Launceston is known for its nature and landscapes, which is usually the primary reason for tourists to venture down. A busy, city-like area can be suffocating to many and a place like Launceston can offer a more country-esque atmosphere that a lot of people find relaxing.
As many reasons there is to leave, there’s also many reasons to stay in your hometown. For example, you may want to stay with family or friends, or it’s the simple reason of feeling comfortable with familiarity. Older folks tend to want a more stable and relaxing lifestyle, which can make a small hometown perfect.
However, as a common theme throughout time, young people tend to want new experiences and may be more interested in a city with fun events and fun people. Is Launceston satiating this need for its locals?
Young people are known to be gravitated towards a livelier lifestyle. Whether it be partying, shopping, going to the latest events, or socialising, many of these factors can contribute to where someone decides to live. Is this simply not the case for the young locals of Launceston, or are these reasons the most common for locals to be leaving?
I approached young locals strolling about their day and asked them the question: do you plan on staying in Launceston in the future?
Summer, aged 19, answered, “I’m gonna be honest, probably not, but I probably would come back.” She went more in depth, “I just crave adventure and exploration, and Tasmania is beautiful. Launnie is beautiful, actually. But I need excitement.”
The common denominator seemed to be the need for new things and wanting more than what you have. Which is perfectly normal for a young person. Younger Australians are the most likely to be on the move, statistics show. According to census data, Queensland is the top destination for people moving from other states and territories. The sunshine state has a reputation for the night life and sunny days it gives. All this information combined reads that young people are moving for the liveliness and perhaps the warmer weather.
Hannah, a young adult who currently lives in Queensland but was visiting Launceston, commented on Queensland,
“Yeah, it’s nice. Like very busy so it’s nice, not too quiet.” Another young adult who moved from Launceston to Hobart, talked about Hobart, “Night life is a lot better. It’s very lively.”
Although, this ‘liveliness’ that is seen in more places than Launceston, can also be a con to people. Sharon Shaw, aged 64, said, “We wanted somewhere quieter to live.” Having originally been from Sydney, they travelled down to Launceston, comparing the two. “We wanted a laid back lifestyle. Easy going, not so rushed, you know…” Sharon went further in depth. Her husband, Garry Shaw, aged 65, talked about their love of Tasmania, “I’m amazed, as I said. My dad was born and bred here and I used to come here every year when I was young and there’s so much apart of Tasmania I haven’t seen… So you know, we’re doing a lot of travelling around here.”
Launceston has its own unique atmosphere that many grow to love and can’t quite fully leave. Regardless of what environment you want to live in, Tasmania keeps their locals and newcomers coming back for more. Perhaps, younger locals will feel the same in time.
