Embracing the country life

While life has certainly taken on a slower pace, Ms Hedt has found plenty to keep herself busy since the move in January.

When she’s not teaching her Year 8 and 10 students, Ms Hedt enjoys playing one of three instruments - including a harp - she brought from her home in Melbourne.

She also likes reading and painting figurines from popular games series, and can’t wait to go bush walking when the milder days of autumn arrive.

“It’s been beautifully calm, quiet and peaceful,” she said.

“It’s so nice to be immersed in nature with the river and all the beautiful bush walks you have.”

After having to drive at least 45 minutes to work in Melbourne each day, Ms Hedt was delighted to find herself able to walk almost anywhere she pleased.

“It’s lovely to come here, and I can walk everywhere, I can walk to Woolies, I can walk to Coles if I want to,” she said.

Ms Hedt was given the choice to complete a teaching internship at either a school in Melbourne or a school in Cobram.

After visiting Cobram Secondary College twice last year, Ms Hedt decided it was the right fit for her.

“The sense of support and community that I got was incredible from all the teachers and everyone else,” she said.

Soon enough, she had packed her bags and was on the road to Cobram for one of the tree changes of her life.

“It seemed like a really good school to start off in,” Ms Hedt said.

She’s still learning the ins-and-outs of teaching, but getting on her feet has been as smooth as possible thanks to the support of her new-found community.

As part of her Masters of Teaching (Secondary), Ms Hedt has to complete her internship over two years.

But after just a month in Cobram, she can see herself staying for longer than that.

“The peace and quiet, it gets me. Melbourne was way too big,” she said.

“The kids are great, and over the last few weeks I’ve wanted to actually get to know them.”