Rhys Noble

In fact, he hadn’t even heard of it before applying for a 12-month contract at GV Health back in 2018.

“I was living in Auckland and applied through a recruitment agency,” Rhys said.

“They told me Shepparton was about 10 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, which is obviously not true.

“But I figured, why not?

“YOLO.

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

The decision turned out to be life changing.

What started as a short-term cardio-respiratory role became a fulfilling long-term career and lifestyle.

Rhys is now Manager of GV Health’s Community Rehabilitation Centre, having progressed through the ranks thanks to opportunities for growth that he says are hard to find in metro settings.

“In regional health, you don’t just specialise in one area, you’re exposed to a wide range of clinical experiences,” he said.

“You become a more well-rounded clinician, and if you’ve got the capability, you can progress faster.”

The work-life balance has also been a huge benefit.

“No three-hour daily commutes,” Rhys said.

“I walk to work.

“You have more time and energy for your friends, family, sport and social life and that really matters.”

Relocating from New Zealand came with its challenges, but Rhys said the Shepparton community made it easy.

He and his wife found accommodation, borrowed a car from a local, made new friends and quickly built a life here.

“Everything just fell into place and now we’re citizens,” he said, smiling.

Seven years on, Rhys still sees regional health as one of the best decisions he’s made.

“I originally told myself it’d be two years, just to try it out,” he said.

“But once I saw the lifestyle, the career opportunities and the people, I knew I’d stay.

“If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve run to the airport straight after graduating.”