PRESS RELEASE: Explore a new life in the Riverina with a weekend of events for potential relocators

For Immediate Release
5 April 2024

Ever considered leaving the city behind? The thought of throwing it all in and escaping to the country is only in the wildest dreams of most Sydneysiders, but the reality is there’s a whole world west of the mountains. Get ready to head south-west on the Hume because the Riverina is calling with the chance to explore what a move to the region would look like.

The Riverina Discovery Weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April offers potential relocators and new residents the chance to learn more about the region.

Run by Regional Development Australia-Riverina (RDA-Riverina), they’ll connect you with local experts who can answer all your questions about jobs, schools, housing affordability, and lifestyle options. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore neighbouring towns on a road trip.

The promise of a shorter (or almost non-existent) commute, decent backyards and plenty of career opportunities has long lured tree changers in search of the good life, including Margaret Jemeli, Amos Talam and their two beautiful children, who took a tree change to Leeton in February 2023.

Margaret and Amos were living in Western Sydney when they came to Australia, later becoming the first family to move to regional Leeton through the NSW GROW pilot program.

The family connected with the NSW GROW pilot program through the Regional Employment Hub delivered by the Australian Red Cross in Western Sydney. The idea of living a quiet life away from the big city appealed to Margaret and Amos, and after learning about the lifestyle and work opportunities that were available in Leeton, they decided to take the plunge.

”The move to Leeton was the best choice despite some challenges. The community here are welcoming and supportive people. And even though I thought it would be rural life, I was very wrong!” said Margaret.
“I would like to tell anyone who wants to move to a regional place that they will like it. Everything is the same as the city, but with less stress and busyness!”

RDA-Riverina’s CEO and Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting, has welcomed countless new residents to the region through their Country Change program and says there’s space for many more.
“We know how difficult it can be for people living in capital cities to imagine leaving what they know to make a move to a regional town or city, but once they do, they don’t look back and often encourage their friends and family to think about moving too,” Ms Whiting said.

“A short visit is the best way to test the waters and see what’s on offer, that’s why we’ve put together a weekend of events to help people find their way with plenty of free time to explore as well.”

On Saturday 20 April, kick off your exploration in Wagga Wagga at the Country Change Expo, where you can network with employers, learn about educational opportunities, and discover the affordability of living in the Riverina compared to metropolitan areas. Following the Expo, there’ll be a warm welcome event, hosted by Committee 4 Wagga, where you can meet locals, learn about the community, and enjoy a family-friendly evening by the riverside.

Sunday 21 April is reserved for regional road trips, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of nearby towns. From scenic landscapes to unique attractions, these road trips are designed to give you a taste of what life in the Riverina is all about.

Find out more about the Riverina Discovery Weekend and RSVP at https://rdariverina.org.au/.

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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Belinda King, Event Manager | [email protected] | 0402 199 347
Interviews, further relocator case studies and photo opportunities are available on request. Images for media promotion can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yEygeeYZcME15X7O2cl14Dv3tko1O6X2?usp=sharing

About the Riverina region:
Home to around 173,593 people, the Riverina covers from the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in the east to the open plains of Hay and Carrathool in the west. It stretches across vast swathes of farmland with numerous towns and villages alongside larger cities like Wagga Wagga and Griffith.
Discover career opportunities across industries from government and defence to agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and other professional and social services. With affordable housing, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s the ideal home for those seeking a better life.