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Hear from our Residents - Meet the Pahl family

Meet the Pahls

Cristina and Kai Pahl made the move from Brisbane to the Dubbo Region. The family’s life-changing adventure landed them in Dubbo just two months before the COVID-19 lockdowns, and whilst it was
a big change for everyone during that time, their experience in community has been great

One of the first things that struck the Pahl family when they moved from Brisbane to Dubbo in 2021 was how multicultural and friendly it is.

The family’s life-changing adventure landed them in Dubbo just two months before the COVID-19 lockdowns, and whilst it was a big change for everyone during that time, their experience in community has been great.

“We had to adapt to the changes like everyone, but the community was so welcoming and we love the big, open spaces, our huge backyard and the local attractions,’’ Cristina said.

“My husband has started social lawn bowls and I am looking at getting into some sports as well. Our three kids are making lots of friends through school and daycare and they are super excited to all be starting swimming lessons this year.’’

... the community was so welcoming and we love the big, open spaces, our huge backyard and the local attractions.

Cristina Pahl

“I am loving my new job and it is challenging me daily, in a good way. I am learning so much and the team environment is really fun and positive.’’

We made the move to Dubbo to pursue a career opportunity and to be closer to family, but the opportunity has been so much more than a job.

The Pahl’s are making the most of their time in Regional NSW – seeking out the many adventures of the Dubbo Region.

“We are loving the adventures we go on, trying new things and getting out of our comfort zones – it’s been such a positive change for our family and we’re doing things we would never have done if we’d stayed in Brisbane.’’

The Taylors hearfromourresidents

Meet the Taylors

How many times have you made your daily commute to and from work, day dreaming of a life without traffic , delays and hours spent travelling each morning and night? How many times have you wished you could follow your career ambitions whilst not compromising on your life balance? Matt and Sandy Taylor were two people who had those dreams, and decided to chase them over the sandstone curtain from Sydney to the Dubbo Region.

The Taylors, together with their 4 year old daughter Emma, relocated to Dubbo in 2018 after Matt accepted a role with Dubbo Regional Council. Matt, who grew up in regional New Zealand before moving to Sydney in 2005, said that “a main motivation was (and is) to help contribute to the community my family will grow up in, to see positive outcomes from the work I do, to have a sense of ownership, which I never felt I had in Sydney – due to not living and working in the same Council area.”

Sandy, who had grown up in Sydney and loved her secure and rewarding job in a major tertiary hospital, was sceptical about making the move to a regional area but saw the appeal in leaving the bustle of the city behind. Sandy said “I was exhausted with the travel and constant demands of city life. We hoped that moving to a regional setting would provide a better balance for us as a family.”

When considering making the move, Matt and Sandy knew there were several ‘must-haves’ for their new home. Number one on the list was employment, there had to be jobs that met the Taylor’s requirements now, as well as opportunity for progression. Second was access to a good range of essential services including quality education, health care, a major hospital and professional services. Third was an airport with services to Sydney. And finally, their new home had to have things to do, especially recreational activities. Matt expressed that “Dubbo ticks all these boxes.”

Sandy has been enjoying the opportunities that a career at Dubbo Hospital has opened up for her. Sandy shared “I was successful in securing an educator’s position and I have been encouraged to see a number of my skills utilised and developed further since starting. I have met a number of other nurses who have also commenced recently after moving from Sydney and it is encouraging to see the new opportunities available as the hospital site continues to grow and develop. It has surprised me how quickly I have come to feel like I am part of the team at work and that I now have more time and energy before and after work to enjoy family time.”

Matt is excited about the future potential, “In my time living in Dubbo I have noticed there’s a buzz about the city and so much going on with new businesses and industries choosing to base themselves in Dubbo, major investment projects underway with more in the pipeline, and attractions to enjoy.”

When you ask the Taylors what they believe is the biggest positive their move has afforded their family, the unanimous answer is time! Sandy said “we are no longer exhausted by the time the weekend comes as the work/life balance is much better we can enjoy the weekends and find ourselves out and about more often with plenty of activities for the family.”

And Matt agreed “without a doubt the main benefit to living in Dubbo is the amount of time I get back each day to enjoy life. I used to have a daily three hour round trip to work but now I get to work in under 10 minutes which means more quality time with my family, more time to exercise and more time to socialise. And even Emma approves, declaring there is more “time for babyccino’s!”

... without a doubt the main benefit to living in Dubbo is the amount of time I get back each day to enjoy life.

Matt Taylor

“Dubbo is such a friendly and welcoming city. New work colleagues, neighbours, even families we meet at the local park have all been so friendly and genuine. This has made settling into Dubbo less daunting, especially after leaving the security of family and friends in Sydney and to our complete surprise there are so many good quality food options and cuisines offered in Dubbo. Be it cafes, restaurants or pubs using locally sourced produce and great coffee too. It’s hard to beat a fresh bacon and egg roll and a coffee at the local farmers market after the Saturday morning Dubbo parkrun!

Residents of Dubbo enjoy so many benefits like ample free parking, a venue of choice for major touring events in the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, and even discounted entry for locals to exciting tourist attractions like Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Old Dubbo Gaol, just to name a few. When asked what the future looks like for the Taylors – the family says “down the track will see us settled in our house, veggie patch, chooks and busy with school activities and sport. We think Dubbo has what we want to feel comfortable and really has all that we need for our family.”

Matt, Sandy and Emma have not looked back since joining the community of Dubbo and have expanded their family, with baby Sophie arriving in 2019! Matt encourages anyone who is “tired of the traffic, transport delays, the crowds, the queues, and the high cost of living to give regional NSW (especially Dubbo) a go to see there is another way of life. You’ll be surprised at what you find beyond the Blue Mountains…we were.”

Kaley Bullock and family.

Kaley Bullock

My husband grew up on a property near Neurea a little outside of Wellington and I grew up just down the road at Parkes. We met at Charles Sturt University in Dubbo when we were both studying to be teachers. During my final year of study I decided to pursue a teaching job in Wellington and I have loved being part of the school community at Wellington Public School for the past 10 years.

I always knew the country life was for me and after my first few years living in Wellington I knew it would be the perfect place to raise a family. We have always enjoyed plenty of support from the community and there is always someone ready to lend a helping hand when you need it.

I am excited by the positive energy and vibe you feel around Wellington. With the expansion of the Wellington Correctional Centre, the beautification of the CBD and upgrade of facilities at the Wellington Caves the town is abuzz and upbeat for the future. It was a real thrill to see Wellington featured recently on Channel 9’s Today Show!

I am excited by the positive energy and vibe you feel around Wellington. With the expansion of the Wellington Correctional Centre, the beautification of the CBD and upgrade of facilities at the Wellington Caves the town is abuzz and upbeat for the future. It was a real thrill to see Wellington featured recently on Channel 9’s Today Show!

Kaley Bullock

Balancing work and family life is easy in Wellington, it takes me only five minutes to get to work each day, five minutes to head to the shops and we love being able to participate in a variety of sports groups. My husband is a loyal supporter of the Wellington Golf Club and is heavily involved in the local Rugby Union football clubs, my two eldest boys are excited to be old enough to join the junior soccer teams and Little Athletics this coming year.

We are so lucky to have some of the country’s natural beauties right on our doorstep and we love exploring our home town. Joining in the Mount Arthur Challenge, a day out at the Wellington Boot, or wandering through the Wellington Caves and Japanese Gardens are always highlights for our family of five. Our perfect day in Wellington would be a family picnic on the Macquarie River along with a spot of fishing or kayaking.

I would absolutely recommend life in Wellington to anyone, you can’t go past the fresh country air and serenity that country living has to offer.

I just love the community spirit that you find alive and thriving in small country towns. Since settling down in Wellington we have never looked back.