As Australian urban areas rapidly become overcrowded, marketing campaigns use images of relaxed lifestyles and bucolic pastures to sell dreams of country bliss to fatigued urbanites. But is rural living as idyllic as it seems? A group of Charles Sturt University (CSU) experts, led by Dr Angela Ragusa from CSU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, have investigated the 'rural realities' of country life in Australia in a book titled Rural Lifestyles, Community Well-being and Social Change: Lessons from Country Australia for Global Citizens. "Rural Lifestyles presents readers with evidence of the key issues facing rural communities and individuals, and insights into rural amenities, geography, identity, culture, health and governance which impact wellbeing and lifestyle satisfaction," Dr Ragusa said. The book investigates the realities and opportunities offered in regional Australia, particularly regarding ageing, disability, service delivery and social isolation. See more here. CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann will officially launch the book titled Rural Lifestyles at 10.30am on Friday 7 March, at the Common Crust in the Learning Commons, CSU in Wagga Wagga.