Our Recipients 

I attended the Shipboard Stockperson Training Course, held in Fremantle from 19-22 April 2016 at the Tradewinds Hotel, with the generous assistance of the Connellan Airways Trust. The course is part of a certification program for people responsible for the care of livestock exported by sea. This certification allows the attendee to travel on board with the livestock as they are exported from Australia to another country. It covered all aspects of shipboard care and management of livestock with an emphasis on cattle and sheep. It was a very busy four days with theory sessions in the class room combined with practical sessions at export facilities on animal handling, restraint and treatment. At every stage of the preparation of livestock, their loading and the sea voyage, animal welfare is at the forefront. Also worth noting is the exposure to the on board management of the livestock that we received, such as administering medications, antibiotics and identifying potential outbreaks of disease. We were trained in performing autopsies on livestock and shown what to identify to confirm cause of death. There were 22 participants, ranging from trainee vets, Government employees and stock persons, like myself. I sincerely thank the Connellan Airways Trust for their assistance with flights and accommodation, which enabled me to attend this very interesting and valuable course.