TABLE1 Predicted population for selected Victorian places Local government area
2011
2031
Municipality
%aged under 20
%aged over 65
%aged under 20
% aged over 65
Melbourne (urban)
24.3 24.8
23.8 21.9
13.0 19.5
17.1 28.1
South Gippsland Shire (rural includes Leongatha) Southern Grampians Shire (rural includes Coleraine)
25.8
21.6
19.6
30.3
A sense of belonging Living in the country lets you join many community activities. These can be about money (such as fundraising), the environment (such as Landcare) or social groups. They help people feel connected. Small towns often have many sports. In Leongatha, you can play Australian Rules football, cricket, tennis and more. There are also cultural activities and entertainment like ýlms, dancing and art groups.
FIGURE2 Growing up in a country town might mean ...
Little public transport; reliance on car travel
A greater understanding of the natural world (e.g. plants, animals, weather) and appreciation of the importance of the quality of the environment
A small group of people your age
Clean air
An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian traditions
Fewer restrictions on your time
A sense of safety (e.g. cars and houses not always locked)
A wider range of pets
Leaving home for tertiary study
A volunteer fire brigade
Uncrowded roads
A limited range of specialists, shops and employment
Greater likelihood of seeing native animals
Knowing many people in the community and many people in the community knowing you
Travelling to school by bus
Plenty of space to move about in
Community reliance on surrounding resources (e.g. farming, mining, fishing or the environment that attracts tourists)
Fewer films and less live music
Opportunities for physical activity
Quiet walking and riding trails and fishing spots
370 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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