Making a Country Change to Narrandera
Something Is Missing From City Life: Narrandera Inspires A Spiritual Connection
Kathy and Tony Taylor, like many people, weren’t totally happy with where they were living. They knew something important was missing, but it wasn’t until they visited Narrandera a few times, that they understood what that was. At the centre of the Riverina region, halfway between Wagga Wagga and Griffith, Narrandera is a very special place. ‘Each time we visited,’ explains Tony, ‘the people were very warm and very welcoming, and we felt as though we just wanted to be a part of what they were doing.’ So naturally, after a few visits, the Taylor’s decided to make the move to Narrandera.
What they hadn’t experienced in the other places that they’d lived, was that sense of community that just can’t be replicated in the bigger cities. This isn’t something obvious or grandiose - Narrandera’s community spirit shines through in all the little details, and is so wonderfully described by Tony. ‘When you drive around town, it’s a beautiful, clean town. You can say hello to people in the street and they’ll smile and say hello back… it’s just beautiful.’
Not only does Narrandera have a wonderful community, it also has all the modern facilities you’d find in a big city, including a marvellous hospital, great schools and several nearby universities. Kathy and Tony have found Narrandera to be a very affordable place to live, and the shire’s tiny median house price of just $190,000 is a big part of why its residents can enjoy such a great lifestyle.
Sport and recreational pursuits are an integral feature of life in Narrandera, and the shire boasts amazing parks, a newly refurbished sports stadium, and the beautiful Lake Talbot, which is always bubbling with water sports enthusiasts. In addition to a variety of sporting clubs, Narrandera has a very special boxing gym called Bidgee Boxing, where Tony has been volunteering for a couple of years. The gym is a not-for-profit aimed at providing Narrandera’s young people with a healthy focus, self-discipline, support and mentorship. ‘It’s grown in to a much bigger thing than anyone thought it would do, and it’s all been done by the community. It’s amazing to see young people doing something healthy and having a good time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,’ said Tony.
For Kathy, one of the conditions of moving to Narrandera, was that she’d get really get involved in her fantastic new community. When she arrived in Narrandera, Kathy sent an email and applied to volunteer with Spirit FM Community Radio. ‘I am now the Production Manager and make all the commercials. I also have some slots during the week now, and I’m just loving it.’
Beyond the great facilities, affordable lifestyle and amazing community, there's still something more that Narrandera has to offer. Kathy describes it as, ‘a spiritual feeling… a connection to the land. You feel, this is home… this is my land. We love the trees, we love the river… we love the freedom.’ If this doesn’t leave you ready to make the country change, Tony and Kathy recommend you pay them a visit in Narrandera. ‘Come visit us and we’ll change your mind. You should come here… We’ll convince you!’
countrychange.com.au
Making a Country Change to Murrumbidgee
Before moving to the Murrumbidgee area in April 2017, Claire and Ken Walsh were living in Applecross, WA, where the median house price is a whopping $1.6 million. This is nearly 10 times the median price of $165,000 for a house in the township of Coleambally, where the Walsh’s bought their beautiful 5-bedroom home with a pool for just $200,000.
The Murrumbidgee area, located between Wagga Wagga, Leeton and Griffith, is predominantly a farming and irrigation area and referred to as, ‘the food bowl of Australia.’ Over the past five years, it has had the fastest employment growth in the Riverina-Murray region, and although agriculture is the main employing industry, there are always opportunities to start something new or unique in a country town. Claire runs her own picture framing business, and is really proud to be able to bring something a bit different to the community. ‘It’s unusual to have something like picture framing in a small town, so the locals really enjoy it,’ she said. ‘It’s beneficial to these small towns to have new people come along who have different abilities and backgrounds.’
Originally from a country town, Claire already had a love for rural life. ‘I also love the city and the creature comforts that come with that lifestyle, but it’s always nice to come back to the country,’ said Claire. ‘It’s got so much more to offer, especially for the kids.’ The Walsh’s love being able to spend more time with their two kids, who often say, ‘wow, we couldn’t have done this is Perth!’ As the median age of the Murrumbidgee population is falling, and volunteer numbers remain above the state and regional averages, it’s not only a great place for families to live, work and play, but it’s also a safe and secure community for retirees.
Fear of the unknown can make it difficult to leave something that you’re comfortable with, even if you’re not entirely happy. ‘We tend to ignore the things that we don’t like and tell ourselves it’ll just get better as we go along,’ said Ken, who knew that life could be different for his family. Not only does the Murrumbidgee have so much to offer families, but it also presents newcomers with great opportunities to contribute to a community in a way that’s very rare in city life - and this experience alone is priceless.
The average weekly rent across the Shire is just $150, which is another very affordable option for those who are curious about making the country change. ‘At least come for a holiday if you can, and just check it out,’ urges Claire. Perhaps you could stay at the gorgeous, family-operated Murrumbidgee Cottages, before embarking on a uniquely Australian safari tour of the Altina Wildlife Park? Or maybe camping at Darlington Point and exploring Ned Kelly’s connection to Jerilderie is more your scene? Come and find out what the Murrumbidgee can do for you, and what you can do for the Murrumbidgee.
For more information visit countrychange.com.au