For many people dreaming of a slower, more grounded lifestyle, a move to regional NSW is more than a change of address; it’s a chance to reclaim space, time, and community. For Ted and Sue Weeden, that’s exactly what their move to Gundagai offered.
After decades of living and working across regional Australia, the couple found themselves at a crossroads. Ted had wrapped up a long career in regional banking, much of it spent in Tamworth, and the pair had spent five enjoyable years caravanning around the country. But gradually, the question began to loom: Where to next?
For Ted and Sue, the answer lay in the place where their story began - the Riverina.
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Both Ted and Sue spent their early years in the Riverina. Sue grew up in Temora, while Ted’s childhood spanned Coolamon, Hay, Wagga Wagga and The Rock. Eventually, work pulled them away, but their connection to the region never faded.
“After years on the road in the caravan, it was time to decide our future plans,” Sue explains. “We wanted to move back to the Riverina, where we both had family and friends.”
With family spread across the region and Canberra, the Riverina offered the familiar warmth of home, and the chance to begin a new chapter with the comfort of community close by.
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Once the couple sold their home in Tamworth, the search was officially on. Coolamon was their first choice, and they spent three months parked at Ted’s brother’s place while they explored properties. But nothing quite felt right.
It wasn’t until one of their regular trips through Gundagai - visiting their son and grandchildren in Sydney that something shifted.
“We passed through Gundagai on the way to Sydney several times,” Ted says. “That’s when we thought we would look at some possible sites.”
A local real estate agent, Ab McAlister, showed them a block with sweeping views. That outlook, coupled with the convenience of direct highway access to Sydney, sealed their decision.
And just like that, their country change began.
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While they wrapped up remaining commitments in Tamworth, Ted and Sue entrusted the build of their new home to G.J. Gardner. “Everything went smoothly,” Sue says. “We rented and house-sat for a few months while visiting regularly to check on progress.”
Once they received the keys, settling into Gundagai came naturally… helped by the warm welcome of locals and the presence of Ted’s long-time relative, who made sure they were introduced to community events and friendly faces.
Although smaller than Tamworth, the couple quickly discovered that Gundagai had everything they needed.
“Gundagai has good medical and hospital services, two decent supermarkets and the other specialty shops I like,” Sue says. “Life is just easier here.”
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The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council area spans the eastern Riverina, offering residents the best of both worlds - a vibrant rural lifestyle with effortless connectivity. The region is home to around 11,500 people across two main towns, Cootamundra and Gundagai, and the surrounding villages of Adjungbilly, Coolac, Muttama, Nangus, Stockinbingal, Tumblong and Wallendbeen.
With easy access to the Hume and Olympic Highways, residents enjoy the space and serenity of the country while remaining close to everything they need. Wagga Wagga and Canberra are just a short commute away for additional services, airports, and specialist medical appointments.
Gundagai itself is well-connected, with:
Major local employers include Gundagai Meat Processors, Lynch Engineering and the Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council — making the region a practical choice for families and workers seeking regional stability.
For Ted and Sue, one of the biggest joys has been the freedom and beauty of their new backyard.
“Tumut is an easy drive and gives you access to the mountains, dams, fishing and the snowfields,” Ted says. “There are numerous scenic drives along the Murrumbidgee and Tumut Rivers.”
Canberra is only an hour and a half away, and Junee, Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga — along with many charming villages — are all close enough for a casual day trip.
“Gundagai really is so accessible,” Sue adds. “Everything we need is here, and the rest is just a short drive.”
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Despite arriving during lockdowns, Sue quickly found her place in the community.
“Through Ted’s relative, I was introduced to numerous organisations,” she says. “The first involvement was the Gundagai Spring Anglican Flower Show. I had a flower and plant stall.”
From there, her connections blossomed. She joined the local CWA, assisted in the pavilion at the local show, attends weekly yoga, uses the swimming pool for regular exercise, and volunteers with both the Hospital Auxiliary and Can Assist.
Meanwhile, Ted embraced the peaceful rhythm of country living.
“We’ve lived regionally most of our lives — the open spaces and slower pace really suit us,” he says. “Our block was a bare canvas. I’ve spent a lot of time shaping the yard, and now it looks great.”
Gundagai’s strong sporting culture has also been a highlight. “It’s a great sporting town,” Ted says. “Golf, bowls, tennis, the pool - there’s so much on offer.”
For anyone considering a move to the Cootamundra–Gundagai region, Ted and Sue offer simple, heartfelt advice: “Go for it.”
“Gundagai is a great little town,” Ted says. “It offers all the services, and bigger towns and cities are in easy reach.”
When asked to describe Gundagai in three words, they choose: Scenic. Friendly. Accessible.
“Rivers and hills make it scenic,” Sue says. “There’s always a smiling face or someone ready to help. And the highways and transport services make it so easy to get anywhere.”
If you’re ready for a #countrychange and would like assistance, reach out to our team today!
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