Changing towns, changing culture: Examining tree changers' perceptions of community in Australian country towns and places

In the past decade Australian country towns, founded on serving industry and agricultural production, have been thrust into the limelight by media, popular culture and property developers. The marketing of a country lifestyle to stressed urbanites, and government policy aimed at alleviating overcrowding in capital cities or bolstering fledging rural economies, have enticed some Australians to make a tree change. Tree change, or in-migration, is a complex issue shaped by socio-cultural factors that supersede economics. This chapter applies a sociological lens and uses qualitative interview data to examine tree changers' perceptions of and aspirations for community in Australia's country towns and rural places. Findings reveal demographic changes may produce new insights about the sustainability of country communities and environments.