In recent years, many media have highlighted the “tree change” phenomenon, with many high-paid, highly skilled professionals moving to regional areas to leave the pressures of modern city life for a more relaxed lifestyle. So why are many large organisations in inland Australia having so many difficulties in recruiting skilled professionals such as engineers and accountants? Charles Sturt University (CSU) business researchers Kerry Grigg and Debra Da Silva will explore the problem with managers from large businesses and organisations such as Mars, CooperTools, accounting firm KPMG and Albury City Council at a roundtable discussion on Thursday 20 September on the CSU Albury-Wodonga Campus. Ms Grigg is particularly looking at how such companies are using “work life balance” policies, not just better pay, to lure workers out of the cities to meet the regional skills crisis. “We are experiencing high economic growth and low unemployment, and this makes it difficult to attract professionals to inland areas. But more workers are looking for a ‘tree-change’ to improve their lifestyles. So why are they not coming to Albury?” Ms Grigg said.