The Aussie welcome mat

From day one at Monash University, I was swept up in a whirlwind of warmth, food, and footy. My research team felt more like a long-lost family than academic colleagues. Within weeks, we were sharing lunches, planning weekend getaways, and singing “Happy Birthday” to my supervisor as they celebrated their 65th surrounded by the rest of my new wonderful team. There was also the small matter of “choosing a team”, as you’re not Australian until you declare allegiance in the AFL. I resisted. I was neutral. I liked every team. But eventually, the cultural pressure got to me. I now cheer for a team while still figuring out the rules, which is all part of the fun!

Four seasons in one day and a tree on the roof

Melbourne’s weather has a flair for the theatrical, sunny at breakfast, gale-force winds by lunch, and a winter coat for dinner. One especially windy night, a tree in our backyard slowly leaned into our roof, causing the gutter to snap and dangle into the air. It was a first for me to call emergency services for a domestic tree issue, and naturally, I had no idea what the terms and conditions were. I was nervous when the State Emergency Service (SES) arrived, but instead of stern officials, out stepped the most relaxed and cheerful team imaginable, complete with flasks of tea and a great sense of humour. The tree was removed and the gutter secured, all of which took under 1 hour, which I still find mesmerising. Just when I thought I’d ticked all the “new experiences” boxes, the ground rumbled beneath us a few days later—my first earthquake. Not devastating, thankfully, but disorienting enough to remind me I wasn’t in Switzerland anymore, and strong enough to wake my then 4-year-old and leave me wondering if the universe was gently testing me.

Research, Aussie style

On the professional front, I was pleasantly surprised. Recruitment for my study, developing a post-fall management toolkit in aged care, went better than expected. People were engaged, curious, and eager to contribute. Support came easily, even if the work culture had its lovely quirks. I quickly learned that in Australia, independence isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s assumed even for early career researchers. Researchers steer their own ships, often presenting finished work rather than iterating through drafts. While that was daunting at first, it taught me to trust my instincts and carve out my ideas and solve my challenges. Thankfully, my Monash mentors were just a glass of red or a shared sandwich away for the more serious conversations.

Between gum trees and growth

Beyond academia, this fellowship offered something rare: time and space to reflect and grow, both personally and professionally. Living and working in a new country challenged me to rethink how I approach collaboration, leadership, and communication across cultural and disciplinary contexts. It pushed me to adapt not only to different institutional expectations but also to new academic environments that valued agility, generosity, and practical impact. I found that a sense of humour, while still helpful when navigating sports culture or decoding bushwalk Aussie slang, also became a key asset in the workplace, allowing me to connect with colleagues, build trust quickly, and remain grounded in the face of the unexpected.

Final thoughts

My two years in Melbourne were rich with research progress, meaningful collaborations, and more flat whites than I care to admit. I came here to focus on post-fall management in aged care and this experience expanded my perspective and ambition. It ultimately led me to extend my stay for an additional year as a Senior Research Fellow, to translate my work into community health contexts and broaden my research focus. And yes, I finally chose a footy team. No, I’m not telling you which one. You’ll have to buy me a lamington first*.

*A lamington is a popular Australian dessert.