DOWN UNDER Barb Siemens
From the Canadian Rockies to Western Australia!
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The south side of Perth’s CBD—City Business District—reminds me of back home in Vancouver.
hat happens when you marry an Aussie?
For me it meant heading across the ocean for new adventures Down Under. Little did I know I was moving to the secondmost-remote city in the world. Australia is the only country that occupies a whole continent, albeit the smallest continent on earth. Moving to Perth, Western Australia, has been both eye-opening and confusing. Perth is the most westerly major city in Australia, surrounded by beautiful beaches and fantastic weather all year round. I have lived most of my adult life in Vancouver and a few years in Calgary, but moving to Perth was a real culture shock, like taking a step back in time. Twisted-pair phone lines are still used to transmit TV programs, Internet data is purchased in units, and shopping centres and grocery stores are open until 6 pm, with the
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exception of Thursdays when late-night trading is permitted to 9 pm. Sunday hours are 11 am to 4 pm. Banking institutions are not open on weekends.
Moving to Perth, Western Australia, has been both eye-opening and confusing. Driving in Perth has also been fun . . . learning to drive on the other side of the road in vehicles equipped with right-hand drive. I admit I scared a few drivers in my first few months as I forgot which side of the road to be on! Traffic enforcement is very strict in Perth with zero tolerance. Driving even 3 kilometres over the limit will result in a violation and traffic cameras are everywhere, so beware! My husband has had his picture taken several times, much to his displeasure. Perth is a beautiful coastal city similar aesthetically to Vancouver. The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia
©iStockphoto.com/levkr
There are only about 2.6 million total residents state-wide. After years of corporate office management in Canada, immediately on arrival I began training in Perth in the palliative and aged-care industry. I am now a Facility Coordinator and Palliative Care for AGEIS Stirling, a privately owned and operated longterm care facility housing medium to high care individuals, including dementia and palliative residents. AEGIS is one of the largest aged care corporations in Western Australia with a total of 28 facilities and 3 more in development to open next year. The majority of employees in this industry are from Africa, Malaysia, and Ireland. I am their only token blonde Canadian. They love my accent! I am blessed to work with some amazingly talented individuals and proud to be part of the team. These types of facilities are very different from Canada. All Australians have the right to long-term care that Volume 26 Number 2 Summer 2017
