The road to relocating to Bundaberg
The Road to Relocating
Moving to Bundaberg? Here’s what to expect.
So, you've decided it's time to make a move! This will be one of the most exciting and stressful times in your life! The rollercoaster of emotions you are about to experience will be worth it!
Nervous anticipation, fear, anxiety and uncertainty will be overcome with feelings of excitement, happiness, joy, satisfaction and belonging.
The Road to Relocating is filled with ups, downs and uturns, however, you don't have to do it alone. This space aims to provide opportunities for the existing Bundaberg community to help new residents feel like they belong. To feel supported, wanted and needed. Because we believe it’s the whole communities responsibility to take care of each other
This space, the 'Welcome to Bundaberg' space aims to achieve a sense of acceptance, connection, and authenticity when it comes to felling like you belong here.
Our hope for you is that you feel seen, heard, valued, and accepted here for who you truly are rather than feeling like you have to conform to fit in. Ultimately, belonging is about shared trust, respect, and love, and it doesn't require individuals to change who they are to fit in.
It really is a bumpy road to feeling like you belong in a new community. We've created the 'Road to Relocation' to help you identify where you are on the road and what steps you could take to help you go from new resident to local easily.
The 7 Stages in the Road to Relocating
Curiosity
You have an interest in relocating. You’re researching, learning and getting to know what to expect.
Let's Do This!
When you decide you’re going for it. You’re making plans to move. This is the time you’re actively looking for what you need to move.
Moving Day!
You’ve arrived! You’ve started your new job or degree. The kids and pets love the beaches. You’ve distilled your own Rum at the Bundy Rum Distillery. You must almost feel like a local…
The Reality Check
The inevitable dip that comes after the move. You’re still looking for your forever home. The kids still need to be enrolled into a school. You still haven’t found the right doctor, dentist and physiotherapist. You miss your family and friends back home. Luckily there is a tried and tested method out of the reality dip….Connection.
Connection, Deeper Relationships and the Hasty Exit
Connection is when you spend time with someone doing the things you enjoy. Trying different activities in your community, sharing your own story, finding common ground and forming new relationships are all ways to connect.
Sometimes, people don't spend enough time building quality relationships. They move too quickly from acquance to life-long friend. This will often result in friendships failing or being perceived as 'one-sided'. This is where you will take a detour and find yourself back at the beginning of your journey again.
Connection and deeper relationships take time to build. The core building blocks to a strong connection and deep relationships are:-
- Having a strong sense of who you are;
- Sharing your story and accepting others stories;
- Being genuine and authentic.
Connection and relationships isn't about how many friends you have, it’s about the quality of the friendships you have. When you truly find ‘your people’ you will have reached the final stage to the Road to Relocating…. Belonging.
Belonging
As you find the activities and people that resonate with you, share your own story and listen to others stories, you will start to feel like you belong here.
A sense of belonging can be found in many forms and locations. Often, it's the unexpected people and places that make us feel like we belong. You will know you’ve hit the ‘belonging’ stage when you can be your true self in front of others, without the fear of being judged or not accepted.
When you can share your most authentic self and be accepted for who you are, you belong.
Where are you on the Road to Relocating?
Let me know 
. And, if you're at the same stage in relocating as another, reach out and say hi. You may just find 'your people' here.
Welcome to Bundaberg! Be here, be you, belong.
