Lifestyle
The Wimmera Southern Mallee is renowned for friendly people and a relaxed lifestyle. Residents typically report a higher than average level of satisfaction with life - particularly in the areas of community connection and participation. Many residents have made the conscious decision to swap a busy city commute for more time with family and friends.
Detailed information on local lifestyles, as well as housing, jobs and schools is available from Live the Grampians Way.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee has a diverse and vibrant community offering a range of activities, clubs, sporting opportunities and events.
For specific local information about the sport, clubs, playgroups, art and events refer to the local council websites:
Shopping and eating out
Horsham and Stawell are the major regional centres with a wide range of national chain stores and local boutiques. The major towns in each region offer a range of services including supermarkets, clothing, hardware, local produce and collectables. Shops are generally open from Monday to Friday and from 9am or 10am until 5pm or 5.30pm, as well as Saturday mornings. Some stores are open across the weekend.
Bakeries, cafes, restaurants and hotels offer everything from coffee and cake to breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining options range from traditional pub food and international cuisines through to local and chain takeaway stores. Some highway roadhouses offer 24-hour service.
Outdoor activities and sport
The Wimmera Southern Mallee has an abundance of space for outdoor activities such as bushwalking, fishing, camping, water skiing and rock climbing. Destinations include the Grampians, Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks, the Wimmera River and numerous lakes and the international rock climbing mecca Mount Arapiles.
Sport is an integral part of the region and while the football, netball, tennis and golf are popular, there is also strong interest in other sports ranging from cycling and water skiing to lawn bowls and table tennis. Several commercial and community gyms across the region offer personal and group training classes, with Park Runs now taking off in many locations.
Churches
There are many churches and religious organisations in the Wimmera Southern Mallee who will welcome you and your family. Christian denominations are represented in most towns and there is also an Islamic Welfare Association in Horsham, which includes a place to worship.
Arts, culture and events
The Wimmera Southern Mallee has a wide range of arts and cultural performances and events including several fishing competitions. Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery has a modern auditorium that attracts major visiting shows. Check local council websites above for the current list of events.
Showcase events include:
Volunteering
Volunteering is at the heart of the community and is a good way to meet people and make friends. The Centre for Participation supports volunteering by helping to recruit, train and support volunteers and organisations. Courses include certificate level training, language, literacy and numeracy and lifestyle.