I grew up in a small coastal town of about 10,000 called Pacific Palms. My days were filled with the beach or the lake. Most of my adult life was spent in Sydney with the bustle and noise. I have also traveled around Australia extensively, but I choose to live in Canberra.
I found myself in Canberra about four years ago when I was here on a three-month contract. I fell in love with the place. Canberra is a very unique city, it has the heart of a country town yet it has everything you could want day to day and is in easy reach of everything else you could possibly need for brilliant holidays. Such as the beach in summer or the the snow in winter.
We can get to from one side to the other in the same time it used to take me to get around the block in Sydney. We have some of the best infrastructure when it comes to getting around on a bike or walking.We have awesome restaurants which make any mouth water. Parks and trees galore. Our kids can walk to school in most suburbs with safety. Crime is low compared to the major cities, in fact I would bet on my Grandma over the toughest criminal in Canberra.
Community spirit is high, markets showcasing the great local food and products. A wide range of community groups who help those less fortunate. Culture is very strong in music, art , design and growing in the film industry.
If you like nature it is all around us, we have kangaroos even bounding down our main streets. That is cool and freaks out my overseas friends.I love waking up in the morning to the sounds of birds and to clear skies with no pollution.
When I walk around my suburb I can hear chooks in the backyards or children playing. I get to mix with people from all aspects of life from politicians to musicians on a regular basis. Out of all the places I have visited I have never been to a place that has so much to offer and so much potential to influence not only Australia but the world from the talent it possesses and nurtures
Be proud of Canberra and what you have, it truly is the best place in the world to live.
Over the coming weeks I will focus on Tuggeranong the hidden gem within the goldmine that is Canberra. I will take you to places you may not have known existed and meet the people that are doing amazing things in our Valley.