Love where you live

Whether you’re looking for a tree change or better work-life balance, the GMID boasts an affordable and relaxed lifestyle for individuals and families in regional Victoria.

First class amenities are available in the GMID including strong health care facilities and quality education services, ranging from pre-school to tertiary level. Sporting and recreation options are also limitless across the GMID for all age groups.

Communities within the GMID pay tribute to the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, from acknowledging Traditional Owners to embracing new cultures and modern arts.

The GMID is a hidden gem for premium food and wine, with many businesses capitalising on the appetite for agritourism and large-scale events stopping by to entertain locals and tourists alike.

Through reliable access to V/Line train and bus services, communities within the GMID can connect to major cities both interstate and beyond.

Local services and recreation

Wherever you choose to live within the GMID, you will get a strong sense of community spirit. A range of community-based activities are available to people of all interests and abilities to make the most of their regional lifestyle.

The GMID is home to major hospitals and over 50 supporting health services, ranging from GPs to medical specialists. A wide range of maternal health care, childcare and aged care facilities are also available throughout the region.

Sporting facilities and clubs form the backbone of communities in the GMID – both large and small – with a diverse offering of sports available for all ages and seasons. Enjoy playing football, netball or soccer in the winter and cricket, tennis or lawn bowls in the summer.

After work and on the weekends, you can unwind by making the most of the region’s unparalleled waterways and natural assets. Go fishing or water-skiing in our rivers and lakes, enjoy the local flora and fauna along a walking trail or make the most of the region’s easy access to snowfields during the ski season.

Arts and culture are important to the region with access to renowned art galleries, performing arts and entertainment. Enjoy popular festivals throughout the year, from the Riverboats Music Festival in Echuca to the Moira Midwinter festival and Illuminate in Shepparton.

Multiple food and wine festivals across the GMID support the unparallel gastronomic experiences the region has to offer both locals and visitors.

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Education and training

The GMID has access to state-of-the-art education facilities, ranging from pre-school services to public and private schooling. The region is also known for its offering of several specialist schools and Steiner schools.

With a diverse range of agricultural and science courses on offer at both university and TAFE levels across the region, the GMID is equipped to ensure the next generation can study locally and build their career in the agricultural industry.

Higher education campuses in the GMID include:

Public transport

Reliable public transport options are available to GMID residents, primarily through V/Line bus and train services.

V/Line train services connect major towns within the GMID to cities including Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney.

V/Line bus services allow locals and passengers to travel from the GMID’s major towns to connector towns in more regional and remote areas. This includes border towns in southern New South Wales and regional airports such as Bendigo, Mildura and Albury.

Taxis and local bus services are also available for larger towns as well as community transport for individuals who require assistance to medical appointments.

Housing affordability

A diverse range of quality and affordable housing options are on offer for families and individuals in the GMID. The region enjoys significantly lower levels of rent and mortgage repayments compared to capital cities, with generous land sizes available for new and existing housing.

Your dollar will go further in the GMID as the cost of living also is significantly less than more populated areas of the country.

With more people making the move from over-populated cities to relaxed regions, initiatives are underway to ensure adequate housing supports a booming population in the GMID.