That was what Jill Stewart and her husband Scott McIlveen were after when they made the decision to sell up in Sydney and make the move to regional NSW, settling on Tamworth.

Mrs Stewart grew up in Tamworth, a factor that played a big role in their choice of destination, although a tree-change from Sydney was always on the cards as they searched for a better quality of life for themselves and their children, Billy and Ellie.

The family made the move mid last year, six months before Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce told Sydneysiders that the best way to beat the housing affordability crisis was to go west, and despite Mrs Stewart owning a successful media firm, which she continues to run, affordability was a major selling point to sell up and ship out.

“We had a massive mortgage in Sydney that we never had any intentions of paying off – we were just servicing it,” Mrs Stewart said. We were on the threshold every week but now we have halved our mortgage and have been able to take our foot off the throttle a bit.” 

With Mrs Stewart having gone to both primary and secondary school in Tamworth the family knew that education was not going to be an issue for either of their children, and in most instances neither was quality healthcare.

“If anything I am more comfortable with my kids going to school here,” Mrs Stewart said.

“I have noticed that anything from a tradie to a specialist can take a bit more time to get organised or book, but in Sydney that is the market – everyone wants everything done right now.”

 A longer waiting list has been the only downside that the family have come across so far, and while some people might fret at leaving their city friends behind Scott and Jill have found that their social lives have benefited from the move.

“Having more time is the biggest win,” Mrs Stewart said. Living in Sydney can be quiet isolating but there is a great sense of friendship in the Tamworth community. 

“The kids are happier and we are happier.”