PRESS RELEASE: COST-OF-LIVING SQUEEZE DRIVES SYDNEYSIDERS TO SEEK A COUNTRY CHANGE – AND THE RIVERINA IS BRACED
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
9 September, 2025
COST-OF-LIVING SQUEEZE DRIVES SYDNEYSIDERS TO SEEK A COUNTRY CHANGE – AND THE RIVERINA IS BRACED
Soaring mortgages, rental stress and rising living costs are forcing many Sydney families and professionals to consider a life beyond the city — and the Riverina is pitching itself as the perfect place to start fresh.
New figures show capital city residents moving to regional Australia outnumbered those heading in the opposite direction by 26 per cent. The Regional Movers Index (June Quarter 2025) — developed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), reveals migration from capitals to the regions made up 11.2% of all internal migration for the quarter, compared to just 8.9% from regions back into the cities.
Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina, said the data mirrors what communities in southern NSW are seeing on the ground.
“Offering affordable homes, thriving career opportunities, and space to actually live, the Riverina is fast becoming a destination of choice for city-dwellers chasing a better balance and faster job advancement,” Ms Whiting said.
Emma Davenport is one such recent tree-changer, who made a career move earlier this year. “I moved from Sydney specifically to expedite my career progression,” she said.
“I was a Year 6 Co-Ordinator and moved into a Deputy Principal role at the Lutheran School Wagga Wagga. That kind of progression would have been much more difficult in the city due to the competitiveness for such positions. Plus, now I have time for further study.”
And Ms Davenport isn’t alone. According to a survey released by the RAI earlier this year, more than 50% of Millennials and over 40% of Gen Z are actively considering a move to the regions.
“We know people are under pressure in Sydney. In Sydney, the average commute is around 90 minutes each way — in Temora, it’s a five-minute walk, coffee in hand, no traffic, and you’re home by 5:05pm. That’s more than seven hours a week back in your life. And while rent in Newtown averages $950 a week, a mortgage in Griffith can be as little as $323 a week,” she added.
Ms Whiting said the contrast speaks for itself: “In the Riverina, people get their time back, their money goes further, and life simply makes more sense.”
The push comes ahead of the 2025 Country Change Expos in Wagga Wagga (13 September) and Griffith (25 October), where visitors can meet local councils, employers, education providers, and real families who’ve already made the move. Guided town tours will also give attendees the chance to see first-hand what life in the Riverina looks like.
With major infrastructure projects underway and growing demand across healthcare, construction, IT and aged care, the Riverina is hungry for new talent.
“This isn’t just about jobs — it’s about building a future,” Ms Whiting said. “For anyone ready to make the leap, the Riverina has the lifestyle, the industries and the opportunities to thrive. And with lower overheads, it’s also the perfect place to start a business. So these expos are the perfect opportunity to come and have life-changing conversations,” Ms Whiting said.
EVENT DETAILS
Wagga Wagga Country Change Expo – Saturday 13 September
Griffith Country Change Expo – Saturday 25 October
Free entry, with town tours available.
More info: www.countrychange.com.au/events-for-visitors
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Laticia Braving | 0413 342 735 | [email protected]
Rachel Whiting | [email protected] | 02 5924 586 102
MEDIA KIT WITH PHOTOS AND VIDEO are available – link in attachment or by request.
SOCIALS
Facebook: @CountryChange
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YouTube: @countrychangeau
LinkedIn: @country-change
