Traveling across the world with a three-year-old was challenging but very worth it for Caroline and her husband, but three days and three countries later, they arrived in their new home of Moranbah Qld.

Originally from Nigeria Caroline whose tribal name is Gbemisola, her husband, and their child moved from Nigeria with the plan to make either Canada, The UK, the USA, or Australia their forever home.

After completing her formal early childhood teaching qualifications Caroline decided that she wanted to learn more about early childhood education from other countries. So the adventure began.

First, she applied for teaching jobs in Canada, The UK, USA and Australia and was offered a role in Canada and Australia. Initially the Visa application process to come to Australia was very difficult as the English requirement was very onerous, so she took the offer in Canada.

She then reconsidered after learning about how well Australia worked through the Pandemic and Australia it was!

Before they moved to Australia and Moranbah Caroline researched the area and what attracted them to Moranbah was that it was a great place to raise a family, it was very safe, and that it was a small mining community.

On arrival, they were welcomed by Amanda, who they felt very connected to as they had many conversations over the phone, email, and Zoom prior to arrival. There was no stress, they didn’t have to think about anything as everything was prepared and arranged for them. From having a house, that was not only fully furnished but set up, clean, and felt like home to having food in the pantry and fridge to get them through their first few weeks.

Caroline’s first stop in her new home was her kitchen, she was excited to see appliances and food to get them started. This was very unexpected. Her son was delighted when he saw his bedroom and a yard to play in.

Caroline told a story of how a stranger became a friend after offering her a lift home after a visit to Coles. Caroline talks fondly about the kindness and friendship she has experienced in Moranbah. She is very proud to call Moranbah home now