Rural Youth experiencing revival
Molly Fletcher, Sophie Smith and Rachael Watson are excited about breathing new life into Dorset Rural Youth after nearly a decade long absence.
Dorset Rural Youth has been reborn with a new generation of young people bringing the iconic movement back to the region.
After a visit from the organisation to Scottsdale High School last month, momentum has grown quickly, with a group of around 20 young people already signed up to power the revival after a long period with no presence in the region.
President Molly Fletcher, secretary Sophie Smith and treasurer Rachael Watson are leading the charge with their first meeting scheduled for Wednesday to start discussing goals and objectives.
For this trio of young women, its an exciting opportunity to start afresh.
Molly is a Year 12 student at Scottsdale High School. She was involved in their cattle handling program from grade 7-9 . She’s been completing a Cert II in Agriculture, lives on her family hobby farm at Legerwood and plans to go to university to study agriculture.
“I want to give people a chance to do something different that isn’t necessarily what they would normally do. I didn’t grow up on a farm, I am not in the industry but I want to be so this is probably the best way to get involved. You can do farm tours, you can get your white card, you can get your tele handler licence, you can do all sorts of things,” Ms Fletcher said.
“It gets us all together. We can all have a good time and connect and you don’t even have to have anything to do with a farm to be involved.
“We want to get our name out there and say that we are up and going again and get the community involved. Let them know we can help with events and give back to the community.
“It is very important that we do promote it because there are so many people growing up on farms that may not do very well in school but they can come to us and have a good time and learn different skills.”
Nabowla-based Rachael grew up on a farm and now works in the bush as a harvest operator, while Sophie has a farming background with her family’s Springfield Murray Grey stud and works at Nutrien Ag Solutions. Both say they are keen to get active with the new group, which is open to anyone aged 15-30.
Rural Youth CEO Kate Bucknell said the re-establishment of Dorset Rural Youth after a seven‑year absence represented a significant and positive development for both the organisation and the broader North East community.
“The strong turnout at the inaugural meeting, with 18 members already joining, demonstrates a clear desire among young people in the region to engage, connect, and contribute,” Ms Bucknell said.
“Rural Youth Tasmania is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for leadership, skill development, and community involvement. The renewed Dorset club is well‑positioned to deliver these benefits locally while also opening pathways to statewide and international experiences. We look forward to
supporting the club as it builds
momentum and once again becomes an active and valued part of the local community.”