When people talk about a “country change”, they often start with the lifestyle: more space, warmer weather, less time commuting and more time together. For Geena and Jude Varghese, that was absolutely part of the picture, but their move from West Sussex, England, to Australia was first sparked by something else: career progression in the health sector.
Like many families, Geena and Jude were also reassessing what day-to-day life had become. England felt busy and compressed: long working hours, short winter days, and not enough quality time as a family.
But Geena, a Credentialled Diabetes Educator, wasn’t looking for a sideways step. She wanted to expand her scope, work in a different system, and make a meaningful contribution in a community setting. That desire for balance didn’t mean stepping away from ambition it meant finding a place where professional growth and family life could actually coexist. And Wentworth Shire offered exactly that.
“Professionally, I was looking to expand my role and work within a different healthcare system. When the opportunity arose at Buronga HealthOne, it aligned closely with my experience in community diabetes care.”
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For the Varghese family, permanent residency was a major factor in choosing to settle regionally. It transformed the move from “trial” to “long-term plan”.
“We wanted stability for our children and the opportunity to integrate fully into the community. Regional Australia offered professional opportunities while also providing a family-focused lifestyle, which made it an attractive choice over a capital city.”
That stability lens matters for many skilled migrants: it’s not just about the first job, it’s about where you can build roots, relationships and a future.
Geena arrived first to begin her role at Buronga HealthOne, with Jude and the children following a couple of months later. That transition period, living and working in the region before the full family arrived, helped Geena build confidence professionally and start forming connections early.
“Arriving ahead of my family allowed me to focus on understanding the local health system and the specific needs of the community,” she says. “I was able to establish professional relationships, understand referral pathways, and become familiar with how services are delivered across the region.”
When the rest of the family joined her, that groundwork mattered.
“It made the transition smoother when my family joined me,” Geena adds.
For Jude, arriving later with two children brought its own challenges but the pace and welcome helped.
“The relocation itself was significant, especially managing the move with two children,” Jude says. “Adjusting to a new country and system takes time. However, the welcoming nature of the community made a positive difference. The slower pace of life compared to England helped us settle more comfortably.”
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From Geena’s perspective, one of the most compelling reasons for health professionals to consider regional Australia is the ability to work in an integrated, community-focused system, and to see the impact of your work more directly.
“There is strong coordination between primary care, community health, and hospital services,” she says.
In chronic disease management, that integration is vital, and Geena sees real opportunity in the regions.
“In diabetes care, there is a significant opportunity to support prevention, education, and chronic disease management,” she says. “Working in a regional setting allows for meaningful patient relationships and continuity of care.”
For skilled workers and health professionals looking for career progression, she says regional roles can offer far more than people assume.
“Regional areas offer real professional impact,” Geena says. “Skills are valued, and there is opportunity to contribute directly to service delivery and development. For health professionals in particular, the work is varied, autonomous, and community-centred.”
“The genuine sense of community and collaboration,” they say. “Both professionally and socially, people are approachable and supportive. There is a strong sense that people look out for one another.”
That “people look out for one another” feeling isn’t just a nice idea, it’s what turns a relocation into belonging.
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With two young children, Lennox and Leandra, the move came with clear priorities.
“Our priorities were stability, academic support, and a nurturing environment,” Geena and Jude share. “Moving countries is a significant adjustment for children, so ensuring they felt supported was essential.”
“We have found the schools approachable and supportive… communication has been clear, and there is a strong focus on student wellbeing alongside academic achievement.”
And like many families, sport became the shortcut to friendships and connection.
“Our son has joined a local cricket club and plays badminton, and our daughter participates in swimming,” they explain. “Sport has helped them build friendships and feel part of the community more quickly.”
Set at the junction of the mighty Murray and Darling Rivers, Wentworth Shire is a place where history, nature and community life intersect. Home to around 7,800 people, the region offers an easy-going rhythm with plenty to explore on weekends. From river walks and fishing spots to heritage streetscapes, galleries and local events, plus day trips to nearby river towns and the broader Sunraysia produce and wine region. It’s also surprisingly well connected for a remote-feeling tree change: around a 6 hour 20 minute drive to Melbourne and about 5 hours to Adelaide. And for families looking to put down roots, the housing proposition is compelling!
With a median house price around $380,000, there’s genuine opportunity to secure space and lifestyle without the capital-city price tag. While the family is currently living in Mildura, their goal is to buy a home in Wentworth Shire. For them, it’s about establishing long-term roots in the place that best matches the lifestyle they came for.
“We see Wentworth Shire as a place where we can establish long-term roots,” they say. “It offers the lifestyle we were seeking while still being close to employment and essential services.”
In practical terms, the housing equation looks very different to West Sussex.
“Compared to West Sussex, housing here offers significantly more space and value,” they say. “The overall lifestyle feels less pressured and more balanced.”
Jude is frank about one of the hurdles international movers can face: qualification recognition and local experience requirements.
“One of the challenges we encountered was that some UK qualifications and certificates are not automatically recognised,” Jude says. “Additionally, many roles require local experience.”
Their advice is simple.
“Research thoroughly, particularly around qualification recognition and employment pathways,” Be open to adapting and engaging with the community. Regional Australia offers genuine opportunity for both professional growth and family life.”
And if they had to sum up Wentworth Shire in two words?
“Welcoming & balanced.”
Are you ready to make a #countrychange to Wentworth Shire? Contact us today! Embrace the beauty and spirit of Wentworth as more than just a destination, but as a place to call home.
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