To combat a decreasing population, the Cumnock and District Progress Association is offering four houses in the village to families to rent for just $1 a week.

The new tenants must move to their area, renovate the houses and become part of the community.

The novel idea, which has received local, state and national media attention, has paid off big time, according to progress association member Christine Weston.

Ms Weston said the town has been overwhelmed with expressions of interest from people across the nation who want to make a tree change.

A whopping 108 families are vying for the four available houses.

“What surprising is the experience, calibre and background of the people who have been applying,” Ms Weston said.

She added applications have been received from carpenters, nurses, teachers, paramedics, interior designers, online business owners and mechanics.

“The level of interest is just extraordinary. We had no idea it would result in this.

“We are now looking for more houses and property owners who want to be a part of it because the demand is obviously there.

“We’ve actually had a call from farmers in Coonamble and Manildra wanting to become involved so the concept could go Australia wide, who knows.”

Ms Weston and the progress association will shortly begin the difficult task of matching up the right applicants with the right properties once the unique offer closes on November 3.

Either way, hundreds of applicants will be disappointed.

“I guess the process of matching them up is a bit like the online site RSVP but without the dating,” she said.

Have your say: Are you one of the people that have applied for a house at Cumnock? Email bevan.shields@ruralpress.com if you are and tell us your story.