New figures show capital city residents moving to regional Australia outnumbered those heading in the opposite direction by 26 per cent.

The Regional Movers Index (June Quarter 2025) developed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), reveals migration from capitals to the regions made up 11.2 per cent of all internal migration for the quarter, compared to just 8.9 per cent from regions back into the cities.

Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina, said the data mirrors what communities in southern NSW are seeing on the ground.

“This is part of a national shift. People are realising they don’t have to put up with sky-high rents and endless commutes when regions like the Riverina can offer both opportunity and lifestyle,” Ms Whiting said.

“Here, you can buy a home without the crippling mortgage, walk to work in minutes instead of commuting for hours, and raise your family in a safe, connected community.”

Robert Busico, Senior Catering Officer, Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre has long known the benefits of a Riverina tree change.

“I moved to the Riverina 15 years ago for a catering job, and I’ve never looked back. Life’s simpler out here – less stress, no traffic, everything’s close by and affordable. Melbourne had its pace, but this place gave me peace,” he said.

Emma Davenport is a more recent tree-changer, who made a career move earlier this year. “I moved from Sydney specifically to expedite my career progression,” she said.

“I was a Year 6 Co-Ordinator and moved into a Deputy Principal role at the Lutheran School Wagga Wagga. That kind of progression would have been much more difficult in the city due to the competitiveness for such positions. Plus, now I have time for further study.”

And Ms Davenport isn’t alone. According to a survey released by the RAI earlier this year, more than 50 per cent of Millennials and over 40 per cent of Gen Z are actively considering a move to the regions.

The push comes ahead of the 2025 Country Change Expos in Wagga Wagga (13 September) and Griffith (25 October), where visitors can meet local councils, employers, education providers, and real families who’ve already made the move. Guided town tours will also give attendees the chance to see first-hand what life in the Riverina looks like.

With major infrastructure projects underway and growing demand across healthcare, construction, IT and aged care, the Riverina is hungry for new talent.

“These expos are the perfect opportunity to come and have life-changing conversations. It’s not just about jobs – it’s about building a future,” Ms Whiting said.

“For anyone ready to make the leap, the Riverina has the lifestyle, the industries and the opportunities to thrive. And with lower operating costs, it’s the perfect place to start or grow a business.

This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 11 September 2025.