Before moving to the Murrumbidgee area in April 2017, Claire and Ken Walsh were living in Applecross, WA, where the median house price is a whopping $1.6 million. This is nearly 10 times the median price of $165,000 for a house in the township of Coleambally, where the Walsh’s bought their beautiful 5-bedroom home with a pool for just $200,000.

The Murrumbidgee area, located between Wagga Wagga, Leeton and Griffith, is predominantly a farming and irrigation area and referred to as, ‘the food bowl of Australia.’ Over the past five years, it has had the fastest employment growth in the Riverina-Murray region, and although agriculture is the main employing industry, there are always opportunities to start something new or unique in a country town. Claire runs her own picture framing business, and is really proud to be able to bring something a bit different to the community. ‘It’s unusual to have something like picture framing in a small town, so the locals really enjoy it,’ she said. ‘It’s beneficial to these small towns to have new people come along who have different abilities and backgrounds.’

Originally from a country town, Claire already had a love for rural life. ‘I also love the city and the creature comforts that come with that lifestyle, but it’s always nice to come back to the country,’ said Claire. ‘It’s got so much more to offer, especially for the kids.’ The Walsh’s love being able to spend more time with their two kids, who often say, ‘wow, we couldn’t have done this is Perth!’ As the median age of the Murrumbidgee population is falling, and volunteer numbers remain above the state and regional averages, it’s not only a great place for families to live, work and play, but it’s also a safe and secure community for retirees.

Fear of the unknown can make it difficult to leave something that you’re comfortable with, even if you’re not entirely happy. ‘We tend to ignore the things that we don’t like and tell ourselves it’ll just get better as we go along,’ said Ken, who knew that life could be different for his family. Not only does the Murrumbidgee have so much to offer families, but it also presents newcomers with great opportunities to contribute to a community in a way that’s very rare in city life - and this experience alone is priceless.

The average weekly rent across the Shire is just $150, which is another very affordable option for those who are curious about making the country change. ‘At least come for a holiday if you can, and just check it out,’ urges Claire. Perhaps you could stay at the gorgeous, family-operated Murrumbidgee Cottages, before embarking on a uniquely Australian safari tour of the Altina Wildlife Park? Or maybe camping at Darlington Point and exploring Ned Kelly’s connection to Jerilderie is more your scene? Come and find out what the Murrumbidgee can do for you, and what you can do for the Murrumbidgee.