Engaging with newcomers
It is said that one in five city people are contemplating moving to the regions. A great decision! Who wouldn’t want to live the clean, green, lifestyle? There is just one important question. If they choose a rural town, how will these communities successfully engage with newcomers and maximise the influx of social capital? Expectations can be met … or not … resulting in missed opportunities.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack’s announcement today of a new Regional Activators Alliance to help drive population to live, work and invest in the regions is most welcome. While many will make the transition to regional cities, some will consider relocating to a rural town which presents totally new challenges and opportunities.
A generation or two ago, every city dweller could claim a country cousin and fondly recall holidays at the family farm. In 2021 however, our city friends are much more removed from their country origins which leaves them unprepared for country life when they take the plunge. A tourist perspective does not prepare them for the reality of access to transport, health, and other services that are taken for granted in capital cities. Understanding bush fires and other rural dangers such as heavy equipment on the roads during harvest and cropping, are paramount. Accepting traffic and noise from long standing recreation clubs and industry activities are equally important.
How can we ensure this information is successfully conveyed? A savvy rural community will be gathering the troops to strategically address this question right now!
Rural life can be lonely if you are used to attending the cinema or browsing through shopping centre for recreation. Successfully engaging newcomers with recreation and community groups is essential for them as much as it is for the groups that struggle for numbers.
In my travels across rural Australia, I have come across many success stories of city people transitioning to rural towns. It is no accident. If newcomers do their homework and rural communities engage with purpose, there is a much higher chance they will stay and contribute. The return on investment is priceless.
‘A golf course and no traffic lights,’ were Keith Daniel’s key criteria when choosing a rural town to retire to. Subsequently he and Dianne chose Minyip in the Wimmera region of Victoria and it has been their home since 2009. An active member of the Minyip Progress Association, Keith runs Minyip’s Second Chance Store, a social enterprise that sells donated goods to raise money for community projects … except on Thursday afternoons when the golf competition is on!
Keith jokes that he needs to go back to full time work for a rest but quickly adds how much he enjoys being in the store. ‘I get to meet people from all walks of life. A lot stop in on their way through from Donald and Dimboola. I have everything from a Professor of Literature chatting about the books to a local lady who wanders in regularly to chat about life.’
READ the full article http://www.kerryanderson.com.au/blog/2020/7/18/second-chance
Newcomers bring with them wealth to invest and skills to enhance your community. As rural economies diversify, and connectivity introduces new business opportunities it is an exciting time for everyone. With fresh faces in town, there are opportunities for existing business owners to transition into retirement and empty buildings to be repurposed for exciting new ventures. It is in the interests of a rural community to know what these opportunities are when a new resident arrives and ensure that they are matched up with the right people to realise their potential.
When Simon & Kate Tol made a significant tree change from urban Geelong to a historic farm in rural Lexton, they quickly recognised the need to get involved in their new community. Not only did Simon rely on neighbouring farmers to give him advice, but they also helped save the property in a couple of bushfire scares. In return the Tol’s have employed locals to assist with events at Mount Mitchell Homestead and joined the local footy club. When I most recently spoke with Kate she proudly informed me that Waubra Football Club won the 2019 Premiership under Simon’s presidency. ‘We can call ourselves locals now,’ she laughed. READ the full article http://www.kerryanderson.com.au/blog/2017/2/17/business-instincts
One volunteer, employee and business at a time; now is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our rural towns.
Let’s not stuff it up!
Kerry Anderson is author of Australian Rural Entrepreneurs and empowers strategic conversations with rural towns.
Other interesting reads/listening:
RURAL OPPORTUNITIES: Michael Kerr of Kerr Capital joined me in this chat to discuss how important it is to prepare a business for sale opportunities. Did you know that many sales don't even get advertised and it is cheaper to have a 'tree change' than a 'sea change'? http://www.kerryanderson.com.au/blog/2020/5/28/rural-business-opportunities
TOWN CHANGERS: Like many rural towns, Quambatook in the Southern Mallee of Victoria is enjoying a reinvigoration of its community thanks to newcomers bringing new ideas and extra hands to reinforce businesses and volunteer groups. http://www.kerryanderson.com.au/blog/2019/2/17/town-changers
LUCKY ESCAPE: Sebastian Parsegian has had two lucky escapes in his lifetime. The first was 40 years ago as an 11 year old Armenian refugee fleeing war torn Ethiopia. The second was when he and wife Rebecca left their jobs in Melbourne and moved to Swan Hill in country Victoria to become award winning business owners. http://www.kerryanderson.com.au/blog/2017/9/7/lucky-escape