March 20th, 2026Southern Otways Master TreeGrower course
Learn how to manage trees and shrubs for conservation and profit at the Southern Otways Master TreeGrower course
Want to grow and manage trees for multiple outcomes such as fire prevention, shelter, profit, conservation, or carbon but don’t know where to begin? Would you like to know how vegetation can be used to increase productivity and diversify income with products like sawlogs, native cut flowers, firewood or even shiitake mushrooms and truffles?
The Master TreeGrower course was developed by Forest Scientist and Otway local Rowan Reid in 1996. The course has been delivered around Australia and overseas involving more than 2500 participants. Mr Reid’s passion for agroforestry led him to establish the Australian Agroforestry Foundation (AAF). The AAF is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing education and extension support to help farmers, and their supporters, develop and sustain ‘forests’ within the Australian agricultural landscape that reflect their interests and aspirations through their involvement with the Otway Agroforestry Network (OAN) and the Australian Master TreeGrower Program (MTG).
“The Master TreeGrower course is about empowering the local community and land managers to make informed decisions by exploring the possibilities and markets that exist around trees, and applying the information gained from experts, peers and other participants to meet their own aspirations,” course co-coordinator Becky McCann said.“Information sharing is key, and the course encourages questions, discussion and experiential learning. The course is suitable for beginners through to more experienced growers.
Hosted by the Southern Otway Landcare Network in partnership with the Otway Agroforestry Network (OAN), the eight-day course kicks off with a free information day and farm walk on Friday 1st May in Apollo Bay.
“The introductory session introduces agroforestry and highlights the endless possibilities and benefits trees, and tree products offer. If people like what they see on the 1st May, they can register to undertake the eight-day course to become a Master Tree Grower in their own right. You do not have to own land to participate and to gain some great skills,” said Ms McCann.
The Apollo Bay-based course will run throughout winter, shifting throughout the Southern Otway region and driven by participant needs and interests. Topics include growing trees to produce products and services; thinning and pruning; maximising productivity through shade and shelter; carbon and biodiversity; measuring trees and products; choosing species; accessing markets; property planning and revegetation design.
The MTG course is funded by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Diverse Farms, Resilient Catchments project, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Southern Otway Landcare Network Master TreeGrower Course FREE Introductory Session
Friday 1st May, 9:30am – 4pm (includes lunch and snacks).
Apollo Bay (address to be provided upon RSVP).
An opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ –
see what it’s all about before committing to the 8-day course.
Afternoon walk with landholder, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing as it may be wet and or hilly terrain.
Course cost: $440 plus OAN membership ($88).
Student / Financial hardship cost: $220 plus OAN membership ($88).
Couple cost: $660 plus OAN membership ($88).
All welcome! You do not have to have land to do this course and gain some great skills.
RSVP for the Free Introductory Day with any dietary requirements by Friday 24 April.
For more information and to RSVP, contact:
Southern Otway Landcare Network: Abby Imhoff, abby.landcare.soln.org, (03) 5218 8011
Otway Agroforestry Network: Becky McCann, mtg@oan.oan.org.au,
