When I made the decision that I was heading to Australia, the next decision almost made itself.
Where?
I could just tell you outright where I’m going. But, what would be the fun in that…
Instead, let me do some educating! It is what I do, after all!
Australia is a large country.
If you’ve been following this blog much at all, then you’ll have noticed that I’ve mentioned how much northern NSW is where I feel drawn to, for quite a few reasons.
But, it was the combination of being able to share life with my little sister; being in a place within striking distance of almost half the universities in the country; and being close to my family that made it quite clear quite quickly where it was that I was going.
Being able to make the most of seeking opportunities to engage with the academic conversations taking place in Australia as well as the conversations about Christianity happening in the public sphere didn’t hurt.
Finally, add in a thriving arts community and good transportation links to Sydney (meaning I’m close to major airports), lots of sun (which my health needs at the moment) and the decision pretty much made itself!
Where, you still ask?
Newcastle, NSW.
In many ways, this is a landscape in which I am rooted, though I have never lived in this city and I grew up a few hours further north. It is a beach city, and after living in St Andrews I found I absolutely love living near to the water (though the next cottage won’t have sea views)!
The first members of my family to live in Australia lived in the Hunter Region, of which Newcastle is the capital city. As one of my post-phd projects, I’m hoping to finish and publish two book projects I started a number of years ago which involves some research about my own roots in the region.
Some of you still may have absolutely no idea where Newcastle is, or what kind of place it is. So, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a slightly cheesy video to explain a little more about the little city I’m heading to in March.
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