When you’ve lived in the country for long enough, you’re sure to have been asked this one question countless times. “Do you ever get bored?” is a common query from those caught up in the inner-city rat-race. But it’s also one of the biggest misconceptions about life in The Riverina.No, we don’t! In fact, The Riverina is jam-packed with bustling communities, friendly people and fantastic events.
The Riverina’s events calendar reads like a life bucket list – you’ll want to try it all. From art exhibitions, live performances and food festivals to horse races, lights shows and fireworks, there’s something for everybody (and then some!).September is a busy month for Coolamon Shire, with an action-packed fire engine muster, huge book fair and library school holiday program keeping all generations busy. Cootamundra will host the Cootamundra Art Show (featuring an Opening Night Gala and art exhibition) as well as the annual Wattle Time Fair. Next door in Gundagai, locals will raise awareness for mental health with the Out of the Shadows Walk, while also hosting kids' activities in the library and local weekend markets (Sundy in Gundy).
Across in Temora, they’ll be celebrating community with the annual Ariah Park Show, an exciting Warbirds Downunder Air Show and the Temora West Spring Fair. You’ve just missed the annual A Taste of Italy celebration in Griffith (there’s always next year!), but the Griffith Spring Fest and De Bortoli Wines Griffith Garden Fest are the next not-to-be-missed events on the agenda.
Over in Bland Shire, the West Wyalong Show will return in September and the town of Ungarie will kick off its massive 150th Anniversary Celebrations. The Lockhart community will celebrate the 50th birthday of Greens Gunyah Museum, as well as the famous Lockhart Picnic Races, the Lockhart Show and the Spirit of the Land Festival.
The Greater Hume is proud to host its iconic Henty Machinery Field Days experience in September, as well as fun community activities with the Hume Football and Netball League Finals. North in Wagga Wagga, locals will be having a ball at Ocrowberfest, Ag Race Day and Spring Jam, all in September. Coming up in Leeton is the quintessential country event the Leeton Agricultural Show and the Leeton Town Band Outback Spectacular.
Of course, attending events is just one element of The Riverina that locals love. Another thing they’re mad about – volunteering! Whether you’re a retiree looking to stay productive, a newcomer looking to make friends or simply a kind heart with time to spare, volunteering is a wonderful way to embed yourself in The Riverina community. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities around so you’re sure to find a position that matches your interests and availability.In Temora, you can volunteer at the Temora Visitor Information Centre where you can share your knowledge of the Temora Shire with locals and visitors alike. Or volunteer at Temora Town Hall Theatre. Here you don’t only get to receive training in your area of interest in the theatre industry, but you’ll also get to work with a great team and see the movies for free!If history is more your thing, you could volunteer for the Leeton Museum and Gallery or the Whitton Courthouse & Historical Museum. It’s easy to get involved by just downloading an application and getting ready to meet some great new locals!
It’s true what they say about folks out in the country: everybody’s treated like a friend! Here in The Riverina, we are many smaller communities combined to form one large community. From Bland Shire to the Greater Hume, and Griffith to Cootamundra, each town is a jewel in The Riverina’s crown.As a community, we’re proud to celebrate the heritage, culture and values that we’re built on. The fabric of our community is our agricultural history and innovation, and we embrace that passion, innovation and achievement every day, in every way. Becoming part of this community will see you becoming a part of something bigger and incredibly special here in The Riverina.
Does The Riverina sounds like a community you’d love to be a part of? Take a browse through Country Change 2022 Magazine (Get Your FREE Copy here!) and find out how living in the country can actually make you healthier.
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