When Shannen first received her permanent posting as a paramedic in Griffith in 2021, she was taken aback. Having built her life in Sydney, the idea of moving to a regional town was both daunting and unfamiliar. However, rather than resisting the change, she chose to embrace it as an adventure—a decision that would ultimately transform her life in ways she never expected.
Shannen’s career as a paramedic has always been a demanding one, requiring her to be on call for emergencies, respond quickly under pressure, and navigate the unpredictable challenges of the job. However, working in a regional ambulance station provided her with a different pace—one that allowed her to maintain her passion without the constant burnout she had witnessed in city-based roles.
“In the city, paramedics get burned out quickly because they’re constantly running from one job to the next,” Shannen explains. “Out here in Griffith, we still have challenging cases, but we also get proper breaks, we finish our shifts on time, and we have a better work-life balance.”
Beyond her paramedic role, Shannen is also a registered nurse. To keep her nursing registration active, she works casually at Griffith Base Hospital in the Emergency Department. This dual role allows her to maintain a diverse skill set and contribute to the community in multiple ways.
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Moving from Sydney to Griffith meant starting fresh. She arrived knowing no one and quickly realised she had to put herself out there to build connections.
“I had to be proactive, ask people to hang out, and make the first move socially,” she says. “But after the first few months, it got easier, and now I have an amazing group of friends.”
One of the biggest decisions she made was committing to staying for at least 12 months before considering transferring back. She wanted to give regional life a fair chance—and looking back, it’s clear that choice changed her life.
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Beyond her career growth, Shannen’s move to Griffith led her to something even more unexpected—love.
“I never thought I’d move out here, fall in love, buy a house, get a dog, and set up my life,” she admits. “It was completely unexpected, but now I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Her partner, also a shift worker, understands the demands of her job. Living in a smaller town means they get to spend more quality time together, without the long commutes and endless traffic of city life. With everything in close proximity—work, home, the gym, and recreational facilities—they make the most of their days off together.
In 2024, their love story took another exciting turn—they got engaged at the breathtaking Lake Taupo in New Zealand while on holiday. The picturesque setting made for the perfect moment, and the couple couldn’t be happier about taking this next step in their journey together.
Now, they are planning their wedding for August 2025, a celebration that will bring together family and friends in a place that has become home. Their engagement has been a highlight of their time in Griffith, solidifying their decision to stay and build a future together.
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Shannen has fully embraced the Griffith lifestyle. She enjoys spending time at the local cafés with friends, exploring the region’s renowned wineries, and staying active by playing in a local basketball competition at the newly built Griffith Regional Sports Centre.
“There’s way more infrastructure and facilities than I first expected,” she says. “There are multiple gyms, a big aquatic centre, and lots of great social activities.”
This sense of community and accessibility has made her appreciate regional life in a way she never anticipated.
Griffith is one of Australia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan regional centres. With a population of 27,000, it boasts a rich blend of cultures and traditions. More than seventy nationalities contribute to its cultural tapestry, including Italian, Indian, Afghani, and Pacific communities.
Life in Griffith revolves around food, wine, sport, and family. Annual festivals celebrate the region’s local food and world-class wines, bringing people together to enjoy the area’s warm hospitality and diverse cultures. Something that Shannen has embraced and adores!
Griffith is the agricultural powerhouse of the Riverina, servicing a population catchment of over 55,000. The diverse agricultural industry includes wineries, citrus, poultry, rice, grain, nuts, and cotton. The city also has a strong construction industry, primarily consisting of small, privately owned companies. Healthcare is another significant sector, as Griffith is part of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
There are skills gaps in information media and telecommunications, financial and insurance services, and technical/scientific services. There are also investment opportunities in housing and agritourism, making Griffith an attractive location for those looking to grow their careers or start a business.
The region is home to several towns and villages, including Griffith, Hanwood, Yenda, Lake Wyangan, Yoogali, Bilbul, Beelbangera, and Tharbogang.
Three years after making the move, Shannen has no regrets. She has built a fulfilling career, found love, bought a house, and become an active member of the Griffith community. With her upcoming wedding on the horizon, she reflects on how this unexpected journey has given her everything she never knew she needed.
“If you’re even considering making a Country Change, just do it,” she advises. “It was one of the best decisions life threw at me, and I’m so glad I took the chance.”
For those thinking about making the move to a regional town, Shannen’s journey proves that sometimes, the unexpected turns in life lead to the most incredible outcomes. Whether it’s for career growth, better work-life balance, or the chance to build a new life, Griffith has given Shannen everything she never knew she needed—and more.
If Shannen’s story has inspired you, consider exploring Griffith for yourself. Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, a vibrant community, or a fresh start, Griffith has plenty to offer. Get in touch to learn more about making a country change or visit our town page: Griffith City Council.
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