Bianca Welsh
EVERY night I get to interact with many interstate and international guests who visit our two restaurants in Launceston.
They are all here for many different reasons: visiting-touring the state, business, considering relocating and those who have.
The feedback I receive from almost all non-native Tasmanians is how much this state has to offer - scenery, national parks, wildlife, food, wine, world-class museums, the cleanest air in the world, hot sunny days, snow in winter and ease of car parking and commuting are just some of the perks mentioned when complimenting Tasmania.
The beauty of Tasmania is that those who choose to live here get to taste a unique work-life balance that we all strive for in this fast- paced, social networked world.
But there is one problem - those who have grown up here and live here say "there is nothing to do, there are no opportunities here and this place is boring, I've gotta get outta here".
However, this perception can be changed through educating Tasmanians on everything Tasmania has to offer.
We can do this by showing and providing interesting, fulfilling and professional opportunities to the youth of Tasmania. I am 25 and I am one of those young people who found opportunities and worked hard to be offered one.
We must take more pride in what we have to offer and to educate those who may not see the opportunities and positive features of our state. People should want to stay here and not feel the need to "get outta this place".
Sure it's great to go and travel and have that live-in-Melbourne phase, but we need some talent to stay.
I admit we all have wonderful experiences and learn about ourselves when we are far away from our comfort zone and I too wanted to leave and live in Melbourne once upon a time, but who is going to run these great cafes and restaurants and take pride in what they do and serve?
Who is going to work at these museums with an interest and broad knowledge to share with visitors?
Who is going to provide new and exciting artworks, dance performances and theatre shows?
Who is going to be the next generation of winemakers, brewers, chocolatiers and organic farmers?
Who is going to teach the next generation after that? We have a great bunch of people already producing these incredible things, but with the college and university graduates fleeing the state as soon as they have finished their studies, it concerns me who and what is left to keep Tasmania moving forward.
Additionally, I'd love to see a change in attitude to being just a waiter and not only here in Tasmania but also all across Australia.
Being a professional waiter can be a fulfilling career (such as in the French hospitality industry), where the expectations and skills required to be a successful, professional waiter include food allergy specialist, sommelier, rule enforcer, eye candy, entertainer, mixologist, emergency medical technician, bouncer, receptionist, joke teller, therapist, bilingual, punching bag, psychic, amateur chef, tourist information centre, concierge, tour guide, a walking GPS, expert body language reader, food critic, forestry and fisheries expert, taxi driver and at the end of the day be able to take an order and pour wine correctly means a challenging environment that changes every day.
Ultimately it would be great to see more people becoming excited about the hospitality industry.
There are so many opportunities to learn from winemakers, farmers, chefs, growers - and we have the privilege of world-class produce right at our doorstep, all of which should act as an incentive for people to get involved in the industry or choose to stay here and forge a career.
Bianca Welsh is originally from South Korea and is the 25-year-old co-owner and restaurant manager of Stillwater Restaurant and Black Cow Bistro. She is also studying a bachelor of behavioural science at UTAS.