When people talk about moving to regional Australia, the conversation often leans heavily on lifestyle. But for Lorraine and Obert Saidon , their move to Griffith in the Northern Riverina, New South Wales, has been shaped just as much by professional opportunity as by what happens outside of work hours.

Both arrived in Australia with strong agricultural backgrounds, so they were a perfect fit to both become Assistant Farm Managers at ProTen, one of Australia’s largest poultry producers. What they’ve found here is a place where skills are valued, industries are evolving, and family life doesn’t need to be put on hold to build a career.

Meaningful regional work — without stalling your career

Obert describes his role simply, but with pride. He speaks about enjoying being part of something bigger, contributing to Australia’s food system and doing work that feels purposeful. Yet what matters most to him isn’t scale or output - it’s values. One of the quieter strengths of Griffith’s major employers is the diversity of people they attract. Obert speaks openly about how welcoming the workforce at ProTen has been.

“What I really appreciate is how welcoming the workplace is,” he says. “People from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life are respected. That makes a huge difference when you’re settling somewhere new.”

That inclusiveness has helped make the transition easier, particularly for families relocating from elsewhere. It’s also reflective of Griffith itself: a town shaped by migration, agriculture and generations of people building new lives in the region.

Obert describes Griffith as a practical choice. Coming from an agricultural background, he saw the region as a place where he could continue to grow professionally while staying connected to the industry he knew.

“Griffith presents a real opportunity for people who want to work in agriculture,” he says. “The sector is strong here, and there’s room to contribute, learn and move forward.”

Lorraine echoes that sentiment. Having grown up around poultry, stepping into a professional role in the industry felt like a natural progression, but what surprised her was how advanced and forward-looking the work is.

“There’s a lot of innovation happening,” she explains. “Technology, systems, best-practice animal care - it’s not what people imagine when they think of regional work. It’s exciting to be part of an industry that’s constantly improving.”

For both, Griffith represents something important: regional employment that is skilled, stable and future-focused.

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Griffith, where life outside work actually exists!

While career opportunities brought Lorraine and Obert to Griffith, lifestyle is what’s made them stay.

“Griffith isn’t just about work,” Lorraine says. “There’s a lot here for families.”

They talk about spending time together after work, without having to travel long distances or battle traffic, but heading somewhere close and familiar. Places like Lake Wyangan have become part of their regular routine, offering space to unwind and reconnect.

“After long hours, it’s nice to know you can finish the day somewhere peaceful without needing to plan much,” Lorraine says. “Everything is nearby.”

For her family, the move has brought unexpected benefits. Lorraine speaks about how quickly their children settled into life in Griffith.

“There are so many opportunities for kids. Swimming, sport, outdoor activities,” she says. “They’re involved, active and enjoying it.”

Beyond facilities, there’s a sense of ease that comes with regional living. Shorter commutes, familiar faces and time together have reshaped how their family spends its week.

“It’s a calmer way of living. You’re not constantly rushing!”

Thriving vibrant and cosmopolitan regional centre

Beyond individual workplaces, Griffith is one of Australia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan regional centres, home to around 27,000 people and more than seventy nationalities, including strong Italian, Indian, Afghani and Pacific communities. Life here revolves around food, wine, sport and family, with festivals celebrating local produce, world-class wines and the region’s rich cultural mix.

Griffith services a wider population catchment of over 55,000 and is supported by extensive facilities, including the new Griffith Base Hospital, creating significant employment opportunities across healthcare as well as agriculture. The city is the agricultural powerhouse of the Riverina, with diverse industries spanning wineries, citrus, poultry, rice, grain, nuts, cotton and more, alongside a strong construction sector made up largely of small, locally owned businesses.

Healthcare remains a major employer through the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, while skills gaps exist in information media and telecommunications, financial and insurance services, and technical and scientific roles, alongside emerging opportunities in housing and agritourism. Together with surrounding towns and villages such as Hanwood, Yenda, Yoogali, Lake Wyangan and Beelbangera, Griffith offers a depth of opportunity that extends well beyond agriculture alone.

Growth Without the Pressure

Obert describes Griffith as a town that’s evolving at a steady pace. Developing infrastructure and industries, while still remaining accessible.

“It’s growing, but it hasn’t lost its balance. There’s space for people to come in, find work and build a future.”

That balance between employment, affordability and lifestyle is what makes Griffith appealing to people considering a move. It’s not about escaping city life entirely, but about reshaping it into something more sustainable.

Lorraine puts it simply.

“Griffith gives you room to work, to raise a family, and to breathe. If you’re thinking about a country change, it’s worth looking at what’s really possible here.”