Farmworks Narrogin headed to the Gold Coast after being nominated for AgSafe industry awards

Narrogin Farmworks has been recognised for its commitment to safety with branch manager Ashley Wilkins headed to the Gold Coast later this month for the 2023 AgSafe industry conference where the independent rural retailer has been nominated for a safety award. “We were absolutely thrilled to receive the nomination for the award, we couldn’t be prouder — it’s been a full branch effort,” Mr Wilkins said. “Four out of the five finalists for the award are from WA and they are to be congratulated as well. “WA is setting the standard for safety in the agricultural sector and we congratulate all the stores that have nominated.” The Narrogin agriculture supply business has been nominated for outstanding premises exhibiting safety and stewardship. “We’re just trying to do what we can to keep safety at the forefront,” Mr Wilkins said. “A lot of it is common sense and communication.” At the invitation of Mr Wilkins, Narrogin Volunteer Fire and Rescue and DFES personnel visited Farmworks to undertake an evening of training on July 13 to familiarise themselves with the types of hazardous materials they could encounter in an emergency situation involving agricultural chemicals. “We started with a welcome barbecue before doing an induction and going for a walkthrough,” Mr Wilkins said. “Adam Whitford the DEFES area officer gave the volunteers instruction on what to look out for and what to do in case of emergency. “It was a real joint effort to kind of upskill everyone and I think a lot of the volunteers went away more confident.” Mr Wilkins said that during his time working in agriculture, he has seen safety improve across the industry. “We want to be as safe as possible as we can be here for our staff and customers on the farm and in the store — our number one priority is to make sure that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day,” he said. “Meeting with the volunteers, catching up with the community members involved, people from the local footy team, workers at the local school, the shire, it’s quite rewarding that we can have these relationships in country towns. “I highly encourage businesses to jump on board and welcome the volunteers and emergency services to visit and to go through everything and work with them.”