Darren Daly, 44, Pro Photographer / Small Business Owner, Wagga Wagga.
Having lived in Wagga Wagga on and off for a total of 15 years, Darren and his wife decidedto settle in Wagga Wagga for the ease of the lifestyle they enjoyed while in the city, and because of the safe environment on offer to raise their family.
“Our network of friends and family is great, and the ease at which we have been able to builda great relationship with all of the people occupying positions in community that you need –doctors, teachers, accountants etc - has been invaluable. They are all close, easy to accessand the relationships are personal,” said Darren.
The Daly family also enjoys the geographical perks of Wagga Wagga.
“We are literally four hours from anywhere; surrounded by Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra,the beach and the snow,” said Darren
Darren’s advice for people considering a move from a major city to a regional city is to weighup your options.
“Consider all the things you find hard to get organised in your life, both personally and inregards to work, and you may just find that if you move to wagga it will become a hell of a loteasier.”
Jill Toohey, Wagga Wagga, 29, Real Estate Agent & Valuer, moved 6 years ago.
Jill moved to Wagga Wagga with her husband Laurence with the goals of starting a familyand a business of their own.
Two years later, their first child is now only weeks from being born, they have establishedtheir own real estate business, and say they love Wagga Wagga with plans to staypermanently.
“Some other reasons we moved included the need for a change of lifestyle, to be closer tofamily, have more space at home and to get away from congestion – and we found all of thison offer in Wagga Wagga,” said Jill.
“What I love about living here is the convenience of having everything you need close athand and easily accessible. Travel takes no time at all, there’s no traffic jams and you canalways get a car park.”
“Wagga is not too big and not too small, and everyone is extremely friendly. For anyoneconsidering moving here, I would say just give it a go!”
Angela Hatfield, 36, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wagga Wagga, relocated 4 years ago.
Having studied in Wagaa Wagga and enjoyed her time in the city, four years ago AngelaHatfield relocated to Wagga Wagga to explore the career opportunities, and achieve a worklife balance with a budding family.
“I really enjoyed my training here,” said Angela.
“There are also some good job prospects in the area in a community with a generous spiritand not a lot of time spent commuting.”
“And minimal commuting time maximises our family time,” said Angela.
James Masson, 45-54, Hand surgeon, Reconstructive Plastic surgeon, relocated toWagga Wagga two and a half years ago.
With his wife originally from rural Victoria and in no need of convincing that Wagga Waggawas the right choice for their family, James Masson and his wife moved their 3 children toregional NSW in search of the lifestyle they knew they wanted.
No strangers to Wagga Wagga, James having completed some of his medical trainingearlier in his career and always wanting to return, the family bought a farm to raise their children on.
“It is a great place to raise children, with the ski fields, great sporting facilities and Sydneyand Melbourne so close. It is a mere 20 minute drive to work, but unlike in Sydney where Icame from, there is not a single traffic light!” said James.
“I also really enjoy looking after my patients here, who are very appreciative of having aspecialist in town which saves them travelling to Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra.”
