10.4225/03/590bfa1a4672f Conway, Kerry Kerry Conway Can rural communities survive?: the case of Hopetoun Monash University 2017 1959.1/482399 Agricultural economics Australia Family monash:63733 journal article Social change Utility services 1039-4788 Population movement Stress (Psychological) Social conditions Towns Rural conditions 2017-05-05 04:05:44 Journal contribution https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Can_rural_communities_survive_the_case_of_Hopetoun/4975871 Agricultural productivity has increased in the Hopetoun region of the Mallee but, in spite of this, the are is facing depopulation and social stress. Causes include the global economy, drought, the poor performance of local banks, and inappropriate Government policies, including the withdrawal of services. Though Hopetoun's farmers are responding with courage and professionalism, the region's future is uncertain. Copyright. Monash University and the author/s