LEARNING A NEW LIFE

Nikki and Bill Barry moved from the NSW Northern Rivers to Barham, NSW, thanks to Bill’s work – fulfilling a long-held dream.

“I grew up in suburban Sydney and had never experienced the country until I met Bill,” says teacher Nikki, 31. “Visiting his family on the farm opened me up to another way of life. I would always say how lucky he was to have grown up there and have such close ties with his community. So country life became a dream. Then the right job opened up at the right time and here we are, living the dream.

“Bill, 30, found out he got the job of assistant principal in the country town of Barham, an hour from his family farm, when our son Reg was one day old. Juggling a newborn and our two-year-old daughter, Rey, we packed up our house in the Northern Rivers and moved two months later.

“That was six months ago, and I can’t fault our decision. Everyone was very welcoming and we made friends straight away, through Bill joining the football club, or through meeting like-minded mums at the park and locals who stop to chat when I’m in town with the kids in the pram.

“I love all the family time – the children get to spend time with their grandparents and I get a lot more help. I also love Barham’s stunning location on the Murray River, surrounded by gum trees. The river’s a real hit! In summer, we’d go on a friend’s boat and pull up in a sandy cove to let the kids swim.

“Some days, it’s hard being so far from my Northern Rivers community. I miss walking to the beach and meeting other mums for a chat. But I’m grateful for Facetime! And I never feel isolated – it’s like we’ve lived here for years. The close community, the kind locals, the slower-paced living, the freedom to explore nature… It’s the country life for me. I love the new people, way of life and opportunities that arise when we step outside our bubble.”