COMBATTING‘ BRAIN DRAIN’ AND RETAINING LOCAL TALENT One of the most significant challenges for regional communities is the outflow of young, talented individuals who leave for educational and career opportunities in urban centres— a phenomenon often called‘ brain drain.’ According to the Regional Australia Institute, up to 40 % of young people from regional areas leave for education and career opportunities, and fewer than 30 % return.
When young people move to cities to pursue tertiary education, many choose not to return, causing regional communities to lose valuable human capital that is essential for local economic growth and innovation. By providing access to quality tertiary education locally, CUCs directly address this challenge. They empower students to pursue higher education without having to leave home, allowing them to remain connected to their communities and pursue career pathways within familiar networks.
These students contribute to their local economies, filling roles in industries such as health, education, and allied services that might otherwise face workforce shortages. By helping local governments and businesses‘ grow their own’ talent, CUCs reduce reliance on external recruitment and lessen the strain on having to provide relocation incentives and accommodation during a challenging time in housing markets.
VOL 17 NO 3 2024 28 www. edaustralia. com. au