Grounding FORCE

Adam Brady and Liam Ayres swapped city living to embrace a life in the country where they could enjoy its rhythm and seasons

- by RACHEL WHITE

For ex-Melburnians, Adam Brady and Liam Ayres, moving to the tiny town of Tooborac, in central Victoria, Australia has given them the chance to finally slow down.

The countrified couple put the brakes on their fast-paced city lives six years ago and are now firmly established in their local community. Adam owns the Heathcote General Trader, a treasure-trove of handpicked home goods in neighbouring Heathcote, while Liam's corporate job sees him split his week between his home office, Melbourne and nearby Bendigo. Initially, the duo was drawn to Heathcote based on a family connection. 'Liam has family history up here,' says Adam. 'His family immigrated to the area from Ireland in the '50s.' Liam, who teaches Irish dancing on the weekends, adds: 'There's actually an Ayres Street in Heathcote that's named after the family.'