End of this month approximately 1000 students in the region finish their secondary schooling and embark on their next stage of life’s journey. 1000; some will be our children, or children of people we know and to others it is just a number. Through RING’s C2C (Communication to Careers) I talked to a number of Grade 12 students about their post school aspirations. Many plan to go onto University, a trade is also a common ambition, some are unsure and no doubt plans will change. In embarking on this life changing time many will leave the region. Be it a desire to experience something different or the opportunity sought not present here. As Dr. Seuss says, “you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who decides where to go”. I recall a goal to retain more of our youth in the region as population growth is a key stimulator of economic growth. Particularly if the growth is in the 17-30 age group as they buy cars, rent eventually buy a home, start a family. In our effort to retain (and attract) youth why haven’t we tried harder to be a schoolies destination. Yeppoon puts in a good effort but it competes against nearly every other coastal location. What about the Beef Capital? Farm Home Stay’s; its left field but I believe you could develop a market for it. Not the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast, but learn to ride a horse, motorbike or four wheel drive; milk cows, sit around a camp fire, sleep in a barn or under the stars; it would be different, memorable and it would help reinforce the Beef Capital title and make it worthy of note. There are risks involved, just like their risks in going to the Gold Coast. New opportunities need to be pursued if we are to retain and attract more youth. To the graduating classes of 2015 I again quote Seuss; “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…. Get on your way”. To the rest of us let’s substitute ‘your’ for ‘our’.