Benalla Rural City and the Shires of Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie have become increasingly popular destinations among ‘treechangers’ seeking to escape the city rat race. The stunning natural attributes of the Goulburn River and Ranges region are a major drawcard. But as the following stories show, the proactive and community minded approach of Local Government is also helping to make the area a great place to live, work and invest.
Dispelling the myths
“WHY would I want to move to the country? There’s no job opportunity, schools are lousy, doctors like hens’ teeth and stuff all to do!” … Well countless treechangers would argue ‘not so’.
Throughout Victoria, many regional hospitals score better than metropolitan counterparts for patient satisfaction. In 2004, hospitals in Benalla and Yea achieved the highest overall care index score for Victorian hospitals their size. Mansfield District Hospital ranked equal second for a hospital of its size.
With unemployment levels close to zero in parts of the region, many businesses are screaming for employees. Opportunities in middle management, Local Government, hospitality, health, tourism and agribusiness are there for those willing to make the move.
With regard to education, the area is home to 42 primary schools, nine secondary schools, five independent schools, regional campuses for Swinburne and LaTrobe Universities, one TAFE, seven continuing adult education providers, and regional campuses for Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop Campus and Lauriston Girls’ School’s Howqua Campus. Kilmore International School, located in Mitchell Shire, is the only secondary college in Australia solely focused on the International Baccalaureate. And in 2005, 70 per cent of the school’s graduates gained an ENTER score of 90 or higher.
Mansfield Secondary College is a leader within Victoria for School Based New Apprenticeships – offering students valuable workplace experience and tertiary level certificates. Many other secondary schools in the area are also committed to this program.
If outdoor activity is your go, the options are limitless. Parks, lakes, rivers, trails and mountains are the playground for fishing, water skiing and wake boarding, bushwalking, camping, snow sports, horse riding, 4WDing, rowing, motorcycling and more.
Nor does moving to the country mean abandoning the ‘finer side of life’. Performing arts centres host an array of local and national performers. The region’s wineries, cafes and galleries also regularly showcase visual and performing artists…and they’re always on the lookout for fresh talent.
