Our Stories
Stories from international recruits
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