Encouraged by a surge in interest since reviving the group last month, organisers hope the network will keep young workers and experts in the region instead of being lured away back to capital cities. 

“People come here on a 12-month contract with the idea of staying here for only 12 months. We’re trying to stop that,” member Edward Mahoney said 

“The last couple of weeks we’ve had a really good response.

“There was (a network) a couple of years ago but it didn’t last, so we’re trying to invigorate it again.” 

Organisers are trying to come up with a model with a succession plan allowing new members to take over and making it less exclusive. 

“We don’t want it to be too formal,” Mr Mahoney said. 

Barefoot bowls kicks off at the Warrnambool Bowls Club tomorrow at 6pm. 

“From that we’ll be able to see how people want to take it forward,” Mr Mahoney said. 

More information can be found on the Young Professionals Warrnambool group Facebook page.