Kellie and Kurt Ashton and their two young children were only expecting to stay in Leeton for a three-year work contract. But they fell in love with the Riverina beauty and have never looked back.

The work-life balance, healthcare facilities, affordable housing and welcoming atmosphere of the NSW country town have improved their lives so much that they’re now considered bona fide Leeton locals.

‘We absolutely love Leeton! Our plan was to initially stay for the three years, save some money and then move back Newcastle,’ explains Kellie. ‘Now that we’re here, it’s so much better than we could ever have predicted.

‘We love the slow lifestyle, being close to everything and how everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Leeton is a real community-based town and they have so many things you can join or attend.’

A bountiful surprise

Moving from the city, the family expected that country life would have fewer opportunities and facilities.

‘I thought [moving to a regional area] would be a lot harder – more driving and less things available,’ says Kellie. ‘Turns out, Leeton has everything on offer that I’ve ever needed. I had a warped idea that the country had little to offer.’

Kellie and Kurt anticipated that the unique needs of their young family may not be met in a regional town.

‘I thought we’d struggle to find all the services we need, but Leeton ended up having them all. My youngest child has a disability and I thought it would be impossible to find her therapy but turns out there’s a facility at Narrandera that has been fantastic,’ says Kellie.

‘Every struggle I thought we’d face didn’t happen and it’s been such a smooth transition.’

Kellie says the family has appreciated the abundance of local parks, coffee shops and shopping facilities as well. And, as she says, ‘if there’s anything major we need we could just head to Wagga which is only an hour and a half away.’

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Regional lifestyle a perfect fit for families

Leaving the fast pace of the city for the slower flow of the country has brought many life-changing benefits to this young family.

Most importantly, they can now spend more time together. ‘[The work/life balance is] so much better now that we’re here,’ explains Kellie. ‘It’s a two-minute commute to work versus an hour.

‘I actually see my children in daylight hours and I’ve gotten so much of my life back.’

The warm community atmosphere has also helped the family feel right at home. ‘It’s just such a friendly, welcoming town. If you sign up to anything, people welcome you with open arms and go above and beyond to help you.’

This has given Kellie the confidence to take on new hobbies and interests. ‘I’ve joined a few community committees, entered an art prize exhibition and joined a gym that feels more like a community. I never would have done any of these things back where I used to live.’

Affordability and employment opportunities abound

The couple had considered a country change for several years before the perfect opportunity arose.

‘We often spoke about potentially moving rural but never actually committed to it. When the job at Leeton High [School] came up, my husband decided to apply because we have friends in Griffith and really liked the area. We loved the idea of moving somewhere quiet and slower than a city.’

With 14 years of marketing experience behind her, Kellie assumed that finding a rewarding role in her field may prove difficult in the country. But she soon found a position as a Tourism and Events Officer with the Leeton Shire Council – a job that she loves.

The affordability of housing has also been a pleasant surprise. ‘We were offered a teacher house to rent, only a few streets away from Mountford Park. It’s been very affordable – especially compared to where we’ve come from. House prices are much cheaper here in comparison.’

Family life as Leeton locals

Positioned around 550km west of Sydney and 450km north of Melbourne, Leeton offers young families a country change full of outdoor leisure pursuits. The region boasts many scenic parks and playgrounds, the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre, a sport and recreation precinct, golf club, tennis courts, skate parks, cycling paths and of course the iconic Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands.

Families are also spoilt for choice when it comes to educational facilities, spanning public, private, specialised and tertiary. There are plenty of cultural experiences on offer, from festivals and community events to live performances at the heritage-listed Roxy Community Theatre.

Known as both the birthplace of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and ‘the heart of Australia’s food bowl’, Leeton’s prime Riverina location invites agricultural diversity – and of course wonderful farmers and makers markets for the locals and visitors.

The Ashton family is grateful for all of the blessings their country change has brought them. ‘[The move was] the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s been so great for myself and my family.’
And as for Kellie’s advice for others considering a country change? ‘Just do it!’