Are you SA born and bred, or has it become home more recently? Tell us about why SA is home for you.
I am proudly SA born and bred. However, I’ve not spent all my life in Adelaide. I grew up in the Clare Valley, surrounded by world-class vineyards, which were largely lost on me back then – but not now!
South Australia has provided me with opportunities – from access to a quality tertiary education; diverse career opportunities across government, defence and now banking; and the ability to build a high-quality lifestyle. It’s fantastic to go away and experience other places, but there’s nowhere else I would rather live. It’s that feeling of when you fly back in from being away but know this is ‘home’.
Where do you spend your time?
When I’m not working in the CBD, I live just a stone’s throw away in the inner south, enjoying the many local eateries and parks. Usually on a weekend you’ll find me exercising, getting outside or enjoying a coffee on the sidelines of the kids’ sport.
When we really want to take time out, we love packing up the car on a Friday night and escaping to Encounter Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula (just over an hour down the expressway) for the weekend where we enjoy the beach walks, kayaking and the occasional lazy afternoon nap!
What do you do and why here?
I have built a career in communications and corporate affairs here in Adelaide, working in-house across a range of industries including energy, state and local government, national defence – Adelaide is home to the national submarine maintenance and future submarine program – and most recently, banking and financial services.
Staying in South Australia is about choosing the way we want to live and work. Here we can access an affordable, first-class lifestyle for the whole family. In the same city, I can work with industry leaders and motivated people who are accessible and open to collaboration.
Adelaide is unique in that it has many of the opportunities of a larger city, while maintaining its charm and friendliness.
What are your favourite things to recommend to people new to South Australia?
Just last week, I had a colleague in Melbourne ask where she should spend her time when she visits SA. Without hesitation, I said Kangaroo Island – a beautiful unique location; and a lot bigger than you think! Jump in the car and explore from coast to coast, see wildlife up close, try eateries, local gin and wine tasting. Or get a roaring fire going and just relax.
What is your tip for other locals?
Never stop being a tourist in your own state. The recent travel restrictions have been a reminder that you don’t need to travel abroad or interstate. Get out and explore all corners of South Australia again, or for the first time – there is so much to see in our own backyard.
Describe SA in one sentence.
The best place in Australia if you want to really live and not just exist – great people, places and opportunities are here, you just have to find them.
What’s the best thing about living here?
We’ve now had it confirmed, that SA is home to Australia’s most liveable city – offering unrivalled lifestyle, unique experiences, and room to breathe. Our secret is out!