And it seems our metropolitan neighbours are finally catching on.

While many people have resisted the move to relocate to regional Victoria, it seems Melbourne families are increasingly being enticed to move to the area.

Ballarat is, after all, only an hour to Melbourne – a short jaunt in the train and car for those mums and dads working in the city.

But there are more benefits than that. Ballarat offers a lifestyle where the work-life balance is important and people know their neighbours. 

According to a Fairfax Media report, parents are uprooting their young cherubs to give them the best education – and one that does not come with the metropolitan price tag.

The article states that last year Ballarat Grammar had a median VCE study score of 33, with 14.14 per cent of students achieving scores of 40 and above. 

This is on par with some of Melbourne’s best private educators. And Ballarat Clarendon College was Victoria’s top-performing regional school at VCE level last year.

Anyone who has scoffed at regional education obviously has never been educated in Ballarat. Our schools and their teachers need to be applauded.

From school, children and parents alike become involved in sports or other extra-curricular activities, quickly becoming ingrained in our city’s friendly and vibrant culture.

And that is the joy of living in Ballarat – its sense of community and the feeling there is support and guidance from others when you need it.

There are many benefits when it comes to being engaged with the community.

It creates a positive environment where residents are invested in shaping the community where they live and empowering others to do the same.

Relationships are formed, meaning people and stakeholders are monitoring each other’s progress and health.

Conflict can be prevented because people and groups are more likely to talk.

However, there are still youth within our region who are slipping through the cracks.

On Sunday, the Napthine government announced that, if re-elected, it would establish a statewide youth diversion program through the Children’s Court of Victoria.

The aim of this program would be to divert young people from crime and help get their lives back on track.

By completing the program, alleged offenders would have their charges dismissed and avoid a criminal record.

“A pre-plea scheme might require young offenders to undertake rehabilitation or alcohol and drug counselling, leading to better outcomes for themselves and also for the community,” the press release said. 

It sounds good in theory, but it should not be left to just government departments to solve regional woes. 

A collaborative community approach is needed where every sector of society is involved,  whether that be through education, health, counselling or being partnered with a community leader who can act as a role model for the at-risk youth.

For example, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Maybe throw in some volunteer work or hands-on experience with organisations such as Mission Australia’s U-turn program, which has been quite successful in Tasmania, to help turn attitudes and connectiveness around.

Never has the adage it takes a village to raise a child rung as true.