NRS-178 | Unregistered papers relating to the Rural Youth Organisation (formerly the Junior Farmers Clubs)

This series contains a range of files covering aspects of issues of interest for Junior Farmers including the Land Settlement scheme and some of the challenges in achieving this outcome along with the potential to increase the role of the Department of Agriculture in assisting the organisation. Canadian Dr Harold Baker’s visit to Australia in 1964 to survey club work had significant influences on the organisation and his recommendations were implemented from 1 July 1966.  These included a name change from Junior Farmers to the Rural Youth Organisation and the provision was made allowing junior and senior clubs.  The State Council retained its control while the number of sponsors on the Council was reduced.  Further constitutional changes occurred on 1 July 1972, providing the opportunity for autonomous Junior and Senior Sections with the Rural Youth Council providing the functions of advice, coordination and education.  While similar groups had formed in other Australian states by 1950, NSW is recognised as having the first organisation formed in Australia.On 19 October 1973 responsibility for supporting the Rural Youth Organisation was transferred from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture offices located in Sydney.  Prior to this move there were five Head Office staff, seven Regional Officers and 21 District Officers.  Over the next ten years, support was reduced and in early 1982 the remaining four staff were transferred to Cowra to support both the Agricultural Bureau and the Rural Youth Organisation as the Group Activities Unit.(10/42538). 1 box. Note: This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.