From 1916 the Hawkesbury Agricultural College provided training for returned soldiers as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme in NSW. The following excerpts from HAC annual reports provide some context to this arrangement.
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Arrangements were made between the War Council and the Department of Agriculture to give returned soldiers the opportunity of gaining experience in light avocations on the farm, in the garden, orchard, dairy, piggery, or poultry sections.

The term is three months. Fifteen soldiers have taken advantage of this, and eight have pursued this course of training. Many of them are maimed and injured to such a degree that it is impossible for them to pursue occupations incurring strenuous labour. So far the system followed has proved very successful.

The soldiers and students exhibit a feeling of comradeship which is highly gratifying, and the soldiers are taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded them in this training for light avocations on the land.
[Annual Report – Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) – 1916 (p.88, ref. AI-42139)]
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The War Council continues to send to the College for training a number of returned soldiers, many of whom are maimed and injured as a result of their self-sacrificing efforts in the present war. So far 32 have received training over a period averaging three months' duration. Eight soldiers are at present in residence. The most competent have been supplied gratuitously when leaving with eggs and high grade poultry, and, in some instances, with material. This assistance has been accepted by the men in the most grateful spirit. It is a pleasure to add that their conduct throughout has been most admirable.
[Annual Report – Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) – 1917 (p.60, ref. AI-42140)]
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During the year there has been a continuous stream of returned soldiers entering the College, to whom were allotted 50 bedrooms. These returned men of all ranks, as they are discharged, are granted six months' training in any section to which their physical capacity and temperament suit them, free of charge.

By this means we are enabled to discover the class of avocation the men are most likely to be successful in, and to direct their training in such a manner as to ensure their success after settling down on the blocks allotted to them.

It is pleasing to note that an excellent esprit de corps exists amongst the returned soldier students. They have exhibited a keen and intelligent interest in their training, and fully justify the interest being taken in their welfare.

At the conclusion of war I may be permitted to finally record our thanks and high appreciation of the efforts of the members of the staff in every section for loyal and strenuous service. Adverse conditions have been faced in the most cheerful manner.
[Annual Report – Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) – 1919 (p.55, ref. AI-42142)]
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