EFFORTS are underway to revive the movement that served as a stepping stone for countless successful agribusiness and political careers last century and is credited with breaking down social and geographical barriers.
Rural Youth, which began as Junior Farmers in 1928, was a major force for young people in country Australia for decades and what it has to offer is as relevant as ever to today’s youth, according to those now at the helm of the NSW Rural Youth organisation.
At its peak, during the 1950s and ‘60s, there were more than 270 clubs in the State and more than 100,000 young people have been members.
The then NSW Department of Agriculture played a pivotal role and banks, farmer associations and other community groups backed the movement strongly through sponsorship.
But in the past two decades, the number of clubs in NSW has dwindled to just four: at Coraki and Kyogle on the North Coast, Bega on the South Coast and James Ruse Agriculture College in Sydney.
Tighter finances on farms, the increasing “time-poor” nature of families, a multitude of hobby and interest options for young people and technology bridging gaps are a few of the reasons put forward for the decline.
However, State secretary of NSW Rural Youth Marilyn Coles, Lismore, says there is still a big role for the movement to play in the development of young people – and not just for those from farms.
She said Junior Farmers, and then Rural Youth, had always been underpinned by a strong independent and democratic spirit and it had fostered self-reliance, responsibility and an ability to cope in young people.
Those traits, along with the enormous networking opportunities Rural Youth offers, are critical for today’s teenagers.
Mrs Cole said from public speaking and debating to the know-how of meeting procedures, to experience across everything from leading cattle and poultry breeding to cooking, leatherwork and art and craft, Rural Youth provided a smorgasbord of skills enhancement.
That’s why the State committee is going all out to create a resurgence in members.
The age for eligibility has been extended from eight to five-year-olds and members can be aged up to 30.
A $250 establishment fund, plus the offer of expertise from senior members travelling to bush towns, is available for areas looking to get a club off the ground.
School visits and internet promotion has shifted into top gear and a State Member Award has been launched with a trip to Tasmania to visit farms and other Rural Youth families as the prize.
Mrs Coles belongs to the 27-member Coraki club, which will host the State Conference in July next year.
She said both the Coraki and Kyogle club, which between them have 40 members, have been growing in size during the past few years as word of mouth about the great comradeship among members got out.
Mrs Coles has been involved with Rural Youth since she was eight years old and says it is ex-Rural Youth parents and grandparents who have memories of all it did for them driving the revival.
“I have friends all over the State from my time in Rural Youth,” she said.
“The Coraki club meets once a month and we do everything from field days on identifying weeds to raising money for charities.
“Rural Youth equips kids with the skills they need to get ahead in life.
“You don’t have to be from a farm to be involved. In fact, kids in towns probably need this most.
“Rural Youth gives young people a social network outside their normal circle of friends and acquaintances.
“It opens doors and provides valuable links within the various primary production industries.”
Click here to visit the NSW Rural Youth website, or Email or contact 0435 736 150.
Shan Goodwin
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
