The migration of young Australians to large regional centres and cities, and the negative impact on many small rural towns is well documented. It is also widely acknowledged by academics that community leadership and entrepreneurism will play crucial roles in reversing this trend and embracing positive change.

Operation Next Gen proposes to empower small communities in the Loddon Murray Region to take positive action to increase employment opportunities and encourage more young people to live and work in small rural towns.
 
This project aims to support small towns to:
 
• Mobilise local leaders
• Energise entrepreneurs
• Retain and attract young families
• Capture Wealth Transfer

Coordinated presentations and workshops will provide a framework through which local leaders will be inspired and equipped to take practical and positive action to encourage and support young people to find meaningful career paths in agriculture and small towns.

In the long term it is hoped that an interactive website will provide an important hub for information sharing, resources and ongoing communication with the participating communities. Technical support will enable rural communities to develop their own inviting webpages to continually engage the next gen.

Funding is currently being sought to progress this important work.

For more information about Operation Next Gen please contact Kerry Anderson on 03 5470-5122 or email: projects@lmclp.org.au