Particularly in the Northern Grampians Shire, there seems to be a strong focus on the development of our youth.

As the focus became stronger, it resulted in the formation of the Youth Action Council last year and in the 12 months since its inception, the group has gone from strength to strength.

We have heard for several years now, now hard it is to retain our youth, or have them return to towns like Stawell after completing their university studies elsewhere.

It was a task that was becoming seemingly impossible.

However, with the development of new strategies, a change of focus and strong leadership in the area of youth within the shire, there is a real possibility that many of our youth will be able to access the training right here in Stawell, that they would otherwise have to travel away for.

It’s a massive step in the right direction and with both the Northern Grampians Shire Council and State Government on board, it augers well for the survival of towns like Stawell who can safely rely on the youth of today becoming the leaders of tomorrow.