For Rebekah Rogers and Dean King, their journey to Narrandera began with a building that had captured their hearts.
“We came to visit this beautiful old soul of a building, affectionately known to the locals as ‘HALLS,’ back in 2015, and fell in love,” Rebekah recalls. The couple bought the heritage building the following year, discovering its rich history as a 1940s hotel once run by Ted Hall.
From that point, Hall’s Cuisine & Collectables became a passion project — part café, part antique store, and all heart.
The building’s vintage charm and welcoming warmth have made it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, a true reflection of Narrandera’s community spirit. Locals drop in for coffee, visitors stop to browse the antiques, and conversations flow easily.
“Through our business, we’ve made so many beautiful connections that have grown into lifelong friendships,” Rebekah says. “There’s something special about small towns — you get to know people deeply, and they get to know you back.”
Both Rebekah and Dean are active community members, volunteering with Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, Landcare, and the Narrandera Garden Club. They’re also proud supporters of Can Assist and other local organisations. “Giving back is important to us,” Rebekah adds. “We know funding can be limited in smaller communities, so we help wherever we can.”
Set along the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Narrandera is known for its leafy streets, heritage architecture, and strong community ties. The town sits within the Narrandera Shire, which also includes the villages of Barellan, Binya, Grong Grong, Kamarah, and Sandigo — a region of about 5,800 people spread across 4,118 square kilometres.
The name Narrandera comes from the Wiradjuri word Narrungdera, meaning “place of the lizard or goanna.” For Rebekah, who is of Wiradjuri descent, the move back to Country was deeply meaningful.
“We were looking for something with soul and character,” she explains. “For me, being of Wiradjuri descent, I wanted to be back on Country. From that first visit, it felt like home. The people here are so friendly, and many have become family to us.”
With Dean’s career in the Australian Defence Force taking him across New South Wales and Victoria, the couple needed a home base. “We needed somewhere Dean could come home to on weekends,” Rebekah says. “I transferred my job to Leeton, then later returned to my trade as a chef and reopened the café upstairs.”
Bush Tucker with Heart
Rebekah’s creative spirit shines in her cooking — especially through her use of native ingredients that celebrate her heritage and the land around her.
“My passion for food, combined with my Wiradjuri heritage, leads me to showcase what our region has to offer,” she explains. “The land here is full of flavours bursting to tell a story.”
Her Australia Day Dinner, which featured native plants, Murray Cod, and kangaroo, remains one of the most talked-about events in town — a testament to her ability to blend culture, creativity, and community through food.
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Not ones to sit still, Rebekah and Dean are continuing to evolve their business — restoring Hall’s to its former glory while responding to the needs of the community.
“We’ve started to downsize our collectables,” Rebekah says. “There’s a huge shortage of housing nationally, and many young people and workers moving here need accommodation. Hall’s was once a boarding house after World War II, and it would be nice to share this grand old girl that way again.”
The couple plan to renovate the second-floor apartment and a nearby cottage for future accommodation. “We have the perfect location and loads of space,” Rebekah adds. “It’s time to adjust our business plan to meet the needs of the community.”
Many people dream of a slower pace of life, and Rebekah says moving to Narrandera delivered exactly that.
“There haven’t really been any challenges — just unexpected joys,” she smiles. “Connecting back to Country has been healing and soul-satisfying. We’ve made so many friends, and even though life is still busy, we’ve learned to slow down, make our own fun, and engage with the community.”
That connection to community is something Narrandera is known for. Since Captain Charles Sturt first camped by the river in 1829, the town has grown into a thriving regional hub where friendliness and local pride run deep.
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For Rebekah and Dean, one of the biggest benefits of regional living is the balance it brings.
“Our lives have been significantly enhanced since relocating here,” Rebekah says. “We’re both busy working people, but having the Murrumbidgee River on our doorstep, koalas in the backyard, and forests and green space all around us — it’s the perfect balance.”
Narrandera is famous for its natural attractions, including Lake Talbot Water Park, Koala Reserve, and the tranquil Murrumbidgee Trails that wind through forest and farmland. Whether it’s fishing by the river, exploring nearby Barellan’s Big Tennis Racquet, or heading to the snow in Victoria for a weekend, Rebekah says there’s always something to enjoy.
“We can be by the river one day, in the mountains the next, or visiting our grandkids in the ACT,” she smiles. “We’re right at the heart of it all.”
Music and community events also play a big part in their lives. Rebekah is part of a local ukulele group that performs at aged care homes. “It’s beautiful to see how music, laughter, and fun can bring so much joy to others,” she says. “It really makes their day — and ours.”
When asked what life in Narrandera means to them now, Rebekah doesn’t hesitate.
“We’re both country people — we had a good idea of what we wanted,” she says. “Narrandera has ticked all the boxes. There’s something very special about this place. It’s not just a home — it’s a heartfelt connection. This will always be our home now.”
For a couple who value community and contribution, Narrandera has given back as much as they’ve put in. It’s a town that thrives on shared stories, where every small act of care strengthens the whole.
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Rebekah’s message to anyone considering a move is simple and sincere.
“Just go for it,” she says. “You can really showcase your business in small towns, and Narrandera is especially welcoming. People want to see you succeed. It’s like being in a big family — the support and kindness are endless.”
She encourages newcomers to connect with the local business community, which she describes as incredibly supportive. “With housing and living costs much cheaper than the city, the opportunities are just waiting.”
If you’d like more information about a Country Change to Narrandera Shire, view our website or contact us.
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