Narrandera has long been heralded as the heart of New South Wales’ Riverina region. However, it’s not just the town’s geographical location or position along the Murrumbidgee River that affords it this title. The welcoming locals, supportive community groups and beautiful natural landscapes help swell the heart of this town and all who visit.
Originally from South Australia, Lauren Redden found herself following her heart to Narrandera when her then boyfriend, Ryan, was offered a position in the small country town. With Ryan’s family’s farm in the Riverina town of Brocklesby, an hour and a half from the town, it was an opportunity too good to be missed.
With experience working in local council in South Australia, Lauren was able to gain employment in the Narrandera Shire Council after her move. She took a fixed term contract as Finance Officer initially and from there, a permanent position in administration became available. In comparable city situations, “employment opportunities are much more competitive,” she said. “In a smaller town you can get to know all aspects of a workplace and gain jobs internally.”Something Lauren has particularly enjoyed about working in Narrandera Council is the variety of roles she has been able to fulfill. “The great thing about working in a smaller place is that you get to collaborate with a lot of departments. I’ve worked with finance, executives, administration and other areas and my role is really diverse and fun. I get to work with a real range of people,” she explained.
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Narrandera has not only provided Lauren and Ryan with great job opportunities, but their positions have also offered financial stability. As a result, the couple, who were engaged last year, have been able to take full advantage of the Riverina’s great housing affordability and have recently purchased a 16-acre property in the area. “It’s a big life change,” revealed Lauren. “We have a large garden and lawn and have just brought in some sheep and cows to keep some of the grass down,” she said, describing their growing hobby farm. “There’s not much spare time at the moment, but we’re really enjoying it,” she affirmed.
Lauren does get the chance to engage in many of the sporting and recreational activities Narrandera has on offer. “Sport and community groups are a great way to meet people and become involved in a new community,” advocated Lauren. When she first moved to the area, she made many friends and found out about what was on offer by playing volleyball and going to boxing and yoga classes. “I think it really helped me settle in and meet nice people,” she explained. “Everyone was lovely, and it made my transition easy.”
Narrandera shire has a swimming pool and recently renovated water park. Local sporting and leisure venues also offer netball, basketball, cricket, bowling, golf and tennis. The Murrumbidgee Trails provide yet another way to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, with walks not only through Narrandera, but three of the adjoining shires. “Some people think small towns are boring,” Lauren relayed, “but the town is inviting and welcoming,” she explained.
By actively ‘putting herself out there,’ Lauren found and joined the Soroptimist Narrandera community group. Part of Soroptimist International, this is a global initiative that works to foster “a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities.” Lauren has made like-minded friends through this group and been able to give back to her new community and those who are less fortunate. By raising money, the group provides educational, business and domestic support to those in need.
If you can imagine becoming involved in all Narrandera has to offer, you can Contact Us to find out how to make your own Country Change a reality. With so much on offer Lauren has no hesitation in recommending you “just go for it! The prospects are endless if you just have a go,” she advises.
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