Young people involved in the irrigation and associated industry in Southern NSW are benefiting significantly from a new initiative entitled Young Irrigation Network.

The vision of the network is for a highly skilled, motivated, connected and confident generation of young rural leaders who participate in all levels of decision making and leadership, and who strive to develop a secure and sustainable future for themselves and for their industry.

The Young Irrigation Network was established in late 2001 in recognition of the need to identify, develop and network the next generation of industry and community leaders for the irrigation industry. A Management Committee was established in response to a public workshop held in Griffith, which aimed to identify the barriers and opportunities for young people to become more involved in decision-making roles.

The network focuses on young irrigators as well as young people involved in associated industry such as, government departments, rural finance organisations, irrigation suppliers, research and extension and agri-business. The age group targeted by the network is 18-40 years of age.

The initial geographical focus of the network was in the Riverina region of NSW but due to high levels of interest from other areas, it is currently developing a national focus. We have developed a national committee with 3 member groups in theirrigation regions around theSouthern NSW and Northern Victoria. This expansion has been facilitated through thesupport of the Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia Young People in Rural Industry Networks Grant program.

YIN assists in leadership skill development, peer support, enhanced understanding of relevant issues, networking and informal mentoring. It is a broad scale program and it’s initiatives include such things as regional discussion groups, social activities, field days, education and training and industry forums, depending upon the needs identified by the young people themselves. These initiatives will be carried out on a regional basis with a national conference being held bi-annually to bring together young industry participants from around the country.

The websitewill enable dissemination of relevant information and provide a communication tool, linking young people from the various irrigation regions.

The initiatives of the network have included professional development courses, on-farm tours, social activities and exclusive industry tours.More information can be found under the "Past Activities" page of this website.

The management committee haveconductedthe first evernational Young Irrigation Network Annual Conference, held in Griffith over the 7th & 8th August 2003. Over 140 people spent two days networking, hearing expert views on critical irrigation issues and viewing some of the leading farming and agri-business operations in the area.

The network currently has 510 members registered. Registration is free and forms may be obtained by going to the registration section of this website or contact us on 02 6964 2420 or e-mail us.