Embracing the Sky and the Community: Ellen and Dominic’s Inspiring Country Change to Temora Shire

In mid-2024, Ellen Manson and Dominic Hill made the transformative decision to leave Shellharbour on the NSW Coast and relocate to the Riverina’s Temora Shire. Drawn by the promise of a slower pace, a tight-knit community, and opportunities for professional growth, they embarked on a journey that would not only advance Ellen’s career, but also offer both of them a chance to fully embrace a lifestyle that perfectly aligned with their passions and aspirations.

For each of them, their drivers to move were personal. Ellen’s decision to relocate was driven by her desire for a fresh start, and the town’s affordable living and thriving aviation community were perfect incentives.

“Temora Shire stood out because of its aviation focus and opportunities at the Airpark Estate,” Ellen explains. “The move has been incredibly rewarding, and the welcoming nature of the community, combined with its artistic and cultural scene, has made it an exciting place to live.”

For Dominic, aviation has always been a central part of his life. As an aeronautical engineer and pilot, Dominic had visited Temora regularly for flight training over the years. His connection to the community deepened during these visits, and over time, what started as a professional connection to Temora’s aviation scene evolved into a dream of making the town his home. The Temora Airpark Estate, where homes have their own hangar and direct runway access, was the primary draw, but the town's strategic location, conveniently situated between major cities like Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne, was also a big appeal.

A Smooth Transition with Professional Growth

Ellen moved to Temora while completing her final year of university, studying a double degree in marketing and law through correspondence. The pursuit of career opportunities drove her decision to relocate, and she found exactly what she was seeking at Granleese & Co., a legal and conveyancing firm. The firm offered her a position that provided a breadth of experience rarely available to juniors in city law firms. This opportunity allowed Ellen to quickly immerse herself in casework, significantly expanding her professional expertise and accelerating the growth of her legal career.

“Granleese & Co. has provided a dynamic and supportive environment,” Ellen shares. “Working in a regional area offers diverse casework and close client relationships, which has been a great foundation for my legal career.”

For Dominic, the transition to Temora has been equally rewarding. After years of visiting Temora for flight training, he finally made the decision to establish Altavia Aerospace at the Temora Airpark, where his business has flourished.

“The location is ideal,” Dominic says. “Having three generously sized runways oriented in different directions provides optimal conditions for our flight testing work. The community of experienced aircraft builders and engineers at the Airpark has been incredibly supportive, making it an ideal place to grow a business like ours.”

Affordable Housing and a Relaxed Lifestyle

One of the biggest surprises for both Ellen and Dominic was how affordable housing in Temora is compared to larger cities. The property market, especially at the Airpark Estate, provided them with the perfect space.

“Housing here is far more affordable than in Shellharbour,” Ellen says. “Purchasing at the Airpark Estate was seamless, with plenty of space for both a home and a hangar. It’s a dream for anyone passionate about aviation, like me.”

Dominic adds, “It’s encouraging to see a growing town where younger people can still achieve the dream of home ownership without the burden of overwhelming mortgages.”

The transition to Temora has also allowed both Ellen and Dominic to enjoy a much better work-life balance. The short commute from their home to work means they can maximise productive time while also dedicating evenings to personal pursuits. For Ellen, that includes building her aircraft in their hangar, while for Dominic, it’s being fully immersed in the airpark lifestyle. “The work-life balance here is exceptional,” Dominic shares. “With just a 30-second commute to my workshop, I can maximise productive time working on aircraft and prototype parts.”

‍Thriving Arts and Cultural Scene

Beyond work, the couple has embraced the rich arts and cultural scene in Temora, which has quickly become one of the highlights of their new life. Ellen, in particular, has enjoyed engaging with the local arts community. “I’ve loved engaging with Temora’s arts scene,” she says. “The former Scout Hall is now a fantastic community art space where you can bring your own medium or try pottery. Local creators sell incredible work at Diamonds and Dust and Temora’s Own Arts and Crafts, where you’ll also find amazing homemade jams and cakes.”

Ellen and Dominic also make time to enjoy outdoor activities, including evening walks at Lake Centenary, a beautiful spot known for its stunning landscaping and picnic spots. On weekends, they enjoy exploring nearby towns like Ariah Park, Junee (with its Licorice Factory), and Young  (Australia’s cherry capital), which has made their time in the region even more enriching.

“The social aspect of regional living has far exceeded my expectations,” Dominic says. “Having spent a decade in urban apartments where neighbour interactions were minimal, the warmth and friendliness of the Temora community was a wonderful surprise. Any concerns about isolation quickly disappeared.”

The Community Spirit

Ellen and Dominic have been continually impressed by how welcoming the Temora community has been. Whether it’s fellow aviation enthusiasts at the Airpark or creatives in the local arts scene, everyone is eager to connect and support one another. “The community is extremely welcoming,” Ellen says. “Whether it’s fellow aviation enthusiasts at the Airpark or creatives in the local arts scene, everyone is eager to connect and support one another.”

Dominic shares a similar sentiment: “The community has been incredibly welcoming. While we already knew some friends at the Airpark, we’ve formed close bonds with many townspeople. Temora truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Friendly Town.’”

Both Ellen and Dominic have also noticed the incredible sense of community support. For Dominic, the airpark has become a hub of collaboration, with other aviation professionals and engineers offering their expertise to help Altavia Aerospace grow. “The willingness to collaborate and share expertise has been invaluable to our growth,” he says.

A Future in Temora Shire

Both Ellen and Dominic see a bright future in Temora Shire, one that combines professional growth, a relaxed lifestyle, and a welcoming community.

“For anyone struggling with the skyrocketing property markets along the East Coast, I strongly encourage exploring opportunities in Temora,” Dominic says. “The combination of affordable housing, strong community spirit, and excellent quality of life offers a compelling alternative to city living.” He also adds, “The transition has been remarkably smooth. We maintain regular contact with family in Canberra and Shellharbour, and after experiencing Temora's charm, they're always eager to visit more frequently!”