Want to know a little bit more about some of the family friendly regional cities which featured in our latest blog - then look no further as we give you the low down on the winner and two of the others which make the Top 5.
Winner - Wagga Wagga (NSW)
Wagga Wagga is the centre of the Riverina region, with a population of more than 60,000. It has four distinct seasons, with summer heating up to around 30 degrees, and winter an average maximum of 13, chilling down to 3. The city has affordable housing, a range of Government and Non-Government Schools, Technical Colleges (TAFEs) and University campuses.
Wagga Wagga came top in the Community Involvement, with 45.4% of the population spending time volunteering for a non-profit organisation, and Community Safety and Road Safety polls. The city had a range of sporting facilities, outdoor recreation spaces, craft markets, and farmer’s markets with a microbrewery and wineries nearby.
Albury-Wodonga (NSW/VIC)
Mixing heritage with modern culture, Albury-Wodonga blends country pace with a city lifestyle, offering historic buildings, cultural events, great shopping and tree-lined gardens. These twin cities sit on either side of the winding Murray River, standing on the border that separates the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Once a busy trade route for paddle steamers, the river now serves as a backdrop to the cities' parklands, walking trails, golf courses and cultural events. Home to around 90,000 people, Albury-Wodonga is large enough to provide a wide variety of activities, while still small enough to get around on foot. Albury’s Dean Street and High Street in Wodonga are serious shopping precincts, and you’ll find no less than five large shopping centres with dozens of retail outlets. Australia’s world-famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus was born here, the popular Hothouse Theatre is based here and many national and international performers receive a great welcome at the Albury Entertainment Centre. There are many outdoor options too, with gardens such as the 1887 Albury Botanic Gardens, Wodonga’s Sumsion Gardens with large lagoon and walking tracks, and Albury’s Noreuil Park, located right on the banks of the Murray River.
Toowoomba (QLD)
Toowoomba is a picturesque mountain city in south east Queensland, located 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane, the state capital. Home to over 90,000 people, Toowoomba is Australia's largest inland regional city, covering an area of approximately 120 sq km. The climate is best described as pleasant, with temperature ranges averaging from 5°C to 16°C in winter and a mild 17°C to 27°C in summer. Major industries in the area include manufacturing, wholesale and agriculture. With more than 23 private schools, a technical college, and a university, Toowoomba is widely considered a major educational centre, and has also developed into a regional centre for business and government services.
There are things to see and do in Toowoomba all year round. In spring time, Toowoomba's parks and gardens become vibrant and ablaze with colour and life, and to celebrate Toowoomba's status as "The Garden City", every year in September the Carnival of Flowers is held, with a street parade, and other activities. Buses bring people from around the nation, and a popular way to arrive at the carnival from Brisbane is on chartered antique steam and diesel trains, which capture the historical side of travel to Toowoomba with 19th-century wooden carriages. Easterfest is held annually over the Easter weekend, and there are more than 150 public parks and gardens in which to relax.
We often have roles available in these lovely, family friendly, cities so, if you're thinking about a change of scene in 2015, check out our latest jobs now!
Want to know more about the other family friendly cities which make the Top 10? Then check out Part 2 of our blog now!
For further information on all of the fantastic locations we recruit to browse the rest of our blog or visit our homepage.