General News
7 October, 2024
City residents opt for country tree change
More than half of Australian residents living in a city would be open to moving to the country in search of affordable housing and better conditions for their children and family.
A study from the University of South Australia found 53 per cent of people living in cities with a population of more than 100,000 would be willing to move to a town with a population of under 100,000.
And judging by the response from current local residents when Wimmera Mallee News put a call out recently to people who had moved from the city to the country, it was obvious that towns like Warracknabeal, Dimboola and Horsham had proven popular with those making the move in the past few years.
Researchers from the university surveyed more than 3000 people across Australia in 2021 – at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic – on where they lived and the factors that would shape their decision to relocate, including employment and housing.
For the first time since 1981, Australia’s regional population grew more than the capital cities during 2020-21.
This growth was especially noticeable in NSW and Victoria where stricter and more severe lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne prompted more people to move regionally.
Neil Devonport moved to Dimboola from Geelong by himself recently in search of affordable living and a new start.
The 48-year-old launched Big Bertha Coffee, Toasties and Catering after his relocation.
“The focus is very much on agriculture and healthcare," Mr Devonport said.
"My skillset, being marketing and tourism, isn’t particularly in demand in this region."
Despite this, Mr Devonport made the move to Dimboola because it was more dynamic than many other towns he had looked at.
“Unlike many, it was seeing growth – new businesses were opening, new opportunities,” he said.
And the move has paid off, with Mr Devonport enjoying a lifestyle that is more simple and quiet.
“There are some amazing people here who are extremely supportive," Mr Devonport said.
"Like any community, you will always have a couple of Chihuahuas barking at people but, most people are amazing to deal with, even if a little reserved."
But of course, living in a small town does have its pitfalls – including things Mr Devonport said he missed.
“Bars, cocktails, food, not having to be so organised – we had access to everything practically 24 hours,” he said.
“It was easy to decide at 9pm you wanted dessert, or to meet friends for drinks any night, almost any time.”
Have you recently made the move from city to country living in the Wimmera?
Share your story with our readers by contacting zoey@wmnews.com.au