They recently purchased and began renovating a house in town after selling their UK property.
“We had promised ourselves that we would never return to Australia, but the universe had other ideas,” said Leigh, who has secured a position as IT manager at Murray Irrigation.
The couple has a niece living in Blighty, but other than that, they were unfamiliar with the area.
But they have found avenues to acclimatise to their new home and community.
“Being in a small town meant we really needed to get involved in the town,” Leigh said.
“Unless you're into sports or religion, it's really hard to make friends and meet people.”
The Carpenters are actively engaging with the local community through initiatives like the Deniliquin Social Link.
“The whole point of the Deni Social Link is to get people together,” Leigh said.
“There are people who have been here for a long time, and new people, and it basically introduces them.
“I think it's a fantastic idea because it removes all the other stuff out of the way.”
Tony, a musician, has also already integrated into the local music scene, performing at the local venues and joining a band.
“There were a number of criteria that had to be met before moving, other than just the house, and being near Leigh’s niece,” he said.
“The music scene was quite a big thing.”
The couple is also involved in various community activities, with Leigh volunteering at the Deniliquin Film Society and working the bar during music afternoons.
They maintain that rural living doesn't mean isolation.
“You can still be in a big town and be isolated because you've got no way to really meet new people.”
Deni Social Link meets monthly, with the next meet up scheduled for Saturday, June 28.
It starts at 10am at Harry Pepper Coffee in End St, Deniliquin.
All community members are invited to get involved, regardless of how long they have been living locally.
If you would like more information about Deni Social Link, call 0472 678 621 or email denisociallink@gmail.com.
• New to town? We’d love to hear what brought you to our community. Contact our office on 5881 2322 or email eamon.kurta@denipt.com.au if you’d like to be featured in our next article.
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