After driving an hour to work and an hour home for five years Matt got to thinking there was something else out there. He began looking at opportunities within the UK and then expanded his horizons to include New Zealand where friends had travelled and enjoyed their experience.

Matt applied and was offered two jobs. But with the wisdom of his father ringing in his ears saying "Matt, could you really see yourself living there?" he turned them down.

After more hunting Matt saw the perfect job, which ticked all the boxes, but it was in Australia, a place he had never been. After applying for the job, followed by a number of phone interviews and a video conference, Matt was applying for a four year sponsored working visa.

Six months later he arrived in Brisbane with his trusty Lonely Planet guide to show him the way. Cardno arranged for short term accommodation and then it was up to Matt to work out his new city; where to live and importantly where to grab a pint.

For Matt moving to Australia has been an amazing experience, something he has no regrets about but admits is surreal. The one thing Matt does miss is his Manchester United season ticket.

Matt says the differences between working within the Australian water environment compared to the UK water sector are minimal.

"There are many minor differences, but there are so many similar issues and challenges. The opportunity to expand your experiences within Australia are however greater than the UK. Back in the UK I was working within the utilities sector receiving support from consultants, now I am in the consulting field, which has given me the challenge I was looking for," Matt said.

"The culture of Cardno has allowed me to socialise with staff and management easily. I have made friends through work, especially through sporting teams. Making friends is really about putting yourself out there and making an effort to meet people, it's hard, but no one really bites," he said.

"I knew I always wanted to live abroad I just wasn't sure where. Brisbane is perfect, it is the gateway for travelling to the rest of Australia and abroad such as the Pacific Islands, South East Asia and Japan."

"Since arriving in Australia I have travelled to Ayers Rock (or Uluru as the locals call it), around Queensland including the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and Melbourne and spent a day at the Ashes," Matt added.