EMBARGO: 01:00hrs 3 July 2009 1 July 2009
Victoria’s First
$1 Rent a Farmhouse Town
Wycheproof 2010 is a not-for-profit community forum that aims to reverse the trend of declining population in rural Australia by offering local farmhouses for rent for $1 a week.
Inspired by the success of Cumnock and District Progress Association’s Rent a Farmhouse program in New South Wales, the dynamic and proactive rural community of Wycheproof, decided to do something to increase enrolments at the school, pre-school and sporting clubs, and to help local businesses. Wycheproof is located 3 hours north-west of Melbourne on the Calder Highway, 90 minutes north-west of Bendigo and 60 mins south of Swan Hill.
Kylie Brown has been a Wycheproof resident and the Post Office Licensee for 4 years and says; “Wycheproof is such a friendly town to live in with so many great facilities such as a swimming pool, ovals, a golf course, horse race track, lawn tennis courts, and there are fitness, computer, cooking and craft classes. The educational programs at Wycheproof P-12 College are very well recognised and have small class sizes and dedicated passionate teachers. And because the town is on a major highway, getting to regional centres is very easy. Coming to Wycheproof was the best move for our family”.
There are two vacant farmhouses being offered for a $1 a week rent. Each is just a few kilometres from town and has a school bus at the farm gate.
”These two old farmhouses are just waiting for some paint, some building repair and good old TLC which is why they are just $1 a week. They are ideal for families that are ready for a rural lifestyle and who have some renovation experience. It would be wonderful to once again see children running about in those yards,” Nuccia McLean, Wycheproof 2010 President said.
Interest has already been running high. Information about the project and how to apply can be found at www.wycheproof.vic.au. Applications should be sent to the email address rentafarmhouse@wycheproof.vic.au or to Wycheproof Rent a Farmhouse, PO Box 8, Wycheproof VIC 3527.
The Wycheproof Rent a Farmhouse project is supported by: the community of Wycheproof, Salvation Army, Keilor Rotary, Wycheproof Chamber of Commerce, Wycheproof-Narraport Football Club, Wycheproof P-12 College, and Buloke Shire. Applications close Monday 3 August 2009.
