Recently moving from Melbourne to East Gippsland, Tim Morrison says he would never go back.
Growing up in Warragul, Tim finished his schooling before relocating to Ballarat for a few years. Work and study commitments saw Tim repositioned in Melbourne, where he lived for five years. Now with a wife and young family, Tim saw many benefits of living in East Gippsland, and hopes that his children will also enjoy a country upbringing, as he did.
Tim says there were three major determinants that lead him to make a lifestyle change. First of all was a career opportunity, where he landed a dream job as Principal of accounting firm, WHK. As an accountant, Tim says that living in East Gippsland allows him to still be able to build his career whilst enjoying a better work/life balance. “There is huge opportunity for growth here. Bairnsdale is the hub of East Gippsland and there is a variety of great local businesses that we work with to help grow and support our local economy”.
The second reason was the lifestyle. With less travelling to and from work, Tim is able to have more freedom and is able to spend valuable time with his family.
The third motivating factor was the chance to raise his children in a regional town. Tim and his wife Shelley, enjoy spending time with their two young boys, Xavier, 3, and Caleb, 1, in the outdoors. Tim and Shelley enjoy horse-riding on their property in Bairnsdale and regularly take the family camping or to the beach on the weekends. “We love being able to take the boys on little trips without travelling too far. We have made a few journeys to Marlo & Mallacoota so far, and hope to see more of East Gippsland in the near future.”
Tim’s wife is also gaining benefit from the move. Currently a stay-at-home mum, Shelley is able to enjoy motherhood in a more relaxed environment. “Since we moved to East Gippsland in July 2011, Shelley has fitted into Mothers Group and Playgroup and also has developed a very good friend network. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive.” Due to flexibility, Shelley is also planning on heading back to work on a part-time basis, where she is able to continue her career as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse.
Travel to visit family is also very accessible for the young family, who often head to Thorpdale for a catch up, as well as Melbourne to see friends.