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The Future for East Gippsland YouthWhy do young people leave East Gippsland for the city? Do they return to their rural roots? What would influence young people in country Victoria to remain in or return to their rural community? By Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee - 16th May 2006 - Back to News These are just some of the vital questions that the Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee will be exploring in Bairnsdale on Tuesday May 23rd at public hearings for their Inquiry into Retaining Young People in Rural Towns and Communities.
"The committee’s Inquiry into Retaining Young People in Rural Towns and Communities has drawn a great deal of positive attention and response from rural communities and individuals for whom this issue is close to their hearts," said the Member for Seymour and committee chairman, Ben Hardman.
"The purpose of our public hearing is to give members of the Bairnsdale community and surrounding areas a chance to have their say on the Inquiry’s terms of reference."
The committee invites all interested members of the community to attend the public hearing, which takes place in Bairnsdale at The Colosseum (the Australian – Italian Club), located at 117 Omeo Hwy, Bairnsdale, from 1.00 – 5.30pm.
"The evidence given at these public hearings will help the committee in forming recommendations and strategies to increase the possibility of young people remaining in or returning to rural towns and communities," said Mr Hardman.
"We will be hearing from local organisations including the Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network, Swifts Creek, East Gippsland Shire Council, East Gippsland Institute of Tertiary and Further Education, the CEO of Patties Foods and the Mallacoota Health Service."
"The committee members, all of whom represent rural and regional electorates, are passionate about this issue and keen to hear the local community’s advice regarding what attracts young people to stay in or return to rural areas."
To view the public hearing timetable and other public hearing locations, terms of reference and information about the committee, visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrsdc or phone 1300 787 202 (Victoria only).
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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