Deeply entrenched in the IT industry, I could see no other sector that particularly tickled my fancy.
Now, years later, I am back here and whilst I have been working in other industries, it still remains dear to my heart.
I have gone on the IT Gold Coast Committee as Treasurer and I represent the association on the combined industries board. I am passionate about the buzz that surrounded the industry here 10 years ago that has diminished. I believe that it could be the epicentre of the Australian IT industry.
When companies want to expand to Australia, why not choose the Gold Coast. It’s beautiful – beaches, people, homes, lifestyle. It really doesn’t get much better. I feel blessed everyday I wake up to the water views I have from my home and the spectacular weather. At 5am in the morning, I hop on my computer, check my emails, have a coffee and peer over what I believe is one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen.
If companies are worried about there not being enough people here in the IT sector – don’t be alarmed. There are solutions. I know recruitment companies sitting in South Africa, America and the UK that have an abundance of people dying to live in Australia – and IT isn’t like marketing, you don’t need to know the market or be connected.
I challenge Google or Microsoft to go against the norm and set up their offices here, where the sun shines, the waves splash against the shores and the people are so friendly.
Oh, and I almost forgot. The government is helpful. They go out of their way to attract businesses to the area. The Gold Coast City Council Economic Development Unit is accessible and they have a can-do approach.
I couldn’t be happier. I have a digital marketing company located here on the Gold Coast and it is going great guns.