Moving to Port Pirie on South Australia’s Spencer Gulf “has changed my life and opened doors to new experiences,” says Arpit Patel.
Arpit moved to the historic town from Adelaide in October 2020 to take up a job as an electrical compliance officer at the lead smelter – one of the largest in the world.
Within a year, he was promoted to Electrical Project Engineer, involved in designing, developing and controlling electrical systems within the plant.
“It was my dream to get a job in my field,” says Arpit, who came to Australia from India in 2015 to undertake his Masters of Engineering. After graduating, he worked in a customer-facing role with a solar business.
It’s not just his work, however, that has Arpit hooked on Port Pirie.
“Also, the calm and great lifestyle. This place has every amenity at a convenient distance which means you have more time for yourself and your family,” he says, adding that Adelaide and the Flinders Ranges are only a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.
Port Pirie’s colonial history dates back to 1845 and it was SA’s first-declared provincial city. Arpit loves the city’s combination of historic buildings and modern infrastructure.
“The history behind Port Pirie is amazing and great to share with near ones,” he says.
“This is home away from home for me. Everyone is so welcoming.”