Welcome to our Facilitators page, where you’ll meet the dedicated professionals who bring years of expertise and industry knowledge to Agsafe's training programs. Our facilitators are leaders in agricultural chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response, with real-world experience in a variety of sectors. They’re committed to providing the highest quality training, ensuring that AgVet professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle chemicals safely and responsibly.

Blake Basell | Western Australia

Blake has over 20 years of experience in the agriculture, warehousing, and logistics industry, with a strong focus on safety management, emergency response, and training. He spent 10 years working with one of WA’s largest agricultural resellers and another 10 years with Nufarm Australia, where he served as State Logistics Manager. Blake’s expertise also includes managing Dangerous Goods compliance and training for a national transport company.

Michael Schaefer | Victoria and Riverina

Michael has been involved in agriculture his entire life, growing up on a farm in WA and completing a Diploma in Farm Management and a Degree in Agricultural Science. He has taught agriculture since 1992 and was the Executive Manager of AusChem Training for 10 years until mid-2019. Michael specialises in the safe and effective use of AgVet chemicals and is dedicated to ensuring industry compliance through education.

Wayne Sear | National QA Coordinator | Tasmania

Wayne's key areas of expertise include Workplace Health and Safety and product stewardship, as well as production and regulatory affairs. As the General Manager of Barmac, Wayne managed both production and storage facilities for agricultural chemicals and fertilisers. He also delivered in-house Agsafe training during his tenure. Wayne holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Chemistry and is a dedicated facilitator who ensures compliance and safety across the agricultural chemical sector.

Stephen Wentworth | Southern/Western New South Wales and Northern Territory

Stephen brings over 20 years of experience in the agribusiness sector, having worked as a consulting agronomist and research manager. He has held senior roles across New South Wales, South Australia, and globally as a research manager for a leading provider of agricultural market research. Stephen holds a Master of Science in Agriculture (Research Agronomy) and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, both from the University of Sydney, and a Graduate Certificate in Regional Development from the University of Western Australia.

Colin West | Northern New South Wales

Colin brings over 40 years of experience in agricultural and regulatory roles. He started his career in a family farming partnership before transitioning to technical and agronomy roles with Schering AG and Elders. He then spent over two decades as a Dangerous Goods Inspector with WorkCover NSW (now Safe Work NSW). Colin holds a Diploma of Applied Science in Agriculture, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Meet our AgVet training experts