Gary and his wife had been thinking of emigrating for some time with the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia on their list. For three years he had the forms before deciding to 'go for it'.

"The US and Canada were culturally and geographically too different from South Africa and New Zealand was too small. Australia has a climate and lifestyle culture similar to South Africa," said Gary.

Before committing to moving Gary came to Brisbane for a 'look see'. Gary visited Brisbane as his friend, Allan, had moved there two years previously. Gary met with a number of companies but Allan recommended he meet with Cardno, where he had been working for 12 months.

After meeting with Cardno in March 2000, Gary was offered a formal position but because of prior commitments was not able to commence immediately. Returning a few months later Gary worked for a month at Cardno before relocating with his wife and son two months later.

The move to Australia has been a completely positive experience for the Patterson family.

"Although it took me two years to feel completely settled I wish we had moved sooner."

"I didn't see a future for my family in South Africa," he said.

"Brisbane has so many attractions for families; great parks and beaches, South Bank, River Fire, Christmas Parades, Moreton Island, and theme parks on the Gold Coast only one hour away."

Even though he misses the mountains in South Africa, the safe environment he now lives in makes up for this ten times over.

Gary has found working in Australia to be a not so different an experience from South Africa.

"Back in South Africa I was working for a local authority. I have had to re-educate myself on the different terminology but on the whole the work is very similar.

"The key difference is security. I had to regularly visit sites in the townships and the risk of hijacking was steadily increasing," added Gary.

"The freedom and lifestyle in Australia is unbeatable. We have made friends easily through the South African community in Brisbane as well as good Australian friends through our children."

Gary's final advice to anyone thinking of moving to Australia is 'don't wait'.