CITY-dwelling Australians are being given a smart reminder that regional areas can play host to innovation not always associated with the slower pace of rural lifestyle.

Innovative Strathbogie Shire residents are being sought for a documentary You Can’t Do That In The Bush which showcases entrepreneurialism that would normally only happen in cities.

Produced and hosted by former Today Tonight journalist Laticia Braving, the show spotlights misconceptions about the productive and imaginative industriousness of regional Australians.

Braving told The Euroa Gazette the series aimed to break the stereotypes of regional life that have long existed across Australia.

“The show has a clear message to city-dwellers,” she said.

“Regional and remote Australia is simply brimming with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, with businesses that can thrive outside the city limits."

Braving has been scouting the regions looking for potential winning stories to pitch for further development.

"The docu-series offers Strathbogie Shire businesses and residents a platform to amplify local voices and contribute to the area's ongoing development and recognition," she said.

"Participating in the series offers the people of the shire an opportunity to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen community.

"We might well know what is possible around here, but does the rest of Australia?

“There are thriving local business leaders who deserve to be heard and recognised beyond the region's postcode.”

Around 31 per cent of small businesses are based in regional Australia, and the number of people moving to regional areas rose by about 10 per cent in the March quarter of 2025, continuing the post-COVID trend of steady movement out of the capitals and into the country.

Braving said stories about regional and rural areas needed to expand beyond just reporting on natural disasters.

“Yes, it's important to cover the tough times, but we also need to tell stories that uplift, to show the innovation, the economic contribution, and the people behind thriving businesses and ideas - not just resilience in the face of disaster,” Braving said.

“What people need to realise is the country isn’t just synonymous with farming.

“It’s advanced manufacturing, creative industries, clean tech, Indigenous enterprise, and more.

“The bush is full of innovators changing the world.”

However, Braving said one trait of regional people remains part of the 'problem'.

“Country people are humble - they don’t shout about their wins,” she said.

“But in a world fueled by media, no visibility means no recognition - and that has a real mental health cost.

“If all you ever see about your region is crisis and disadvantage, it chips away at your identity.

“That’s why we need more stories of pride, purpose, and possibility.”

The first episode 'Plastic Fantastic' outlines the success of a Cairns duo who have developed a ground-breaking mobile solution that transforms marine debris into usable plastic and fuel, with another episode focusing on a renowned regional milliner.

Braving is seeking innovative Strathbogie Shire entrepreneurs to continue the series and also invites locals to commission their own stories.

“It’s a great way for people to get their business in front of the right audience.

“And it’s not just farming, because that’s what people can expect, but if they are doing something with technology, then that is the measuring stick – the ‘wow’ factor.”

Braving said she hoped the show would create its own cult following.

“The pure remit is to make people say ‘you can’t do that in the bush.’

“Because you can.”

The first episode can be viewed at youtube.com/@YouCantDoThatInTheBush

For further information, email laticia@blueclay.com.au