A fresh start - Krishna Morta

A fresh start

Ariah Park’s signature red dirt is familiar to Krishna Morta, who was born in a rural town in India.

After he migrated to Australia with his family as a child, Krishna lived in Sydney for over 20 years before moving to Ardlethan in 2014 to open a supermarket. When an opportunity to operate an store in Ariah Park presented itself, Krisha ran with it, opening the supermarket in 2015. Krishna was initially anxious about moving to the small rural town, unsure how he would be received. “Coming from a different background, I was very nervous,” he says. “But from the beginning, people were so supportive and friendly.” In return, Krishna does all he can to support the region, sourcing local produce wherever possible. “We stock Sam’s PSD, which sells really well,” he says. “We get our meat from Coolamon and our bread from Leeton. We also have local families who make soap.” Fresh produce comes from Melbourne three times a week, ensuring locals can pick up their veggies and fruit without leaving Ariah Park. After joining the local bowling club two years ago as a way of connecting with his community, Krishna now enjoys representing Ariah Park in pennants and regularly watches local footy matches.

He looks forward to moving his family to Ariah Park one day. “My wife is a deputy principal at a school in Sydney so she and the kids still live there,” Krishna says. “The plan is to slowly bring the family here once we can find a good job for her.” “They come to visit regularly and are always here for the school holidays. I take them out to the farm and they ride their bikes. The kids love it here.” “I like the peace - that’s the best thing about it.”