Michael Elliott

Story

I was concerned about the future in South Africa, both for myself (what will the situation be like when I am retired) and my children (wanting them to grow up in a safe and happy environment, obtain a good education and not be prejudiced against when looking for a job).

The health care system, policing, education and infrastructure was slowly collapsing.

Too many murders, too many road accidents, too much corruption, too many things all adding up to an unhappy environment. I have only one life and want to live it to the fullest and happiest that I can.

I was 40, my soon to be ex-wife was 38, my daughter Melissa was 16 and my son Kevin was 10.

My wife and I were separating but I got residency for my family in the hope that they would come in any case.

She had elected to remain in Johannesburg with the 2 children.

About the Journey

Longest part was the preparation. Getting citizenship, medicals, police clearance, qualifications certified, etc.

The family flew out of Jo\’burg. Very much out of our element when transitioning in Perth for the Sydney flight as we had never left Southern Africa before, but arrived in Sydney okay.

Impressions on Arrival

Stayed in a hotel at Potts Point near King\’s Cross for 10 days since this was included in our airfare.

We loved the working public transport system. Buses that we could actually use and a subway system that took you nearly anywhere you wanted at a reasonable price. Also taxis that actually drove you where you wanted to go, rather than you going where the taxi went. Not that we could afford them though.

We found the people friendly, relaxed and more than happy to help.

Sadly Ð the family left after the 10 days and I set out to start my new life with 2 suitcases, very little money (the exchange rate to the rand was terrible) and no job.

I left my sole possessions at the hotel lobby, bought a foldout map and a newspaper and tried to find somewhere cheap to live. Not understanding where the suburbs were and where the buses or trains might take me was a little challenging and I walked everywhere.

I managed to find a room in a boarding house before dark and thankfully fetched my stuff and moved in.

Careful calculation revealed that I had enough money to last 8 to 10 weeks so I had to get a job fast.

I spent every day in a dark internet cafŽ at King\’s Cross scouring the job ads. Thankfully an Australian couple that had befriended me, put me up when my money ran out and saved my life – thanks Jenny from Harbord.

It took 4 months to get a job and I never looked back after that.

The first few years

I joined a running club to continue the running I had started in South Africa and I ran with them from Centennial Park. The camaraderie was very welcome. I found this friendliness and acceptance very welcoming Ð especially in a big city like Sydney.

My son joined me after 2 years and his mom after 4 _ years. I am still hoping my daughter will come over.

I would get tears in my eyes watching him at Coledale nippers with all the other happy children and families. Scouts proved to be a big winner and his school education is gradually getting better.

It was a great choice to come here and I am very grateful.

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