Bring on the Good Life
- Posted By Trish Goodlet
People of a certain vintage will remember the ground-breaking 70’s television show the Good Life. Tom Good and his very supportive wife Barbara throw caution to the wind, ditching Tom’s lucrative career in advertising and embracing the self-sufficient lifestyle, on their suburban block in the very refined London suburb of Surbiton. This all comes as a shock to their very posh neighbours Margo and Jerry. Margo a social climber in extremis is horrified at the introduction of chooks, pigs, and mechanical hoes to their suburban utopia. But for Tom and Barbara this is just the beginning of discovering another way of living.
For many of us the events of the last two years have forced a change of lifestyle and an examining of just how we want to live. Do we want to go back to “normal” or do we want to create a way of life that can nurture our need for a oneness with our environment? The very environment that needs each of us to take small steps to do our bit for the sustainability of our earth.
Though of course we could choose to follow Tom and Barbara’s example and do that in the city, doing it in the country is so much more fun. The Goodlet contingent of the Goodlife team grew up on two thirds of an acre in a posh riverside suburb of Melbourne. Local schools took excursions to the Goodlet farm to meet the chooks (of all shapes and sizes), pigeons, rabbits, guinea pigs, budgies, dogs, and cats. Dad grew the family’s vegies on a large, fenced plot and a family of nine kids added to the bedlam. We were not the average family and probably horrified many of the Margo’s of East Ivanhoe! Dad encouraged me further by buying sixteen-year-old Pete ‘John Seymour’s Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency’ a back to earth bible that still sits in prime position on my coffee table. Mum and Dad and Trish moved to Apollo Bay in 1980 and many of the family followed. All nine siblings now live in the country. It truly is better way of living.
The benefits of a tree/sea change are now being sort after by more people than ever before. There is a craving for a sense of community. The chance to meet like-minded friends, to carve out a new way of living, in a place abundant in space and fresh air. Cities have become hectic, it’s all action, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Now is the time to step back, to breathe, to splash in the ocean or bathe in the forest.
A move to the country can give you back a sense space combined with a sense of belonging. Your kids can walk or bike to school, neighbours pass vegies and lemons over the fence. You can even join the local tennis, mountain biking, sailing or bowls club to name but a few. Community centres offer courses in gardening, craft and even technology. Each of these activities offers the opportunity of friendship and community bonding. A sense of belonging. Throw yourself into country living and community activities and the rewards will be boundless. The chance of a fuller more down to earth lifestyle awaits.
Permaculture, a sustainable life practice not only focuses on growing your own food and produce but also building sustainable communities. Joining a local permaculture/gardening group is a great way to learn and to share resources. By growing our own, reusing, recycling, and upcycling we are all doing our bit for the planet.
Culture and the arts are not left behind by leaving the big cities. The local art scene is alive and well in the country. Apollo Bay Arts Inc host the annual art show and workshops and exhibitions throughout the year and have a gallery for those needing exhibition space. The Winter Wild Festival is a spectacular extravaganza of theatrical events.
Foodies are certainly not forgotten in the country. The coastal and hinterland towns of the Otways are dotted with renowned restaurants, micro-breweries and distilleries. You’ll find chocolateries, bakeries and all sorts of makeries!!
The country is a place of growth and opportunity, why not make the move, find your little piece of paradise, and let the good life begin.
Words: Pete Goodlet