Glen Innes will be the centre of a commemoration of the 91st anniversary of the Junior Farmer/Rural Youth organisation.
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The Junior Farmer organisation was first formed in Glen Innes with the first junior farmer club meeting on November 28, 1928.
The first junior farmer club in NSW was formed at Glen Innes on November 28, 1928, following creation of a State Council, and appointment of a State Organiser in the year prior under the Department of Education.
Jim Griffiths, who lives in Grenfell, will be helping to organise the occasion, which he hopes will be an opportunity for a reunion of old members from across the state. Sadly they missed the 90th anniversay.
"Don't worry about that," he said.
"Everyone misses their 20th year and they celebrate their 21st birthday."
More than 100,000 people were members of the organisation over its 70 years of existence. It wound up in 2001, after changing its name in 1966 to the Rural Youth organisation.
The organisation was particularly focused on post-school education, with the organisation formed under the department of Education.
But aside from a 2005 book, it's never got permanent recognition, according to Mr Griffiths.
"It's anticipated a reunion of former members would highlight the proposed program, with formal recognition of the organisation and Glen Innes club being the centre-piece of celebrations at the end of November," he said.
"Across NSW - from Broken Hill to the Sydney suburbs, the Junior Farmer organisation flourished under a club-based structure for 10 to 25 year olds.
"Built around members adopting a "project" of their choice, State leaders saw the structure as promoting the extension of information and new practices across a wide range of agricultural pursuits.
"The structure also provided for young people to become involved in community affairs, ignite a spirit of competition, promote personal development through public speaking, debating, and meeting procedure," he said.
"Records indicate more than 100,000 young people passed through the organisation from 1928 to 2001, with a further 20,000 club leaders and supporters recorded as contributing to its success.
An organising meeting is planned for Tuesday, April 23, at the Glen Innes Services Club, commencing at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.
