Rossi is supporting WA shearing teams through the Beyond the Shed program, providing 25 pairs of work boots and 75 collared work shirts for participants going above and beyond in their training. 

Rossi work boots and work shirts will support some shearing team staff as they take on training and other work opportunities during quieter periods in the shearing season.

For people who spend much of their working year in the shearing shed, stepping into other agricultural or regional work can mean needing different equipment, including steel-cap boots and collared work shirts.

The Rossi contribution will support training participants who go ‘Above and Beyond’, with a participant who has made the most of the opportunities available through Beyond the Shed receiving a pair of Rossi work boots and a collared work shirt.

The first recipient is long-time shearer Noel White, who has been shearing since he was 20.

During a quieter period in shearing, Noel completed five training courses through Beyond the Shed: Front End Loader, Excavator, Working at Heights, White Card and Confined Spaces.

Now back shearing, Noel has the additional tickets he needs to take on casual work during future quieter periods.

WASIA Executive Officer Valerie Pretzel noted that this recognition honors the commitment and positive mindset participants bring to the program.

“Participants in Beyond The Shed are taking proactive steps to expand their skills, opening doors to more year-round work opportunities,” Ms Pretzel said.

“Acknowledging participants like Noel allows us to highlight individuals who go the extra mile by embracing new skills and preparing for steady employment throughout the year.”

“The gear provided by Rossi Boots serves as meaningful appreciation for participants who demonstrate the determination, initiative, and strong work ethic characteristic of the shearing community.”

Beyond the Shed is an industry-led program delivered by the Western Australian Shearing Industry Association (WASIA), helping shearing contractors and their teams build on the skills they already have and access more work throughout the year.

The program supports training in areas including fencing, machinery operation, livestock handling, transport and general farm work. It also helps connect participants with seasonal and short-term work with other businesses and industries in their local communities and regions.

The aim is not to move people away from shearing. It is about helping shearing teams do more throughout the year, while keeping skilled workers, businesses and families connected to regional communities.

The program now has more than 40 shearing contractors and hundreds of shearing team workers involved across WA.

Communities Passing On Work Gear

In addition to the support from Rossi, Beyond the Shed has received strong community support through its Boots on the Ground campaign.

Running through to the end of October, the campaign is collecting quality workwear to help equip Beyond the Shed participants as they undertake training and look for additional seasonal work opportunities across regional Western Australia.

Local businesses and community members can support the campaign by contributing clean, durable and functional workwear. Items are distributed directly to Beyond the Shed participants to help them prepare for training and step into additional work opportunities with the right equipment.

Workwear can be dropped off at:

• Northam Chamber of Commerce
• Elders Esperance
• Williams Community Resource Centre
• Lake Grace Community Resource Centre
• West Arthur Community Resource Centre
• Wellstead Community Resource Centre
• Shire of Tammin Office, supported by Women in Farming Tammin
• Kondinin Community Resource Centre
• DPIRD Merredin, accepting items on behalf of MADFIG
  
  

Together, Rossi's contribution and the community support through Boots on the Ground are helping provide practical equipment for people building on their skills and taking on work beyond the shearing shed and season.