Community must support Agfest volunteers

The much-anticipated agriculture and machinery field day event runs for three days a year, but hardworking volunteers spend countless hours organising and preparing in the lead up.

The Agfest Committee is made up of about 60 volunteers who are members of Rural Youth Tasmania, a self -funded organisation that relies on profits from the event to continue its work.

For many, Agfest and rainy weather go hand in hand, but that doesn’t seem to stop patrons from putting on their gumboots and braving the muddy walkways.

The program has been running for more than 35 years, and each year, tens of thousands of people continue to walk through the gates at Quercus Park.

Last year alone, 62,787 people attended across the three days and this year is expected to be even better with some positive changes to the usual program.

Agfest also hosts a charity organisation, giving them a free site at the event. 

This year drug and alcohol early intervention and education organisation Teen Challenge Tasmania has been chosen, which received mixed feedback from the public.

But Agfest chairman Owen Woolley said the organisation aligned with the event’s goals to support young people.

That support needs to be echoed by the community and shown through ticket sales.

The dedication and commitment of the young volunteers, and their support for other youths, must be encouraged and that is why The Examiner will be setting up at this year’s event.

During the three days community groups and emergency service volunteers also pitch in to help Agfest run smoothly. 

It’s a testament to our community spirit and the public’s ability to band together and put in the hard yards to promote our great state and its key industries. 

In particular, it’s a chance to shine a light on our agricultural industries and our unique Tasmanian brands.

Whether you are a farmer or not, the industry is likely to impact you in one way or another.

From the food you eat to the wine you drink, farmers and producers are an integral part of our state’s economy.

That is why agricultural events like Agfest should not only be supported, but enjoyed by all Tasmanians.