It’s great to be back with you all for this week’s TWIT.
I write this from the regional NSW town I grew up near. I’m currently sipping a latte that would give Melbourne baristas a run for their money. As I look out the window and see trucks moving past hauling cotton bales to be processed, it occurred to me that many people from the cities are not be fully aware of the possibilities that exist in regional Australia.
In December is 2021, The Regional Australia Institute commissioned research to find out how regional Australia was viewed by those living in the capital cities. Amongst the findings, they found that the top three factors driving people to leave the cities were
- Avoiding roads and traffic congestion
- Reducing general stress and anxiety
- Reducing cost of living
Transitioning from the metropolitan hustle and bustle to the rhythm of regional life is no small task, and there are significant factors all consider when contemplating such a move. These factors include:
- Lifestyle – This is often the key motivator for many making the ‘tree-change’. Life in regional Australia provides a sense of community often missing in larger cities. The slower pace, cleaner air, and close proximity to nature are appealing factors.
- Housing – Generally, salaries can stretch a lot further in regional areas. Though for some regional centres, COVID made significant impacts on housing, many centres offer larger homes, or even property with land, for the same price as an apartment in a city.
- Jobs – As I mentioned in the last post, job opportunities in regional Australia are not just limited to traditional farming or mining roles. There’s a growing demand for professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering and technology.
- Education – Many who move to rural towns do so with children. Candidates considering the local school options is paramount to their decision. Smaller class sizes can mean more individual attention, and many regional schools offer excellent education. However, options for special programs or specific sports might be limited.
Making the shift to regional Australia is less about scarcity and more about perception. The opportunities are there, waiting for the right people to seize them. There is a great online resource that offers an opportunity to research these top considerations; Move to More aims to be a one stop shop for information regarding rural communities. Along with insights on over 1700 rural towns, the site promotes information on steps to take when taking the plunge and has a podcast of stories of people making the move.
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