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1 June 2003 'Bringing our kids home' - appeal from the bush The newly-appointed Executive Officer of an independent regional lobby group is challenging governments at all levels to do more to plug the drain of country youths to major cities. Champions of the Bush Executive Officer Darren Chester says the population drift of young people to the city is devastating rural and regional Australia. "Every year, we lose more of our brightest and best young people and country families are torn apart," Mr Chester said. "It is undermining the social and economic future of regional Australia and we must do more to bring our kids home." Champions of the Bush was formed in 2002 by several leading regional companies to champion the cause of regional Australia. With a membership base including the Bank of Bendigo, Brown Brothers wines and Patties Bakery, the organisation believes supporting the next generation of leaders is vital to the future of country communities. "Our members are high achievers who prove the point that businesses can succeed in regional Australia," Mr Chester said. "We have identified leadership and building the human capital of country areas as key issues in helping regional Australia to fulfil its potential". "Plugging the drain of country kids to the city is an enormous problem that can only be solved when regional communities can offer better employment opportunities to match the outstanding lifestyle we already enjoy". "Champions of the Bush will keep the pressure on governments at all levels to bridge the gap between city and country services in areas like health, education, transport and telecommunications". "We're not waiting for governments to do all the work but we expect our politicians to support our efforts to instil pride in country communities and help us to tap into the potential we have". "Our greatest potential for innovation and future growth lies with our youth and 'bringing our kids home' is a theme Champions of the Bush will promote. It's a rallying call to country business owners and community leaders to do everything possible to support young people and help provide opportunities for them to stay in the bush." Champions of the Bush Chairman John Brown has overseen the growth in his family's 100-year-old winemaking business at Milawa and is a firm believer in the resourcefulness of regional communities. "It's not in our nature to whinge and whine but we are demanding a fair go from governments to help regional Australia achieve its full potential," Mr Brown said. "The members of Champions of the Bush are already making a major contribution to rural life and we are determined to keep the pressure on all levels of government. There are great opportunities to invest in the growth of regional Australia and it requires governments to work in partnership with business, industry and country people to turn that potential into reality." Mr Brown has welcomed the appointment of the organisation's first full-time Executive Officer. "While Darren brings with him a great deal of experience in policy-making, media and marketing, his greatest asset is his passion for the future of country families," Mr Brown said. "It's great to have him on board and I look forward to working alongside him on projects to build a better future for rural and regional communities." Media information: For further comments contact Darren Chester on 0351 55 3719 or 0412 153 719. Champions of the Bush Chairman: John Brown 0429 101 900.
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