GEELONG was, for many years, the self-claimed wool capital of the south.

But it took a hit in 2008 when the Gordon Wool School shut its wool classing and wool handling courses.

Now, Stuart Macpherson, the last of the Gordon's lecturers, said there was renewed hope for locals aspiring to a life in the shearing shed.

Stuart said South West TAFE, which runs training courses in wool and shearing at its Hamilton campus, is now providing night courses at Geelong.

This is courtesy of the Marcus Oldham facilities at Waurn Ponds.

For more details, phone Stuart on 0429 962 078.

Push on costs

IN an effort to cut costs, AWEX is considering contracting its electronic data information network to the Australian Wool Testing Authority.

Currently, the wool industry has three EDI networks - AWEX, AWTA and Australian Wool Handlers.

These networks transfer data including test results, sale catalogues and sale results, between brokers and exporters.

Chief executive Mark Grave said the time had come for AWEX to decide between a costly upgrade or consider an offer to use AWTA's network.

AWTA claims their option was preferable and would result in substantial savings all round.

Tough job

ONE of the toughest jobs going in wool at the moment would have to be the one of general manager of research and development at Australian Wool Innovation, which was advertised last week.

The R&D job has been a poison chalice since AWI's inception in 2001 with several unhappy exits.

Nevertheless, it is a demanding job.

AWI is looking for a candidate with a scientific background and post-graduate qualifications to take charge of on-farm and off-farm research projects worth $20 million.

No details are provided of a likely remuneration, although C&C hears that one of the perks will include plenty of free advice.