First meeting: “Meet & Greet” – Topic: “What makes a good life in the country?”

This is the introduction of the brand-new “Katanning Open Conversation Group”. It also addresses the first conversation topic; the first of hopefully many more to come. At this occasion, our topic is meant to provide a “meet and greet” environment; and what could be easier and more relevant, than talking about our own experience of living in the country and the wider Katanning community? Your experiences, opinions, suggestions and outlooks will be very much valued.

To follow is a broad topic introduction stating a few statistical facts about the Katanning area, which should give us a start to our first conversation (data taken from the last census 2021, so they are almost 5 years old). Let’s get started…

Our Statistics
The Katanning Region is home to ~4500 people, of which 52% are male and 48% are female. The median age is 40 years. 47.5% were married, 3.2% separated, 7.4% divorced, 5.7% widowed and 36.1% never married (bear in mind that this figure may include children). These data are roughly comparable with WA and Australia-wide figures.

The median weekly household income was $1,347, whilst the median monthly mortgage repayments has been as high as $1,076. The most widespread occupation was Labourer (23.3%), before Managers (16.1%), Tradies (14.4%), and Professionals (11.1%). The dominant industries were Meet Processing (12.6%), followed by Grain-Sheep Farming (5.7%), work in Hospitals (4.6%), Primary Education (4.4%) and Specialised Sheep Farming with 3.8%. With these statistics Katanning differs greatly from the rest of WA and Australia. The weekly average income with $714 was also significantly lower than the rest of WA.

8.1% of the population identified themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, compared with 3.3% in Greater Western Australia. Katanning has a diverse cultural fabric with many citizens arriving from oversees. 68.5% of Katanning citizens were born in Australia (31.5% were not). Of those born in Australia, not all had parents who were born also in Australia. Many came from England, Myanmar, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries. (Our flag display on Clive Street demonstrate the diversity of the city very well.)

Educational figures show that many Katanning students do finish their educational pathway somewhat earlier than the rest of WA or Australia. Whilst most complete Year 12 just like the rest of the country, there are significantly fewer students who attempt higher education such as an advanced diploma or a bachelor’s degree. This seems to match professional choices which do not necessarily require those levels of formal education.

What makes living in a rural city enjoyable and worthwhile?
We may want to discuss this question. Specific experiences will give us a picture of what people value, even need to prosper and be content. We may find it interesting to ponder on the benefits of a smaller community, rather than living in a big, anonymous city. Is the cliché of a close-knit community right, which promises a richer social life, more support and a safer and more relaxing, less stressful lifestyle? Let’s talk about it.

What is missing?
The statistics suggest that certain infrastructural and social elements might be hard to find. Healthcare facilities come to mind. Educational opportunities could be considered in the same vain. The WA region is known for being historically very active in providing and managing sport clubs and leagues. Sport facilities and ovals give testimony of those recreational endeavours, but is this enough for our diverse and changing society? We may want to discuss this too.

On a serious note, we know of mental health statistics, which show that particularly young rural men are suffering more than their urban counterparts. Other reports show that rural men have fewer chances to find life partners with whom they can establish a family, compared with young men in the metropolitan areas. Why is this and what could be done about it?

The overall culture and purpose
The rural population in Australia can pride itself in “feeding the nation” and contributing greatly to our economical wealth with exports and national trade. The statistics are clear. Australia could not live without our farmers and related industries. In saying this, is there a common confidence and pride in the community, which reflects this outstanding purpose and achievement? If so, how does it show? If not, what is hindering it?

Finally, are the needs and wishes of country people in our state politically represented and heard? If not, what can the community do about it?

Note:
These points and questions are only suggestions for our conversation. Issues and viewpoints which were overlooked here are invited and “nothing is off the table”. The conversation group is fully in charge to pick those aspects of the topic they deem to be of greatest importance and interest. This is meant to be relaxing, casual and enjoyable. 😊