Retirement plan morphs into job opportunity for Apsley tree-changer

Instead she has moved to the region for work, as an administration officer at Grampians Health Edenhope. 

Janelle’s move came more than a year after her husband, who started work with West Wimmera Shire Council in 2023. 

“When we visited the first time, to look at the house in Apsley, we stepped out of the car and heard nothing but birds,” she said. 

“A weight just lifted and we knew we’d love it here. 

“We had long-term plans for a tree-change but when job opportunities came up, it was too good to ignore.” 

The couple has already taken in a local – a Kelpie-cross stray that needed a new home. 

“We planned to look after him for a short time, but fell in love with him instantly,” she said. 

Janelle has experience in the care sector, after nine years in a Ballarat veterinary clinic, and describes feeling very comfortable in the new setting. 

When she’s not welcoming people into Edenhope Hospital or Lakeside Living, Janelle is likely to be baking, reading or outside digging. 

“I love my garden but it’s definitely a work in progress,” she said. 

“I’m looking forward to getting involved in some local groups as well.”