David French | 31/01/2012 12:47:25 PM

This article was originally published as 'The Region' in The Morning Bulletin in January 2012

Angry Allison’s final column roundly panned Central Queensland and its residents, claiming its best feature is the road south. I moved back here more than 11 years ago, trading a “big end of town” career for an environment my wife and I felt would be best for the family we planned. Now, with 5 and grandma in the family, a couple of house moves, one or two life and death incidents (real ones) and a growing business under my belt, perhaps I can respond to Allison objectively.

There are frustrating aspects to our region. Accepting mediocrity is a cultural norm. Such attitudes prevailed when I went to school and date back more than 100 years. This reflects in customer service, creativity and in solving problems. The incidence of real decision makers in our region is low. Most senior positions in our region are about managing budgets set by others, not driving strategy. Creativity and education can be greeted with suspicion and putting barriers in the way of (even humble) progress is often treated as a sport. Talented younger people move away, reducing the chance of changing the status quo. Tough call? Maybe, but I see no harm in listing things that are readily verifiable to those who care to do the research.

So why stay? First, and apart from the attraction of the region itself, we have established a network of friends and professionals enviable for its variety, intelligence and support. These people have broadened the base of the family in a way not normally associated with capital cities. Second, the Rockhampton Grammar School is a model of nurture, discipline and education – our three sons’ friendships are broad and their friends mix easily and are a joy to have round. Third, Kindy, Scouts, weekend sport, caring for the elderly, economic development – the place benefits extensively from the many people who undertake meaningful tasks, often for no direct personal benefit. Finally, running a financial services business through the GFC has been no walk in the park, but the loyalty of clients and business associates has enabled us to employ 18 staff, grow into Tamworth, and last week, Sydney, and set up a managed fund that will soon make some significant investments in our region.

So the negatives do need addressing, but that does not take away from what we have already – a beautiful place, and community, nurture, selflessness and loyalty.

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