A recently released University of Sydney report, found in the 10 years between 2006 and 2016, Sydney lost close to 20 per cent of key workers (teachers, nurses etc.) to outer and regional areas in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It found that key workers couldn't afford to buy a home in Sydney's inner-city suburbs.
The concern about the Sydney exodus of key workers is understandable – for starters the cost of travel and the loss of quality family time due to travel would be a burden for anyone having to commute long distances to work each day.
However, the trade off – the opportunity to live in a regional area such as the Southern Highlands has many benefits.
More open space, the stunning rural backdrop, the crisp fresh air and a wonderful sense of community quickly spring to mind.
That sense of community is the result of many people who offer their time generously and freely to bring together people from all walks of life.
In the Southern Highlands it is an environment which is alive and well.
We only need to look through the latest edition of the Southern Highlands News to realise the extent of this region’s community spirit.
There is the article highlighting the Colo Vale Market Day where generous people within the Colo Vale village baked, face painted, barbecued and gave up their Saturday to deliver a fun family day for all to enjoy. Some even took the time to raise funds for other special causes.
Then there is the story on the Yerrinbool Walkers who meet twice each week to stride out around the northern village – their intention to breath in the fresh air, get some exercise and meet new people. Many of these walkers are relatively new to the area and they look forward to meeting others – their catch cry is ‘the more, the merrier’.
The Multiplay playgroup that is run at the Moss Vale CWA rooms is yet another great example of this great community spirit. Supported by the Moss Vale CWA, the group aims to provide a relaxed environment where multiple-birth parents can come together the share ideas, learn from each other and make new friends.
The driving forces behind these and many other activities are the people in this region.
Without a doubt community is what we make it and those who chooses the Highlands as their home are the lucky ones.
