Ball Rural Youth swansong

It is the end of an era as Katanning's Rural Youth club, the last remaining in the State, prepares to fold due to the lack of numbers.

A strong tradition in the region, the longest-serving club has provided a social group for isolated farmers and has been responsible for instigating popular events and workshops.

One of the branch's most popular events, the eagerly awaited Pre Harvest Ball, will be held this Saturday night.

After an announcement at the State's general meeting earlier this year, the decision was finalised to dissolve Rural Youth WA because of the lack of membership.

State board member and Katanning president Mark Letter said it was disheartening.

"Rural Youth initially was established to enable young farmers to come together and socialise and essentially, as we know it, it doesn't have that purpose anymore," he said.

"Most of the activities now are run by those in town, there are not as many young farmers, people are heading away for tertiary education or apprenticeships, and (there is) also social media.

"The established networks are already there by the time they return back to the farm."

Mr Letter said many members used Rural Youth to move onto other service clubs, including Apex, but that would not cause any adverse effects in the town.

"But hopefully there will be another group or similar, like-minded people that continue small traditions," he said.

The last Pre Harvest Ball will be held at the Pioneer Room from 7.30pm this Saturday.

See Katanning Travel for tickets, or visit https://www.facebook.com/RuralYouthKatanning?ref=ts&fref=ts for more information.