Of course, to many people, growing up in Albury or Wodonga counts as the country but if you head an hour out of town, the folk out there will tell you that’s when you’re really in the bush.

Having been raised on a farm between Daysdale and Rand, I can tell you first-hand how wonderful it was growing up surrounded by wheat, sheep, dirt roads and a school with a total number of 20 students.

Don’t get me wrong, I know my kids will have a wonderful upbringing in Albury-Wodonga. I think we live in the greatest part of the world.

But there’s a tinge of sadness at how times have changed too. My old school, Daysdale Public, doesn’t exist anymore and it’s just one of many examples of how small country towns have been hit hard in the past couple of decades.

This weekend, our reporter Sophie Boyd has taken a look at how drought, bypasses and technology have led to a decline in population in some of our smaller centres in the southern Riverina.

On the positive side, Brett Kohlhagen has revealed that Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath will don the whites for Walbundrie on February 24.

It’s still to be determined how many overs, “Pidge” will bowl but regardless, it will be worth the trek out to Walbundrie to get a glimpse at the champ in action.

While you’re out there, support the cricket club by buying a cuppa or a cake and why not stop in for a quick drink at the pub, too. They’ll appreciate your support and it will help a country town keep on keeping on.

The news of McGrath playing for the Tigers comes less than a week after it was revealed Sir Elton John will play at A Day On The Green at All Saints early next year.

Sir Elton’s appearance is sure to provide a massive tourism boost for our region – one that will give Rutherglen and Wahgunyah a real rocket, man (sorry, not sorry).

Have a great week.

Cheers, Xavier.