New Agfest chair Jesse MacDonald builds relationships

Life before Rural Youth was pretty quiet for Westbury builder Jesse MacDonald.

The 29-year-old admits he was prone to being quiet, reserved and lacking interests outside work.

But for the the past six years he’s been immersed in the incredible organisation that runs the Agfest field days, and has recently taken over from outgoing Agfest chair Dylan Bellchambers to fill the high-pressure role for the next two years.

Having been vice-chair last year he knows what he’s in for, but said he loves a challenge and is not scared to put his problem-solving skills to the test.

Although few jobs would top the nerves of steel required for the four-year stint he held as assistant and then chief traffic co-ordinator for Agfest.

The people, logistics and infrastructure required to move up to 60,000 visitors and 700 exhibitors in and out of the Quercus Park site at Carrick is mind-boggling.

Jesse first became involved in Rural Youth when he was 23, and was looking for something meaningful to do other than work

“I didn’t even know Rural Youth existed, but I went to a party with a friend of a friend and there were quite a few members there who I started talking to,” he said..

“They asked me to come along and join in some working bees and check it out and the whole concept scared me a lot - but I wanted to get outside my comfort zone and meet new people. 

“I showed up for some working bees and then it was close to Agfest time so I became involved with that - I was happy to help wherever I could.

“It’s been a great opportunity and anyone here now would say how much I’ve come out of my shell since joining Rural Youth.”

Even with a trade behind him, which comes in handy during working bees and other projects, Jesse has been able to improve his skill set and achieve his elevated work platform licence, chainsaw ticket and various other qualifications through the organisation.

Just as important has been the opportunity to grow on a personal and professional level and demonstrate teamwork and leadership.

Heading up the Agfest committee and its many volunteers is an opportunity that Jesse is grateful to have.

“I’ve got a good team around me, including vice chair Sam Tolman, and I’ve had the opportunity to see how others have handled the role but sometimes you want to do things your own way,” he said.

“There’s a few things in the pipeline to further improve Agfest but right now we’re concentrating on site allocation, with applications closing soon on October 15.

“We want to organise more training for members and make sure they’re well looked after too - they put in so much work.”

Jesse reckons he’ll always be there for Rural Youth, even after the cut-off age of 30 next year.

“They’re such a great bunch of people - I’d always pick up the phone if they needed a hand.”