Kate Bucknell relishing role as Rural Youth CEO

Rural Youth CEO Kate Bucknell started her new role the same week as Agfest, the organisation’s flagship event and the largest annual event in Tasmania.

She previously worked for JCP Youth and held management roles at several different hotels before taking on the Rural Youth position.

Ms Bucknell said starting during Agfest was a baptism of fire.

“However, it was a really great opportunity to meet all the young members involved in Agfest, as well as the stakeholders, sponsors and partners of the event that we rely on to run it,” she said.

“I remembered a lot of names in that week.”

Agfest is almost entirely volunteer-run and is estimated to inject around $25 million into Tasmania’s economy.

“Starting as a CEO, the core of what I do is to build really strong relationships,” Ms Bucknell said.

“At the heart of the organisation are young members, and we think about what we can do to benefit them.

“For me, relationships, trust, respect and transparency are always really key for that initial building.”

With 200 members across 12 different clubs scattered across the state, Ms Bucknell said the premise of Rural Youth was to connect, celebrate and develop young people.

“They are looking for connection in a time where we have phones and social media,” she said.

“Agfest is hard work, but these people gain skills and friendships, and have experiences that stay with them for a long time.

“But these young people are also doing cool things in their community.

“Having been around for 75 years, Rural Youth have past members who are incredible people who have done incredible things.”

Rural Youth has a strategic plan that runs through until the end of this year.

“That is really focused around financial sustainability and the success of Agfest,” Ms Bucknell said.

“Our vision for Quercus Park is for it to be a venue that can be used for incredible events.

“Any money that is raised out of income from the site is reinvested back into young people.

“It’s a really important social enterprise that gives back.”

Party in the Paddock is the other major event apart from Agfest that takes place at Quercus Park.

The site has a new shed and fire hydrant system that was recently installed.

Ms Bucknell said that Rural Youth was a wide-encompassing organisation.

“An experience with the organisation and the club can look different for anyone.

“You can come for a social connection or get fully involved and become a club president.

“You can take advantage of our international study tours or take part in our young farmer competition.

“There’s something for everyone.”