UPDATE: CARLIE Harrington of Ballarat was re-elected president of the Victorian Young Farmers group at the weekend.
The club held its AGM at the weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
Ms Harrington is a member of the Dean/Newlyn VYF club and was the state president for the past year.
Early in her career she worked on potato and dairy farms and is now based at Landmark Ballarat working in administration and livestock.
“The VYF has proved over the years to be a vital, relevant and dynamic organisation with a very strong history of providing a social and educational outlet for its members. I have no doubt of the value of the VYF to Victoria’s rural youth and its importance in shaping and developing young leaders in the community,” Ms Harrington said.
Also elected to the State Council at the AGM were Lauren Miller from Nathalia as vice president; Ellen Grinter of Nathalia, Daniel Gardiner of Colac, Michelle Caccianiga of Nathalia, Kieran Torpy of Dean/Newlyn and Michelle Ryan of Nathalia.
Backing from the Victorian Government has ensured the revival of the young farmers’ movement in this state.
“I am confident that VYF will grow as a result of the four year funding agreement, we will see more clubs established and the development of young people in rural and regional areas,” Ms Harrington said.
After being in recess at state level for some years, the first task of the VYF State Council has been to ensure that best practice governance structures and processes are in place to support future growth.
With guidance from the Department of Primary Industries and through appointing The Royal Agricultural Society as secretariat, there is plenty of support for the new office bearers and the network of clubs.
Events which bring young farmers together for fun and learning are seen a central to the VYF program.
At the Royal Melbourne Show in September this year the inaugural Young Farmer Challenge was held. Four clubs provided representatives to compete in farming activities in front of the public. They were judged on quality and speed of completion.
Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Water, Peter Walsh, presented Dean/Newlyn VYF Club with their medallions. It is planned to hold an expanded Challenge at next year's Royal Melbourne Show and send the winning team to compete at national level in 2013.
- Registrations of interest in joining, starting a local club, attending a reunion or supporting the Victorian Young Farmers with volunteer mentoring can be made by contacting the VYF Executive Officer at the RASV on (03) 9281 7432 or emailing elizabeth.wharton@rasv.com.au
