“In Melbourne, the lifestyle is good, the culture is relaxed and the job opportunities are great. It is the place to live.”
After enjoying six years in Poland, Mahesh Chahar and his wife Varsha wanted to settle in an English-speaking country. Mahesh's employer invited him to move to the company’s UK office in 2021, but despite the move, homesickness still lingered for the couple from India. This led them to search for a more permanent home to raise their daughter and develop their careers. Mahesh's brother and sister-in-law lived in Melbourne and shared their positive experiences of living in the city. With their support, Mahesh applied for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa in August 2022. He was nominated in the same month and received his visa just one month later. Mahesh found the application process to be smooth, with easily accessible information and clear instructions on the Live in Melbourne website.
While some friends and colleagues made jokes about Australia's dangerous wildlife, Mahesh knew that Melbourne was different from those stereotypes. When he arrived in Melbourne in October 2022, he immediately felt connected and welcomed. This was not only because of the presence of his brother but also due to the thriving job market, diverse community and the overall quality of life. Mahesh says, “In Melbourne, the lifestyle is good, the culture is relaxed and the job opportunities are great. It is the place to live.”
Mahesh now works as an Observability Engineer at Bunnings, where he improves the websites framework and user experience. He is committed to personal growth and learning, and regularly obtains IT certifications, finding satisfaction in achieving personal milestones. Mahesh has also started his own business, Chahar Consultancy Services, and hopes to see it thrive in the Australian market.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his 4-year-old daughter Jovie, taking her to play areas, the beach and on long drives. The family loves exploring Victoria on weekends and appreciates the welcoming community and natural environment. Impressed by the school system and healthcare accessibility, he looks forward to Jovie starting school next year.
As a permanent resident, Mahesh feels like he truly belongs in Melbourne. He invites his parents for frequent visits and plans to apply for Australian citizenship in the future. Mahesh says, “We feel welcomed in Melbourne. It feels like home.”
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