Dr Gino Morel BDS (Otago) who is living in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

How did you end up in Australia?

I was born and grew up in Seychelles, which is an island paradise in the Indian ocean. I decided to study in New Zealand as it was much cheaper to study dentistry there than in Europe and Otago is well known as a top dentistry school with a great reputation. Studying was great- the best 5 years of my life! But after living in the Seychelles with year-round temperatures of 30 degrees and sunshine and then moving to Dunedin where the temperatures can be very frosty, after 5 years, I was ready for some sunshine.

What made you consider coming out to Australia?

I had never been to Australia and hadn’t thought of moving there until I graduated. Simon from Dentist Job Search came to speak at our university and it became clear that the temperature and lifestyle would suit me much more, being more similar to the Seychelles, with many options to live by the beach. I got in touch with Dentist Job Search and they helped me to find my first job, which was in Newcastle- about 1.5 hours north of Sydney. It was a really simple process and DJS made it much easier.

Where to from there?

I was in Newcastle for a year or so and was also working a bit in Tamworth (the Australian capital of country music). I am now working in Woolgoolga, which is a suburb of Coffs Harbour on the north coast of New South Wales.

What is Woolgoolga like?

The practice is 50 metres from the beach and it is a very laid back town with a beachy feel. Living on the coast suits me well and the weather is great. Coming to this area has been the best move I ever made. Actually, my original plan was to move around Australia and see the country, which is easy to do with DJS, but after settling in Coffs Harbour area, I never wanted to leave! I will definitely stay for a few more years.

Coffs Harbour is a wonderful place to live with so many activities to keep you entertained. Great spot for fishing, scuba diving in the solitary island marine national park, whale watching, surfing, bushwalking and mountain biking in the luscious rainforests, you can go camel riding and 4WDriving on the many beaches. It has the award winning porpoise pool where you can swim with the dolphins. It has a many cafes, restaurants and pubs. And of course the big banana!

What is the practice like?

We do restorative general dentistry in a private practice. The area is most always bustling with tourists and the practice is pretty busy, but in a laid-back style. Having been there now for three years, the patients are very trusting and accepting of the treatment plans. We have a big patient base and it is continually growing.

What are your plans?

After 4 years working for Dentist Job Search, I am now a Permanent Resident of Australia, so I am free to work as I please. Eventually I plan to return to visit the Seychelles, but I'm very happy where I am for the time being.