Meet The Residents
Population: Unexpected
Boomtown residents live rich, happier and interesting lives. Meet the residents of regional Australia and find out what life in Boomtown is really like.
Regional residents are a valuable audience waiting to be influenced by your brand.
Population: Unexpected
Boomtown residents live rich, happier and interesting lives. Meet the residents of regional Australia and find out what life in Boomtown is really like.
Regional residents are a valuable audience waiting to be influenced by your brand.
MARK + Anna
ENGINEERING GENERAL MANAGER + Nurse
Mark and his family relocated from Sydney to Wollongong, seeking a quieter life and a stronger sense of community.
As a mechanical engineer, Mark often works from home but is still a globetrotter in his role.
Despite misconceptions about regional life, Mark emphasises that his friends are well educated and hold diverse professional roles.
Age
44
Location
Wollongong, NSW
Occupation
General Manager + Nurse
Household
Husband/ Wife and 2 Kids. (Plus 2 dogs)
Current Car
Toyota Hilux
Next Holiday
3 months off to hike/rock climb around Europe with the kids. Plus a camping holiday somewhere.
Own Or Rent
Own
Shop Online or Instore
Almost all our items are bought online, we tend to shop around for where we can get the best deals for clothing, electronics, shoes, sports gear etc.
How do you connect with your community?
Wollongong also puts on lots of community events aimed at families which we attend.
There are monthly women’s mountain bike catch ups, different dog catch ups, MND NSW walk d’feet, sporting club events.
Advice for moving to regional Oz
Don’t expect it to happen overnight. Know what your interests are and move somewhere that nurtures them.
Don’t be afraid to take a step back at work in a new place because sometimes you have to start lower to build up again but it is worth it.
Kate & Luke
Director & Head Chef
A job opportunity for Luke prompted a family move from Springwood in the Blue Mountains to Wollongong. The couple saw a chance to open a restaurant in Kiama, which they’ve now owned for over six years.
They have been warmly welcomed by locals and quickly formed relationships with people and businesses, many of whom moved from the city for job opportunities, more space, and proximity to nature.
Age
37
Occupation
Director & Head Chef – Check out Silica Resturant next time you’re in Kiama!
Household
Owns their property
Family
Married with 3 kids
Current Car
Mazda CX8
Next Holiday
Regional Oz – Gold Coast followed by Launceston
Shopping
Every Week! We order our groceries from Woolies, shop clothes on the Iconic.
Any stereotypes you want to challenge
One major misconception is that regional Australia lacks opportunity. Not only are there plenty of job opportunities available, but the pay rates are competitive to attract skilled workers.
Advice for moving to regional Oz
Support local businesses, as they are an integral part of the community and rely on local support. We found locals are welcoming of newcomers, and very willing to support new businesses. They take pride in the success of local businesses, often celebrating in their achievements.
TODD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Todd moved his family to Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast 4 years ago. The move has had a profoundly positive impact on his professional life as a Medical Director.
Todd shared that the benefits to moving to regional include a better quality of life, the value of community and the simplicity regional affords his family.
Age
36
Location
Batemans Bay, NSW
Occupation
Medical Director – Hybrid working
Household
Bianca and Max (wife and son respectively)
Current Car
Toyota Landcruiser – FJ62
Next Holiday
The Sunshine Coast for an early taste of summer
Own Or Rent
Own
Shop Online or Instore
Certainly do! Literally anything, including groceries and essentials. it just makes life easier.
Favourite Brand
RM Williams & Speedo
How do you connect with your community?
Our local neighbourhood is remarkably active with weekly Friday night drinks, a monthly newsletter and regular group activities and meetings throughout the year including a Christmas party.
Advice for moving to regional Oz
My advice would be to be clear about your priorities and values prior to making the move.
Spend time exploring the areas that you’re considering moving to. If you base yourself somewhere that nurtures you and you’ll be amazed at the flow on effects to the rest of your life.
CATH
Global Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer
Cath relocated her family from Seattle to Cairns after receiving a job offer that allowed her to work anywhere in Australia.
While Sydney or Melbourne seemed like obvious choices, the limited space and hefty mortgages felt like a step backward.
With her partner’s regional Aussie background and their love for warm climates, Cairns became the clear choice.
Age
43
Occupation
Global Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer
Household
Owns their property
Family
Hubby and 2 kids
Current Car
Ute and Mazda (with Land Rover next on the list!)
Next Holiday
Recently went to Vietnam and coming up we’re off to Japan, the UK, and the US. Then, we’ll have a family holiday in South Africa over Christmas.
Shopping
Everything! Worked at Amazon for 9 years!
Advice for moving to regional Oz
YOLO! A simple lifestyle doesn’t mean simple people! Our group of friends includes doctors, nurses, tradies, property developers, pharmacists, and tourism business owners. Everyone here is a hardworking, down-to-earth professional who enjoys life to the fullest.
KIM
BRANDED PODCAST CONSULTANT & PODCASTER
Cost-of-living and the decision to have a major career change were the catalyst to start something new in Boomtown.
The ability to explore some of the most beautiful part of Australia, that often reserved for holidays and do so at our leisure (avoiding the peak holiday periods!) was a great drawcard to make the move to regional Australia.
Age
39
Location
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Occupation
Branded Podcast Consultant & Podcaster – Remote
Household
Partner + a Pug
Next Car
Electric Volvo
Next Holiday
South Korea
Own Or Rent
Rent
Shop Online or Instore
Always – I shop for everything online from Clothing, electronics and even Health Supplements.
Favourite Brand
Jac+Jack
Advice for moving to regional Oz
It can be easy to fall into routine and busyness – remember that many people spend their holidays visiting where you live, so get out there any enjoy it as often as you can!
ALEATHIA
Owner of athella store
After living in various cities domestically and internationally, Biz Owner Aleathia has returned home to the beautiful Boomtown region of Mount Gambier.
The pull of family and community together with the cost of living and the great outdoors made it an easy decision to set up life and shop.
Age
48
Occupation
Business Owner
Household
Owns their property
Family
Hubby and 3 kids
Current Car
Jeep
Next Holiday
Greece
Shopping
I shop mainly online for homewares and clothing. Some brands include The Iconic and Myer. I also like to support Australian owned businesses.
Advice for moving to regional Oz
It takes time to settle. What helps is getting to know the locals in your area. They are happy to answer questions about the best places to go.
Tatiana
Head of Communications
After living in Sydney and London, moving to regional Australia with her family of five has seen Tatiana continue her successful career and buy their dream family home.
Tatiana is part of the working group on the Sunshine Coast Events Board, a voluntary role, allowing her to stay connected with the community and contribute to the future prosperity of the region.
Age
42
Location
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Occupation
Head of Communications – Working mostly remote
Household
Husband + 3 Kids
Current Car
VW Tiguan
Next Holiday
We’ve just returned from 4 months travelling through Europe so now we want to see more of Australia, starting with the Great Barrier Reef
Own Or Rent
Own
Shop Online or Instore
Mostly kids’ stuff online, but not groceries as I decide what I’m going to cook when I walk around and see what looks good at the supermarket.
Favourite Brand
Assembly Label, Bose, Frank Green, Muscle Republic
Advice for moving to regional Oz
Do it! Mind you, I’m biased based on my experience.
Honesty, moving to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney was the best decision we could have made to give our family the best of both worlds; financial stability with rewarding careers and most importantly balance and time together.
Emma
Head of Civil Assets
After falling in love with Hobart’s lifestyle, air, and people, Emma and her husband moved from Sydney 21 years ago and haven’t looked back since.
Raising 2 boys, volunteering at the local club, exploring markets and participating in fun run events are what keeps her busy and how Hobart can more than pull its weight when going head-to-head in Sydney.
Age
44
Location
Hobart, Tas
Occupation
Head of Civil Assets – Hydro Tasmania
Remote or in office
Mostly in office, but what an office. I am spoilt by the assets and natural beauty I get to see.
Household
Married – 2 Kids
Next Car
VW Tourag and Subura Impreza
Next Holiday
My son made the Australian sailing team and will sail in UK Plymouth, but also maybe planning a trip to Denmark
Own Or Rent
Own
Supermarket
Woolies, Dan Murphy’s
Shop Online or Instore
Online – I will go online first and find a way to purchase anything that is available. Thanks Google!
Favourite Brand
Anything Sporty – we are a sporting family.
Kelli
Manager Finance Services
After moving to Boomtown from Perth 3 years ago, Kelli knows that there’s a real sense of community, with people there for work, and friends becoming your family.
And let’s not forget the slower pace of life is amazing!
Age
34
Location
Karratha, WA
Occupation
Manager Finance Services – Remote with 1 monthly meeting in office
Household
No Partner / No Kids
Current Car
2022 VW Tiguan
Next Holiday
2 weeks in Morocco
Own Or Rent
Own – Renovating
Shop Online or Instore
Online – The Iconic (Clothes), Mecca (Skincare & Makeup)
Favourite Brand
Zimmermann, Mister Zimi, Thrills
Advice for moving to regional Oz
Do it now! The level of community spirit and support will exceed all your expectations.
Andrew
Dental Surgeon
Andrew and his partner live an idyllic life in one of Boomtown’s most sought-after beach towns. Living minutes from his practice allows him to workout, eat out and walk the dog all before his first appointment of the day. He has a passion for European cars and exotic holidays, and flosses daily.
Age
43
Occupation
Dental Surgeon
Household
Married – 0 Kids
Next Car
Mercedes GT
Next Holiday
New York & Miami
Own Or Rent
Own
Supermarket
Woolworths & Harris Farm
Favourite Brand
Abercrombie & Fitch
Kelli
Co-Founder of Marketing Tech Start-Up
Kelli is a classic high achiever who lives and breathes technology. She’s part of Boomtown’s growing number of entrepreneurs who maintain a better work/life balance outside of the cities.
Age
39
Occupation
Business Entrepreneur
Household
Married – 2 Kids
Next Car
Range Rover
Next Holiday
Family trip to Fiji
Own Or Rent
Own
Supermarket
Woolworths & Harris Farm
Favourite Brand
Zimmerman
Malakai
Barber, Business Owner
Boomtown was the perfect place for Malakai to crack the formula for his fashionable barber / café / surfboard store. Now he’s opening up in the cities and his stores are a real hit with the hipsters. But despite this success, he’s staying put, and will manage his growing empire from the comfort of his beachside Boomtown home.
Age
41
Occupation
Barber & Entrepreneur
Household
Married – 2 Kids
Next Car
VW Tourag
Next Holiday
Gold Coast theme parks
Own Or Rent
Own
Supermarket
Mix of supermarkets and local produce stores
Favourite Brand
Nike & Adidas
Cveta
Property Partner / Licensed Real Estate Agent
Thanks to Boomtown’s fast growing population, Cveta’s real estate career is going from strength to strength. As a mother of four, her grocery bill is bigger than Ben-Hur but she generates an income that keeps up with her lifestyle and allows her to buy a few of the finer things.
Age
40
Occupation
Real Estate Agent
Household
Married – 4 Kids
Next Car
Mercedes GT
Next Holiday
Family trip to Hawaii
Own Or Rent
Own
Supermarket
Woolworths
Favourite Brand
Valentino
Stanislav
Astrophysicist and ARC Super Science Fellow
There’s a huge range of careers represented in Boomtown, and like many professionals, Stanislav realised that he can do what he does from anywhere. Boomtown’s lower cost of living means he can study the galaxies without getting into a financial black hole.
Age
28
Occupation
Astrophysicist
Household
Married – 2 Kids
Next Car
Subaru Forrester
Next Holiday
Family trip to Barcelona
Own Or Rent
Own (renovating)
Supermarket
Hill Street – local produce
Favourite Brand
Asics
Belinda
Part-time Graphic Designer / Full-time Mum
With Boomtown’s lower housing costs, The Buckinghams can get by comfortably without both parents working full-time, allowing Belinda to focus on what she loves – her children. Working part-time as a graphic designer, plus freelance gigs, Belinda is always well connected to work and importantly, her family.
Age
36
Occupation
Graphic Designer
Household
Married – 2 Kids
Next Car
Subaru
Next Holiday
The Grampians
Own Or Rent
Rent (building home)
Supermarket
Coles
Favourite Brand
Country Road
