Ashley Evans Agfest Personnel_Coordinator
The volunteers behind Agfest are ready to welcome thousands of patrons through the gates with the help of a new learning initiative.
Members of the event’s workforce have been undertaking the University of Tasmania’s Community Volunteer Training Program.
A short course initially designed to train volunteers of the 16th Australian Masters Games, the resource has been redeveloped to support Agfest.
Participation in the course allows its volunteers to learn about contemporary standards in volunteerism and Agfest event specifics.
Professor David Adams, University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community, Partnerships and Regional Development) said the course provides important context for the volunteers who organised the multimillion-dollar event.
“We recognise that Agfest volunteers are already highly-skilled. Our course compliments their knowledge by providing a formal training component which can be added to their resume and experience.
“Beyond this, we hope the program provides a pathway for participants to pursue further study in a relevant field, such as the agricultural and events streams which form part of Associate Degrees offered by our University College.”
Agfest Personnel Coordinator and course participant Ashley Evans said volunteering was a rewarding activity, which fostered the expansion of knowledge and skills.
“Through Rural Youth we have access to numerous opportunities that help us develop both professionally and personally,” Ms Evans said.
“Members found the volunteer short course developed by the University easy to navigate and understand, and it positioned many practices including safety, in a more positive light.”
Karen Robinson, CEO of Rural Youth Tasmania, said the training provided an important grounding for members who volunteered countless hours of their time to organise the major event.
“This short course is invaluable for both our organisation and our volunteers,” Ms Robinson said.
“It provides them with all of the information they need to be successful and safe in their role at Agfest, whilst building on their existing knowledge of volunteering and its benefits.
“The format is particularly appealing as they can access the course through any of their devices, making it easy to complete.”
Since the inception of the Community Volunteer Program, the University of Tasmania has worked to develop the course in a way that could be transferred to train other organisations.
Delivered online, it covers various areas of volunteerism including volunteering by definition, occupational health and safety practices, social etiquette and effective teamwork.
The University of Tasmania will once again be raising its tent at Agfest to present a number of educational and engaging activities for all ages.
The institution can be found along 4th Avenue on sites 409-415 between Thursday, 3 May and Saturday, 5 May.
Communications and Media Office University of Tasmania
