The exodus to the cities of Narrabri Shire’s young school leavers was once famously labelled ‘Narrabri’s most valuable export.’
The departure of so many young people each year, and the vital need to retain local skilled workers, was the catalyst for projects like the Rural Training Centre North West, Make It Work and the Agribusiness Careers And Profession project (AGCAP).
But now former young exports are coming back to the region in growing numbers.
“Many young people are returning to their home town and district from the cities and on completion of university and other training,” said Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart.
“They are leaving jobs in the metropolitan areas and choosing to continue their career pathways in their home community.
“Narrabri is bucking the trend.
“Virtually every other country town has been experiencing this exodus of its young people.
“But Narrabri has been undergoing an accelerating reversal of the trend afflicting other country towns - more and more people are undertaking their training here or returning to live and work in Narrabri.”
Mr Stewart said there had been a range of reasons why young people had left, including economic conditions and job and social opportunities.
“Our surveys have revealed that young people particularly are now seeing that those conditions have changed - they have great work and social opportunities and their future in Narrabri Shire,” he said.
“They are telling us that Narrabri is a dynamic area and one of exciting potential.”
Shire exports now the most valuable imports
While country towns around Australia are losing their young people in an ongoing exodus to the cities and the coast, Narrabri is bucking the
trend.
Young people, and not so young, are returning to live in Narrabri after completing their studies and working in jobs in the cities
Once labelled Narrabri’s most valuable export, now they are our most valuable import.
A busy and successful career in top Sydney public relations companies has led Narrabri’s Ruth Redfern back to her home town.
Ruth is now communications manager with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) in Narrabri.
After completing high school at Wee Waa and Narrabri in 2001, Ruth set off for Sydney.
“I secured an internship at a major PR firm and was given a position with the company,” Ruth said.
“I have been in the industry ever since.”
Ruth undertook her Masters degree in media at Sydney University, while working full time, finishing the course in 2011.
She has worked in six different roles over the past 11 years all in communications and mainly agricultural communications, with companies and organisations including Sefton and Associates, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the NSW Farmers Association and National Farmers and now CRDC.
Ruth came to her new position at Narrabri in January.
And she is happy to be home.
“I love the sense of community in Narrabri,” Ruth said.
“It is a wonderful vibrant dynamic town, with huge potential, wonderful people, a lot of growth and a there are a lot interesting things happening here.
“Unlike most country towns, we are in the position of having many highly skilled professionals in our community from agricultural research to the Australia Telescope.
“There are so many interesting things happening here it makes Narrabri a real melting pot.
“I have a lot of friends here, and many family members are here.
“I am delighted to be home.”
Do you have a family member or friend who has returned to Narrabri Shire to pursue their career? Please email editorial@nwcourier.com.au or phone The Courier office on 6792 1011.