Leeton’s Ruth Tait has managed to combine both of those elements to create a full and wholesome life. 

Mrs Tait was born in Barellan where she later attended school before heading to the nation’s capital to study music. 

She met her husband Rodney and the pair where married in 1983 and they made their living on a farm at Weethalle. 

The pair have three children – Miranda, Jarrod and Ayden.

While living in Weethalle, the couple maintained a connection with the Leeton and Barellan communities.

In 1994 they were in the middle of the drought, but luckily they were able to soldier through and get through another decade of farming life. 

However, in 2004 with the drought again in full swing, the Taits made the tough decision to sell up and move to Leeton. 

“It was a huge decision for us … the farm had been in the family for so long,” Mrs Tait said. 

Throughout all of this time, Mrs Tait was busy teaching music, while raising a family and helping out on the farm. 

Upon moving to Leeton, the couple and their family through themselves into as many activities and groups as possible. 

There was squash, other sporting groups and school events. 

Mrs Tait is now most known for her role with the Leeton Town Band, which is going from strength-to-strength. 

“We’re so lucky to live here … there are definitely so many opportunities when you look around,” she said. 

“I think whenever you move somewhere, you have to get out there and make the effort. 

“It’s up to you to get out there and meet new people and be part of things.

“That’s what we did and we couldn’t be happier.”

Mrs Tait said she had always had a love for music from a young age, with her siblings also involved in what is “the one language of the world”. 

“I just get so much enjoyment out of it and from teaching music as well,” she said. 

Mrs Tait said she and her family would always have small communities in their blood.

“I don’t think we could live anywhere else now,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful place.”

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