Skilled Migrants Wanted - Bendigo Australia

Laura was born and raised in Johannesburg and completed her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and UNISA. She taught class music and piano and choirs in South Africa. In Bendigo, she teaches at Girton Grammar School and is the Assistant Head of Music. “I love the safety that we have in Bendigo as well as the cultural life. The wines are not bad either! It is a great place to live.”

Karl comes from the midlands of Kwazulu Natal South Africa, and 18 years experience in the Poultry industry. He holds the position of General Farm Manager for Hazeldene's Chicken Farm Pty Ltd, an integrated Poultry business and the largest employer in Bendigo. Karl and his wife moved to Bendigo in December 2006. “We love Bendigo, I cannot find one negative.”

Brent lived in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Honours and worked in the Manufacturing sector in Vanderbijlpark. He lives in Bendigo and works in the regional town of Castlemaine (25 mins drive from Bendigo). He and his family moved to Bendigo in 2004. “Although a city, it has a community feel about it. It has all the facilities you require for a family; it is central in Victoria which makes it accessible to all places of interest. Infrastructure is first class, and improving all the time.”

René comes from Kimberley, Northern Cape, has a B.A. Hons from the University of Stellenbosch and 16 years community planning & development experience. René is the Coordinator of Social and Community Planning for the City of Greater Bendigo. René resides just outside of Bendigo in the township of Heathcote with her family. “I love that everything is within walking distance, beautiful bushland, the wine, fantastic old buildings, proximity to Melbourne and a GREAT place to bring up kids.”

Willem comes from Cape Town and holds a national Higher Diploma, Architecture, Technikon Witwatersrand. He is an Architectural Technologist for Wardcarter art + architecture and moved to Bendigo with his wife and daughter in 2008. Willems favourite things about Bendigo are “Friendly mates, virtually no traffic, charm of the city, clean air, safety, proximity to Melbourne, road safety (no speeding), good on yer Mate!”

Riana was born and grew up in Ermelo Mpumalanga. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Postgraduate degrees in Theology and Psychology, is ordained as a Minister in the Dutch Reformed Church and has a great interest in Gestalt Play Therapy. Riana has served as a minister, has taught pre-primary and has been principal of a long day care centre. “I enjoy the city of Bendigo for its relaxed atmosphere, its quiet peacefulness and safety, its friendly and accommodating community. Everything you can think of and need, you find here”.

Mick is Australian and owns local Bendigo Company, Technicater. Mick recently recruited a South African Electrical Service Technician from Cape Town who is presently undergoing the immigration process. Mick talks about the skills shortage in Australia and the reasons why Australian companies are looking overseas for qualified skilled workers.

Glenda was born and educated in Durbs "by the sea" and had a career in the advertising sector in South Africa. In Australia she pursued her passion for the development of rural communities, and works in Bendigo for St Luke’s Anglicare as Business Development Manager. She lives one hour south of Bendigo in a beautiful small town called Woodend. “The richness of community living can only be felt when you get involved, and clearly Bendigo facilitates the possibility to enjoy life on all levels.”

Jacques was born in Humansdorp and grew up on a farm in the Langkloof. He studied Commerce at the University of Stellenbosch and had a career spanning the dairy and wine industries in South Africa prior to moving to Bendigo with his wife in May 2003. “We found it very easy to assimilate into the Australian culture. I think we will retire in Bendigo, as the people are always willing to give a helping hand.”