An Expat Talks about Living in Newcastle, Australia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Newcastle

How long have you lived there?

3 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

There are plenty of clubs around and it all depends on your hobbies. If you are into sports -- particularly Rugby, you can become part or a Rugby club and either play (men's and women's) or help out the club in some format. Another great place to meet people is at the gyms. The university has many special interest clubs that are open to the general public and there is a section in the local paper on Modays showing many clubs' meeting times and places.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Newcastle is a very NON-diverse town, very anglo saxon white. There are some Middle Eastern, Asian, and as of lately many Sudanese refugees, but otherwise about 95% white.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Coal, or anything to do with it! Newcastle is the largest coal shipping port in the Southern Hemisphere. Being a smaller city, Newcastle is a case of who you know not what you know. But, many recruitment companies do a great job of finding good quality employees.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

The work life balance in Newcastle is great, that's one reason I have been here so long. You can't beat the beach lifestyle and there is plenty to do sports wise. This is the kind of city were you can do a different physical activity each day. Head down to the beach, Merewether to Bar beach strip early in the morning (6a.m.) and you will see Novacastrians excersizing everywhere.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Go for it, you will really have a great time. Try to live within 10 minutes drive from the beach. Remember people pay to vacation in cities like Newcastle.