Our Stories
Stories from international recruits.
So many opportunities
When my family and I decided to come to Victoria - Australia there were feelings of excitement and apprehension because we had never travelled outside of New Zealand nor been far from family. However we are happy we did make the move because there are so many opportunities not only for our daughter with regards to education but also employment options. We have no regrets about making the move and have become avid supporters of the Melbourne Storm.
Sid
Here I am and here I plan to stay
In 2006 I attended the "Te Hokinga Mai" Family Group Conference Symposium, where I met a great bunch of Victorian child protection staff. On the last day the question posed was, “Come over and work in Victoria”. There has been no looking back. Here I am and here I plan to stay. I have met some incredible people and families, and I’m looking forward to the exciting challenges that are happening. Everything has been a learning curve but Child Protection is Child Protection no matter where you go in the world. The lifestyle is great and home is just a 3 1/2 hour plane trip. I have the best of both worlds.
Isa
Obvious choice
After completing my Social Work degree and gaining a years practice experience in New Zealand, I heard the call to travel and experience something new. Victoria has a reputation as a beautiful and vibrant state with a highly regarded Child Protection system, so for me it was the obvious choice. I have not looked back, I love the lifestyle here and the professional development opportunities through working for the Victorian Government are second to none, I'm here to stay!
Aaron
Absolutely love Australia
It was definitely time for a change after working in the NZ social work system for fourteen years - it was time to explore other countries and other systems. I had heard through the grapevine that Victoria was the place to be with cutting edge child protection programs, systems and technologies. When my family and I moved here in early 2008 we understood that there would be huge changes to all aspects of our lives but we didn't realise just how supportive, friendly and accepting Australians would be to us. We absolutely love Australia and in particular Victoria and I expect to be living here for many years to come. The employment opportunities and generosity of the people here has been amazing. Social Work skills are definitely transferable but there is also a whole lot more to learn and this aspect is the most exciting.
Robyn
This is now our home
Initially, coming to Victoria was an opportunity to trial out the work environment and the lifestyle before really taking the plunge. My first day with the Department of Human Services was really positive and helped to ease me into the work environment and culture at the country office (Morwell) that I am based in. From the rolling pastures and country roads to the beaches on the coast, the landscape in Gippsland is so familiar, it feels like home. The bonus now is that my family is here with me sampling all that Victoria has to offer like the sports, shows, concerts and much, much more. This is now our home. My family has no regrets and we continue to look forward to building on these opportunities.
Wiremu
Derbyshire's loss Victoria’s gain
Nineteen years ago I responded to a small advertisement in The Guardian for social workers looking to move to Australia. This great leap into the dark was the best move I ever made for myself, my partner and my kids. Back then it was dark times for marginalised communities in Britain and a move to Victoria’s Child Protection Service gave me hope that things could get better.
Mick, now Victoria’s Acting Assistant Director Child Protection and Family Services
Bigger, bluer sky
My first impression when I stepped off the plane was that I had never seen a bigger, bluer sky. My motivation for the move was to visit family and get an exotic edge to my resume. For the more rational recruits out there, I can tell you that there has never been a better time to make the move. Our new legislation has given us the power to do what we know makes a difference for children. The next few years will be exciting times for social workers committed to earlier intervention and support for families that addresses the cumulative harm so many of our children experience.
Noel, now Child Protection and Family Services Manager, Hume Region.
Social worker from Greater London
Victoria is a fabulous place to raise kids. My two boys now laugh at the suggestion that they once barracked for England in the cricket. The work with children and families is similar to what I had experienced in London except the adolescents are a lot nicer to you. I’d encourage anyone thinking about making the move to find out more and attend an information session – it was a decision I have never regretted.
Isabelle, now independent consultant to Victoria’s Child Protection Service