Hutchins at AGFEST: renewing our rural connection
Hutchins has always been proud of its strong connection to Tasmania's country community, and each year these rural connections are renewed at the state's biggest celebration and marketing opportunity for the sector – AGFEST.
The event, held each year in the state's north, attracted tens of thousands of patrons, with this year's Hutchins stall hailed a success by our stall managers Ms Jenna Vance, Mr Joshua Hanek and Dr Peter Wilson. Students Taylor Sakaliuk, Stanley Black, Riley Winter and Jo Burbury proved fantastic ambassadors for the school with many commenting on how well these students showcased some of our Hutchins "stories".
We also received some excellent media coverage, with current boarder Will Fergusson featuring in rural newspapers Tas Country (click to view) and Tasmanian Farmer.
The Hutchins stall was visited by many families from the north and regional areas wanting to know more about the school. Stocks of various information handbooks and promotional leaflets dropped rapidly as interested parents tucked them under their arms for some take-home reading, with young patrons admiring our little lions, chatting to our stallholders, and happily taking away their Hutchins stickers and a lolly.
But the stall is not just about showcasing the school to new parents. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with the communities and people across the state who have links with the school – whether through a grandparent, a son who is a current student, or importantly through our highly valued network of old boys. It is always great to see them, share the latest news from the school and hear their stories.
Thanks must also go to St Michael's Collegiate, who shared and helped co-ordinate our stall this year, under the capable management of Mrs Emma Munnings.
We look forward to renewing our rural connections again next year, particularly as excitement over our new boarding house redevelopment starts to build!