Arabic version: شبكة الشباب الزراعي في وسط كوينزلاند تبني روابط في القطاع

According to ABC News, three central Queensland agriculture workers have formed Young Ag Network CQ to give young people in the industry opportunities to connect personally and professionally. Charlie Smith, Annie Ramm and Hannah Goodwin held the group’s first networking event at a Rockhampton pub in April.

Mr Smith moved about 1,000 kilometres from Mendooran in New South Wales to Rockhampton and expected the city to already have a social and networking group for young agriculture workers. He said people travelled from places including Biloela for the first event, while others had recently moved to town.

The founders believe the network is the only formal local youth group for central Queensland’s agriculture industry. Its 15 members, mostly in their 20s and early in their careers, include bankers, lawyers, beef producers and cotton producers. Member Erin Goodwin said the events had broadened her understanding of the jobs available across agriculture.

The group has also provided friendships for people new to the region. Agricultural property valuer Makayla Bellwood, who moved to central Queensland last year, said meeting members changed how she felt about staying in Rockhampton. Farmer and horticulture representative Lilly Rehbein drove four hours from Bundaberg to attend the first event and said she left with new friends.

University of Melbourne researcher Catherine Waite said collegial relationships were particularly important for people entering full-time work and could help them avoid isolation and remain in the sector. Young Ag Network CQ plans smaller events in coming months, with the next scheduled for November, and its founders have encouraged peers elsewhere in Australia to establish similar groups.