With South Australia experiencing population growth from interstate as well as overseas, you may know someone who has made the leap and moved down south.
In the March quarter of 2021, South Australia experienced its first net interstate gain in population since September 2002. This was also South Australia’s largest net population gain since 1981.
The trend has continued, with more than 31,000 people relocating to South Australia from around Australia in the year ending 30 June 2022 (a net gain of more than 1,000). These newcomers, along with almost 21,000 people who moved to South Australia from overseas (a net gain of more than 12,000), signal a new era of growth and progress for the state. But what exactly is drawing this migration?
Photographer: Andre Castellucci.
For anyone already familiar with the magnetic pull of South Australia – known for its festivals, supportive startup community, renewable energy and world-class food and wine – the growing interest in the state will hardly come as a surprise. Regarded worldwide as a welcoming home to aspiring entrepreneurs and purpose-driven professionals, South Australia offers career opportunities in burgeoning industries, along with a lifestyle that promotes creativity and healthy living.
To really dig into exactly what’s driving the migration to South Australia, there’s nobody better placed to explain it than the people who have moved there. Here, two young professionals share how they’re chasing inspiration and big ideas after settling in Adelaide.
A welcome change of pace
Nithesh Pushparaj is the CEO of TAV Systems, a startup that’s aiming to transform the electric vehicle industry, headquartered in Adelaide’s Tonsley Innovation District.
After growing up in India, Pushparaj spent two and a half years living in Melbourne before moving to Adelaide in 2020 to launch the company with the support of the South Australian government. But when he arrived in the city, he found it wasn’t just the business opportunities that made the move worthwhile; it was also the change of pace.
Nithesh Pushparaj, CEO of TAV Systems. Photo courtesy of Nithesh Pushparaj.
“When I was working in Melbourne I was so committed to starting [a business] that I was not focused on myself,” Pushparaj says. “After moving to Adelaide, my lifestyle is different. I’ve found my work-life balance, particularly when it comes to taking care of my health.”
As a CEO, Pushparaj instils what he loves most about his life in Adelaide – the city’s supportive community and focus on life outside work – into his business ethos. “We teach our people to help and support each other,” he says. “We want to have a good lifestyle and culture. These sound like minor things, but they are major things in my life now.”
These passions, along with a keen interest in sustainability, have shaped the mission for TAV Systems, with e-bikes currently the company’s main focus. South Australia, a state focused on progression and innovation, was the perfect place for TAV Systems to come to life.
A home away from home
Before moving to South Australia, Justyna Jochym had only spent four days in Adelaide, but that was enough to convince her to return as soon as possible.
At the time, she was working in arts and culture in Kraków, Poland, but found herself blown away by Adelaide’s incredible arts scene. A year later, in late 2018, Jochym came to Adelaide again, telling her family she’d be back home within six months. Instead, she decided to stay, joining the team at Festival City Adelaide.
Justyna Jochym, CEO of Festival City Adelaide. Photographer: Josh Geelen.
As CEO, Jochym focuses on member services, industry development, and advocacy on behalf of the tourism and festivals industry – a dream role for somebody with a passion for arts, creativity and community. It’s her mission to make sure Adelaide is known both nationally and internationally as a world-class festival capital.
“We have a robust calendar of festivals and events throughout the year,” Jochym says. “But we’re probably best known for our summer festival season.”
Summer in Adelaide features a lineup of world-renowned events including the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide. “All of our festivals are so diverse in terms of their art forms, their audiences, and what attracts people to them,” Jochym says.
Beyond the pull of a new industry to explore, Jochym was also drawn to the city’s lifestyle and encouraging community. “I always say South Australians are incredibly generous,” she says. “The state has the perfect mix of high-quality experiences, which don’t feel overdone, with a really relaxed feel.
“What surprised me was how open everyone was and how quickly I felt part of a community. Moving across countries is difficult, but the doors were always open for me here. I felt really taken care of.”
Are you ready to find your new state of mind? Relocate your potential to South Australia.
