“What makes me optimistic and hopeful for the region is that I am fortunate to work with many passionate and committed people in the community who all work together to make Latrobe Valley a healthier and happier place to live," said Tanya Rong, Chair of the Latrobe Health Assembly.
"Optimism is about moving forward and believing that there is hope for an outcome. This might be something as simple as the process allowing for options or a choice. It's a thought, a belief, and, for some, an action.”
The wisdom of Jes Egan, an organiser of the C3 City Country Connect event in Traralgon, part of the Latrobe City Council Business Festival. This year’s festival theme is "Strengthening Regional Growth Through Connections".
"Optimism is a combination of things: It's the hope that, in the end, everything is going to turn out alright, but it's also a belief that the journey or process of realising that desired future state is worthwhile regardless. You're just treading water if you can't be motivated by a dream to achieve something. Optimism provides the reason to get out of bed and keep going at it every day."
The wisdom of John Calabro, Director from View From Here, presenter of the C3 City Country Connect event in Traralgon, part of the Latrobe City Council Business Festival.
"What makes me optimistic? We live in one of the greatest countries in the world and, in my view, one of the nicest regions. I love the four seasons we experience in Gippsland: from the lazy days playing in the surf on the 90-mile beach in the middle of summer when it’s almost 40 degrees or skiing down the icy slopes of Mt Baw Baw on a sunny winter day in about minus 4 degrees. Such variety, sitting at an open fire whilst camping in our magnificent forests and throwing a line in one of the incredible rivers or even the incredible Gippsland Lakes. We have it all, and Traralgon is a short 2 hours drive to the middle of Melbourne. To steal a line from the Wellington Shire Council, it’s great living in the “middle of everywhere”!"
The wisdom, optimism and joy of Rodney Lavin JP, the Director of Traralgon-based Lavin & Associates accountants.