s such an inspiring man.”

Year 11 Agriculture student Charley Buckey was one of more than 100 students who had the opportunity to be part of Mr Reucassel’s visit to the school.

“It was very informative in terms of sustainability, and it was exciting to prepare the ag plot for Craig’s visit,” Charley said.

“We loved learning from his experience because he’s done so much around sustainability.”