PR E S E NTE D BY

TA S M A N I A’ S P R E M I E R F I E L D DAY S2019

GROWING RURAL TASM ANIA

SMOKE FREE PUBLIC EVENT

NO PETS ALLOWED EXCEPT TRAINED

SERVICE ANIMALS

MEDIA KIT

Hello all, welcome to Agfest 2019.It is with great pleasure that I am greeting you as the 2019 Chairman for the 37th year of Agfest. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming along and enjoying this amazing showcase of all things Tasmanian.Agfest is one of the state’s largest economic drivers and the largest agricultural showcase, all of which is organised by the volunteer committee from Rural Youth Tasmania and our dedicated staff.Rural Youth members are aged between 15 and 30, dedicating and volunteering numerous hours to ensure Agfest is the spectacular event we know and love. We have over 700 exciting and diverse exhibits on display for you to enjoy this year, we can ensure there is a good time and something for all. We have continued to build on the newly introduced Junior Livestock Handlers Competition from last year, which has grown to quite the showcase. The MAST Precinct is back again this year due to high demand and popularity, these two great areas are just some of the many attractions to be seen and enjoyed. Agfest and Rural Youth have been a major part of my life for the past 10 years, providing some amazing and life-changing experiences, including an overseas exchange to Canada for three

months. It was an ambition to become Chairman since my first Agfest, now in my second term, I hope to continue with the growth and success of our event. I must say a massive thank you and congratulations to all of the team, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in and we wouldn’t have achieved the results we have.I would like to wish everyone a happy and enjoyable Agfest.

OWEN WOOLLEY2019 Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

DID YOU KNOW? As part of the growing crowd numbers at Agfest each year, we have spent over $600,000 on waste water upgrades for Agfest 2019.

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It is with great pleasure that as President of Rural Youth Tasmania, I invite you to attend Agfest 2019.

As an event, Agfest is known as one of Tasmania’s Premier Events, each year attracting close to 60,000 people from across Tasmania as well as many parts of mainland Australia. Many people however, fail to realise that the event is run solely by a dedicated team of volunteers who are members of Rural Youth Tasmania aged between 15 and 30.

Rural Youth has clubs located in all parts of Tasmania and has a vision to connect, develop and celebrate young Tasmanians within their local community. I challenge you to find a better platform in which young leaders within our community have the ability to contribute to a business that injects over $26M into the Tasmanian economy. Each and every Rural Youth member has the ability to drive the direction of the Agfest event by sitting on the committee and providing input. These fresh ideas have arguably been the reason why Agfest has been able to stay relevant within the Tasmanian landscape for over 30 years.

In the past 12 months, Rural Youth Tasmania has invested nearly $1M into infrastructure projects at Quercus Park. Expenditure has been focused on areas that will guarantee the future of both Rural Youth and Agfest at Quercus Park whilst increasing the use of Quercus Park throughout the remainder of the year. There is a vision for Quercus Park to become a true community hub for the states north, engaging wide sectors of the northern Tasmanian community.

Away from Agfest, members of Rural Youth are active within their local communities through the support of local shows and charity events. Rural Youth invests

in its members through leadership and development programs and self-focused learning via training grants. Members have the ability to engage internationally with similar youth organisations through the Rural Youth Study Tours Program and can compete in the Tasmanian Young Farmer Of The Year competition. This competition has a prize pool of over $30,000.

I recently heard a quote: “The world is run by those who turn up”. During the three days of Agfest, I encourage you to take a couple of moments out of your day and have a chat to Rural Youth volunteers. Many of these volunteers will have already been at Quercus Park for up to two weeks making event preparations and without the hard work of the Agfest team, the event would not exist. I congratulate 2019 Chairman Owen Woolley for his hours of dedication in the background and sincerely hope that every member of the public that walks through the gates at Quercus Park on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May has a day to remember.

STATE PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

DID YOU KNOW?We have spent over $120,000 on kitchen upgrades to the function centre to make it a more usable asset.

DALE HAYERS2019 Rural Youth State President

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There really is something for everyone at Agfest, whether you have never stepped foot on a farm or you live and breathe agriculture, we guarantee you will find something to love at Agfest 2019.In addition to the regular attractions that patrons look forward to each year, including the MAST Agfest Boat Show, Working Sheep Dog Trials, Beef Expo & Junior Livestock Handlers Competition, Heritage Machinery, Dairy TAS LegenDairy Expo, Equine Expo, Unique Taste Pavilion, Business and Lifestyle Expo and Ag Artwear Competition, we are also introducing several new attractions.The Food Truck Park with accompanying seating/picnic area will be a welcome addition. With 10 vans offering a variety of food, this area will be sure to please and will provide another area for patrons to sit and enjoy the food, sights and sounds of Agfest. The Scouts Tasmania Climbing Tower will showcase demonstrations throughout the three days of the event, this is sure to be popular with those looking for some action and adventure. In 2019 the Junior Livestock Handlers are back after a highly successful run at Agfest 2018.

The event has now grown to include dairy cattle and sheep as well as beef cattle. See all this at the TJM Tasmania Central Arena to witness the Junior Livestock Handlers showcase their skills in breeds, handlers and judging classes. In addition, the revitalised Junior Farmer Challenge will put students’ agriculture skills to the test. The ultimate equestrian experience at the Woolworths Equine Expo keeps getting bigger. In 2019 it will feature a full program of exciting demonstrations, in particular, the purpose-built arena will see International Show Jumper Deon Williams and Horsemanship Master Adam Sutton.This year will mark 100 years of Mack Trucks in Australia. To celebrate the 100-year milestone, Webster Trucks will showcase the latest Mack Trucks alongside beautifully restored vintage Mack models at their Agfest site in South Street. As always underpinning the event are the spectacular machinery exhibitors who bring their innovative and state of the art equipment for display and sale at Agfest.

2019 AGFEST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

DID YOU KNOW? Rural Youth Tasmania has approximately 170 members and Agfest is organised entirely by volunteers (current and past members of Rural Youth).

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SPONSORS

Site M55 Site S29

Site M59 Site M08

Site M65 Site M30Site M75

Site S39

Site M59

Site M56

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ERLIKE MOST MAJOR EVENTS, WE ARE INDEBTED TO OUR SPONSORS

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Site S49 Site S59Site M79

Site 612

AGFEST OFFICIAL CHARITY

DID YOU KNOW? ATMs are available at two

locations to patrons and exhibitors. Last year, 50c from every transaction

was donated to charity.

SITE M09, CORNER OF FIRST AVENUE AND MAIN STREET

Rural Alive and Well Inc. was founded by a group of community members, after the devastating event of a cluster of suicides that occurred in the Central Highlands. This year RAW celebrates 10 years of providing services to rural Tasmanians.RAW provides mental health and wellbeing programs that focus on suicide prevention by strengthening and supporting resilience, health and wellbeing in rural communities across Tasmania.RAW’s aim is to improve mental health and wellbeing throughout Tasmania, to assist and support rural communities to respond to adversity, improve resilience and reduce rates of suicide.RAW is committed to providing rural Tasmanians with a service that builds trust and that is delivered with care, commitment and

compassion. RAW’s service provision includes counselling and support, training, capacity building along with disaster relief. RAW provides accessible and responsive outreach support services to all rural communities in Tasmania, including the Bass Strait Isles. RAW’s outreach service is free and confidential, RAW also operates a 24/7 crisis line: 1300 HELP MATE (1300 4357 6283). RAW also offers a range of programs to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Along with nationally accredited Mental Health First Aid and Rural Minds, RAW can offer tailored mental health and wellbeing programs specifically tailored to communities and organisational needs.

FROM EVERY AGFEST ATM

TRANSACTION will be donated to Rural Alive & Well.

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ATTENDING AGFEST 2019

We are pleased to welcome you as part of the media coverage for Agfest 2019, we’re happy to assist any way we can. A number of committee members and volunteers are available for comment or interview, including the Agfest Chairman and Rural Youth State President.

Please call Dylan Bellchambers to arrange a suitable time. Media Passes are required for all authorised media representatives.

We encourage anyone requiring a Media Pass to do so as soon as possible so they can be authorised and sent to you in time for your arrival at Agfest.

Closer to, or at Agfest itself, if you have not arranged a Media Pass please contact Dylan prior to arriving onsite so that Entrance Gate staff can have passes ready on your arrival.

For interviews, information, tours, background details, access to exhibitors and events please don’t hesitate to contact Dylan directly.

DYLAN BELLCHAMBERS Media & Promotions ManagerEmail: media@agfest.com.au Tel: 0448 344 380

SELENA FLANAGAN Events & Sponsorship ManagerEmail: admin@agfest.com.au Tel: (03) 6331 6154

DID YOU KNOW? In 2018 over 30% of patrons purchased their tickets online.

DID YOU KNOW? Each year attendees use over

600,000 sheets of toilet paper.

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TRAFFIC - DRIVING TO AGFEST

BEFORE 2:30PMFrom Launceston - Head towards Devonport on the Bass Highway (1), 22km from Launceston, turn onto Oaks Road (C511) at the Liffey Falls exit.From Devonport - Head towards Launceston on the Bass Highway (1). Approximately 7km past the Hagley by-pass, turn right onto Oaks Road (C511) at the Liffey Falls exit.From Hobart - Follow the Midlands Highway (1) to Perth, turn left onto Drummond Street (B52) and continue for 13km and turn left onto the Bass Highway (1). Travel approximately 4km and turn left onto Oaks Road (C511) at the Liffey Falls exit.The Liffey Falls exit on the Bass Highway is marked with large yellow Agfest directional signage.

GETTING TO AGFEST AFTER 2:30PMFrom Launceston - Head towards Longford. Just past Longford, follow (C518), (C513) and (C511) through Bishopsbourne.

From Devonport - Head towards Launceston on the Bass Highway (1). Prior to Hagley, turn onto (B54) travel through Hagley and Whitemore using (B54), (C507) and (C511).

From Hobart - Follow the Midlands Highway (1) to Longford. Just past Longford, follow (C518), (C513) and (C511) through Bishopsbourne.

The routes via Hagley, Whitemore and Bishopsbourne are marked with Agfest direction signage.

Agfest site - Quercus Park, 415 Oaks Road, Carrick, Tasmania 7291

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TRAFFIC - LEAVING AGFEST

BETWEEN 7:30AM AND 12:00PM Exiting the site is via South Exit Gate only.

BETWEEN 12:00PM AND 2:30PMExit the site via the route you came in on.

PLANNING TO TRAVEL IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION ON LEAVING AGFEST?If you would like to travel in a different direction upon leaving Agfest, you need to come to Agfest via Carrick. The road to Agfest via Carrick will be signposted.For example, if you are travelling from Penguin on Thursday and have accommodation in Launceston that night, you will need to travel to Agfest via Carrick. On Friday, you will need to travel from Launceston to Agfest again via Carrick. On leaving Agfest you will also travel to Penguin via Carrick.Please note, if you find yourself travelling in the wrong direction after leaving the Agfest site, it is recommended to use one of the next available off-ramps to turn around. It is advised that you do not attempt a U-turn on the Bass Highway.

DID YOU KNOW? Quercus Park is a hireable asset available for

events from dinners and conferences right up to an event the size of Agfest.

Agfest are proud to announce that in partnership with Jack’s Bus Service, we will be providing a FREE bus service to and from Quercus Park, the home of Agfest on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May.

LAUNCESTON TO AGFEST (FRI & SAT)

9:00am Launceston City Council Forster St Car Park, Invermay

9:10am* Launceston Transit Centre (Cimitiere St)

9:25am* Olde Tudor Shopping Centre Car Park, Prospect

9:45am* Arrival at Agfest

AGFEST TO LAUNCESTON (FRI & SAT)

4:00pm Departure from Agfest

4:20pm* Olde Tudor Shopping Centre Car Park, Prospect

4:35pm* Launceston Transit Centre (Cimitiere St)

4:45pm* Launceston City Council Forster St Car Park, Invermay

FREE BUS SERVICE

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*Estimate time only, subject to change due to traffic.

Agfest Field Days commenced in 1983 at Symmons Plains with the first event being held over two days and attracting 111 exhibitors and 9,000 patrons. The event was established as a means of funding the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania Inc., following government budget cuts in the early 1980s. Rural Youth Tasmania is an organisation open to young people between the ages of 15 and 30. The initial committee was made up of 30 past and present Rural Youth members. The two-day event at Symmons Plains expanded to three days in 1984 and by 1986 the event had grown in popularity to the extent that a new site was required. The purchase of a 200-acre block at Carrick in 1987 saw the event move to its now permanent base – Quercus Park. This event attracted 203 exhibitors and 23,000 patrons.Agfest is an important part of Rural Youth, not only for funding, but members are given responsibilities and gain experience in everything from marketing to traffic management.

Members are encouraged to pursue their interests and develop their talents by taking on new positions and challenges on the committee. Agfest is a unique event that provides benefits to both the agricultural community and tourism industry, as well as the local community through the provision of accommodation, entertainment, dining and transport associated with the event. The event is entirely self-funded to support Rural Youth Tasmania whilst also providing on-going support for Rural Business Tasmania.The 2019 Agfest committee, comprises 40 past and present Rural Youth members with an average age of 24. Many other Rural Youth members also assist on a voluntary basis during the three days of Agfest (and in the days prior to and after Agfest). Members and the committee also participate at working bees throughout the year to maintain and prepare the site for the following years event. Agfest aims to encourage all young Tasmanians to develop leadership skills through being involved in Agfest.

THE HISTORY OF AGFEST

OFFICIAL OPENING

DID YOU KNOW?

The Agfest committee welcomes you to join us for the Official Opening, 11:00am Thursday 2nd of May at the TJM Tasmania Central Arena as we kick off Agfest 2019. Hear from the Chairman, Owen Woolley and Rural Youth State President, Dale Hayers. We will also be featuring the announcement of the Rural Youth and Marcus Oldham Scholarships followed by a light morning tea hosted by Rural

Youth Tasmania at site M88 on the corner of Main Street and Ninth Avenue.

Agfest attracts over 60,000 attendees each year and has over 700 exhibitors!

Agfest has generated millions of dollars of income for a large number of

charities and service clubs.

Agfest contributes, either directly or indirectly, $27 million into the

Tasmanian economy each year.

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