Coolamon’s Colonial Charm inspires Country Change

Sweet Briar is a bed and breakfast run out of the beautiful, old colonial building that used to be the Bank of New South Wales. It was purely by accident that Andre and Keryl de Hann stumbled upon this hidden treasure back in 2008, when they were visiting a friend who had moved to Coolamon. They immediately fell in love with its history and grandeur, so when an opportunity to purchase the property and the business arose in 2010, the couple decided to take risk. ‘Coolamon is a great place,’ said Andre. ‘We just jumped in boots and all.’

It was a big tree change to make, but Andre and Keryl don’t regret it for a minute. ‘I think we had always been intrigued by what it would be like to live in a country town,’ said Keryl. They couple feels it’s a great privilege to host visitors to their wonderful town, and since making the move in 2010, they we have been busy improving Sweet Briar’s buildings and gardens, and adding their own special touch the property.

Not only is Coolamon brimming with business potential, but this charming town also has many exciting employment opportunities for newcomers. From rural and farming jobs, health and educational services, to hospitality, boutique retail and tourism jobs, Coolamon has something for everyone, with career opportunities across a wide range of trades and professions. In addition to running Sweet Briar with Andre, Keryl is also a registered nurse, working in the specialised field of perinatal mental health. ’It’s been a great opportunity to bring my experience and skillset from various jobs in Sydney out to the country, and enhance the service provision that we have out here,’ said Keryl. For anyone who’s ever considered making the country change, but has let fear hold them back, Keryl insists, ’it’s worth giving it a go. Take the risk. Take the plunge.’

What the de Hann’s love most about living in Coolamon, is that they get to be a lot more involved in their boys lives. ’It’s been easier to connect in every day life,’ said Andre. ‘Our lives aren’t separate anymore - I’m not going off to work and only seeing them in the evening.’ From walking the boys to school in the morning, to having more time together in the afternoons and evenings, the family is closer than ever. ‘It’s just such an easy lifestyle, and you gain so much more than you might lose by staying where you are,’ added Andre.

Paul and Leslie Weston were both fortunate enough to be employed by Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, where they found many opportunities to pursue their interests in research and teaching. Living just a half hour drive away in picturesque Coolamon, Leslie said, ’we wanted an area where we could raise our horses and have a few dogs, as well a being close to the university.’ With such close proximity to one of the Riverina’s big, regional cities, Coolamon really can provide its residents with the best of both worlds.

When the Weston’s moved to Coolamon, they didn’t really worry about how they’d be integrated into the community, and assumed it would eventually happen over time. However, they were immediately met with the town’s proud and passionate community spirit. ‘It actually happened a lot quicker than we realised, and we were made to feel very welcome,’ said Paul. ‘We wouldn’t trade it for anything else. We’re here forever.’