relocating to Australia, South Africa,
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Today we chat with Amanda – a South African who moved to Australia.
Amanda Myburgh is our Recruitment Administrator and joined ConsultANZ 5 years ago.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2016 report, 178,700 South Africans were living in Australia as of June 2015 – up more than 33,000 (from 145,683) people from the 2011 data, and representing 0.8% of the total population.
Q: Where are you originally from and when did you move to Australia?
I’m from Johannesburg and we left SA on 29th of May 2013
Q: How did the decision to move come about?
We came for holidays in 2010 and the decision was then made to emigrate. We left for a better life (safety) and better job opportunities. It was not an easy decision, but looking back there is no regret.
Q: How did you like Brisbane when you first moved here? Was there anything that was strikingly different from living in SA?
A striking difference was the lack of high walls or electric fences around houses. You have people walking around late at night in the CBD and no one is scared or constantly looking over their shoulder.
You have lots of playgrounds for the kids and the parks are clean and come with free gas-filled barbecues (braais).
Q: What are the things you really enjoy about Australia and what are the things you miss?
Diving the Great Barrier Reef 😊. We miss our friends and family, especially around birthdays and Christmas.
Q: Anything that Australia does better than SA?
One of the things that Australia does better is transport around events. Trains, buses and taxis are always on time and readily available. People also leave events in an orderly fashion.
Q: Would you consider moving back home?
Currently, we are very happy here. The only reason we would consider going back is if something drastically changed back home (family-wise) and we were forced to go back.
Q: What advice would you offer other South Africans considering emigrating to Australia?
If you have the opportunity to come, then do so!!
If you are a Civil Engineer, a Construction Professional or a Surveyor who would like to be part of the infrastructure boom in Australia or New Zealand, register your CV here or search our jobs.
ConsultANZ Recruitment – We consult our Clients on their hiring needs and our Candidates on their career prospects.
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