A change of lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast

As a clinical psychologist in the UK, Jon Mason wanted to take the next step in his career – working with people with intellectual disabilities. Being a new parent he also needed to balance his professional aspirations with the needs of his young family. A job advertisement for a position located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia satisfied both requirements.

The Department of Communities (Disability Services), Specialist Response Service were looking for people who specialised in working with people with intellectual disabilities. The position provided good career progression for Jon and a welcome opportunity for the family to move to a relaxed, warm, coastal community. “Moving to a new country is a massive thing to do, but Disability Services gave us a generous relocation package that included the services of a migration agent, which was a great help,” Jon said.

Seven months on, Jon, wife Anna and baby Matilda, couldn’t be happier. They enjoy their lifestyle and Jon finds his role with the Specialist Response Service rewarding.

“I manage a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians in a new, aspirational and well-resourced service. Even though the Specialist Response Service is new, already I can see improvements in the lives of our clients. Our work really does make a positive difference,” he said.

Anna adds, “The icing on the cake is the location. The Sunshine Coast is beautiful. With pristine beaches and room to grow, now we have the lifestyle we’ve always wanted.”

“We enjoy the outdoors and we can get out and about more. We do so many things that you just can’t do in the UK or Europe,” Jon said.

“Just the other day, on my way home from work I took a short detour to a nearby beach. It was a sunny day with a clear blue sky and as I walked along 60km of nearly empty, pure white beach, looking across the deep blue ocean to Moreton Island, I had to remind myself that it’s mid-winter! Magical!”

“There are lots of pluses to living here, but it’s experiences like that, which are unique and special. For me that’s what living here is all about.”

-Story provided by the Department of Communities Disability Services