Mega
Bali-born Mega Yadnya found there were plenty of reasons to settle in the Northern Territory: a good job, good mates, familiar weather, friendliness and lack of traffic jams. Mega, who has lived in Darwin for three years, is a barista at one of the Northern Territory’s most popular cafes. “I love working there,” he says. “My bosses are great – they trust me to just get on with the job. “I like talking to customers and many of them have become my friends.”
Leticia
Brazilian Leticia Bassler has never regretted for one minute her decision to leave her homeland and settle in the Northern Territory. Leticia’s 19-year-old daughter Amanda was 16 when she arrived in the Territory and went to Darwin High School. She made good friends and appreciates that her life in Darwin is “better and safer” than in Brazil. Amanda got good grades in Year 12 and is now studying accounting at Charles Darwin University – and loves it. Mother and daughter enjoy Darwin. “We really like living here. It’s a small city and a safe place. It’s got beautiful beaches, beautiful sunsets and a very nice waterfront.
Julia
Brazilian administration and marketing officer Julia Belisse is enjoying life in the Territory’s capital city. “I was told that Darwin was one of the cities with a massive potential for growth and there weren’t enough qualified and skilled workers to fill the jobs available.” Darwin has given Julia the opportunity to live by her own philosophy: doing something she loved and getting paid for it.
Max
There are many things that Max Stretton enjoys about living in the Territory – the lifestyle, the friendliness, the multiculturalism and the unparalleled work opportunities. But it’s the NT’s role in connecting Australia to Asia that excites him most. Max loves living in the Northern Territory and is an enthusiastic ambassador for its role as the Gateway to Asia. He likes to say that he is a “product” of a government partnership between Australia and Indonesia – his Balinese mother met his father while she was on a teacher exchange in Darwin. Max now works for a thriving Darwin-based company offering political and commercial strategy advice to companies wanting to establish major projects in the NT.
Yunita
Indonesian-born doctor Yunita Hasar likes the job opportunities, friendliness and happy melting pot community of the Northern Territory. She has lived in Darwin for four years. “I like it here. People are friendly and good to each other. And it’s so multicultural. I meet lots of other Indonesian people – sometimes it feels like I’m back in Indonesia.” Yunita was a doctor in Indonesia but needs to sit registration examinations before she can practice in Australia. “The exams are very difficult – there is so much to learn – but I’m working hard to get through them.” “I have been given far more work opportunities in the Northern Territory than my Indonesian friends in other states. There’s a big demand for doctors and nurses in the NT.”
Sakib
Bangladesh-born hospitality professional Sakib Mohammad loves living in the Territory. He particularly appreciates its job opportunities, multiculturalism, natural beauty, friendliness and good lifestyle. “Almost anyone I meet comes from abroad or other parts of Australia, which makes me feel like I am one of them,” he says. Life in Australia was “completely different” at first – he started as a casual worker in a restaurant and then as a hotel housekeeper. But opportunities opened up when he made the sensible decision to move to the Territory in 2018. Sakib says good job opportunities are “abundant” in the Territory. He is getting into the rhythm of Territory life – he played A grade cricket for the Alice Springs Tigers in the 2018-19 season. “I want to stay in Australia permanently and I want to stay in the Northern Territory – because these days I feel like I am a Territorian.”
Danielle
Dr Danielle Esler, who is a specialist in primary care and public health, was lured back to the Northern Territory by good job opportunities and a friendly, relaxed lifestyle. She worked in Darwin from 2003-04 and then moved back interstate. But that slog to and from work in Melbourne finally made her realise that there was life beyond being stuck in traffic jams. Moving to the Territory has never been simpler for skilled workers. She works in the Health Department’s COVID-19 response team after 12 months as acting deputy chief health officer.
Mostofa
Bangladesh-born Mostofa Mahin loves a lot of things about living in the Northern Territory – and near the top of the list is the sense of space. The Territory Health Department administrator is delighted that his home town of Dhaka and Darwin have two things in common – weather and mangoes. “Darwin is a good place,” he says. “Everyone is friendly. People are always smiling. And it’s very multicultural – there are people here from all over the world. I like that.” Mostofa and Humaira enjoy the welcoming nature and vibrancy of Darwin life. He has got involved in the Territory community – he plays for University Cricket Club and is president of the Darwin Tigers. Mostofa hopes to settle permanently in Australia to make a new life with his wife.
Eric
Eric Lacroix came to Australia on a working holiday visa and had every intention of returning to France. But he immediately fell for the Northern Territory’s lifestyle. He has been in the Territory since 2018 and now wants to settle permanently. Eric found that Darwin offered much more than other cities, particularly job opportunities, outdoor adventure, natural beauty and what he calls “an untouched land”. He enjoys the “vibe” of the city – “the lifestyle and the laid-back way” – and loves the Aboriginal culture and history.
Sukran
Sukran Maden knows that the Northern Territory has much going for it. But it’s the lifestyle that delights Sukran. “I remember when I first arrived in Darwin,” she says. “I was cycling to work and it was so lovely that I found myself smiling. No traffic, no congestion. Just five minutes from my home to the office.” The graphic designer, who has a swag of in-demand skills, including web design, soon found that Darwin’s unbeatable lifestyle is complemented by tremendous professional opportunities. Her experience of getting a good, well-paid job quickly is typical of skilled migrants – the Territory’s growing and diversifying economy is creating exciting opportunities for skilled workers. “Coming to Australia was the best decision of my life.”