I moved to Australia from the UK five and a half years ago. Fresh out of university, like many young Brits, I headed off in search of sun, sea and freedom.
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I was one of the lucky ones. In Sydney, I found a job suited to my studies early on and it was relatively easy to get sponsored to stay.
I also had the option of heading back home at any time to plenty of equally great opportunities. After a few years, I got permanent residency and decided to leave the big smoke for country life. I’ve always preferred a slower pace and to be among a strong community.
I grew up in a place similar to Yass, near the town of Tavistock in Devon, UK. Even though I am very happy living in regional Australia now, I’m not sure I would have been, to begin with.
I’ve seen many friends who do farm work to stay struggle with homesickness from isolation and I can’t help but question how the federal government’s plan to settle new migrants in regional areas, before they can move to cities like Melbourne and Sydney, could work.
Although it’s my choice, living away from home is not always easy. I often miss the support that comes from having family and childhood friends close by.
I can’t fathom having chosen to live in a new country, but then not having the final say over where exactly, once I’d landed.
In moments of questioning my choices in the first few years, sometimes the hustle and bustle of the city were welcomed. I only had to step out onto the street to realise I wasn’t alone and there were always plenty of groups, activities and events to join. The chances of knowing someone beforehand is also more likely in a city.
I can’t fathom having chosen to live in a new country, but then not having the final say over where exactly, once I’d landed.
To then be placed somewhere remote, where there is less of what you know, fewer people, fewer things to do and fewer jobs, there is a lesser chance of feeling settled.
And how, exactly, is that choice made and enforced? How is it decided that one person should live in Wagga Wagga and another in Renmark, SA?
Don’t get me wrong, I can see the benefits: housing prices are cheaper here and that stronger sense of community could make the move easier.
There are many reasons why I and others move to the country and I can see the importance of bigger populations to regional development. But shouldn’t that choice be ours?
And how, exactly, is that choice made and enforced? How is it decided that one person should live in Wagga Wagga and another in Renmark, SA?
I just don’t see how this move is going to work.
