Retire? Grey Nomads Fill Rural Skills Shortage

We have spoken with Douglas Stewart, Co-ordinator Grey Nomad Volunteer Program, previously and receive updates from Douglas,  (eg:) see under 'Pursuing Your Passions'

However, read (and listen) to the recent radio interview below.

One of the big challenges for rural communities is how to attract - and keep a skilled workforce.

It's an issue that has prompted a number of studies, one of which investigated the question of how rural communities can maximise the benefit from highly skilled workers in the context of an increasingly mobile and transitory workforce.

It found that young professional women were not attracted to communities dominated by a sport and a beer-drinking pub culture. It recommends implementing more widely inclusive strategies.

Some communities are finding innovative ways to attract workers to their district.

Queensland's Barcaldine region has a very successful program which welcomes grey nomads each year.

They volunteer their time on social projects in the region like working at a sports club or the hospital or at school.

Many return year after year to combining volunteering with a "value added" holiday.

Listen here:  www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2010/s2997220.htm