Does A Decade Make Me A Local?

How long does it take in a new place before you can call yourself a local?

I always thought this proposition made as much sense as ‘how long is a piece of string’, because I don’t think it’s something you can quantify with time. It’s a feeling.

This week I celebrated 10 years as a resident in Australia. When I drove to Christchurch Airport very early in the morning a decade ago, it was lightly snowing. In contrast, two flights and a drive around 12 hours later, I arrived on a scorching 42 degree day in Dysart, where we lived for a couple of years before moving to Mackay.

Upon reflection of the journey, I realised that feeling like a local has more to do with the impact you have on the community around you, rather than something you can quantify with time. In Dysart, I felt like a local rather quickly. I think this is because in a small town it’s easier to get to know people in a shorter time frame.

When you first move to a new place, you have complete anonymity. You don’t recognise a single person you walk past and you rarely talk to people other than polite exchanges. Over time, that shifts. You start to recognise people everywhere you go and your exchanges are more fulfilling. You join local clubs, volunteer on committees and feel an urge to help community organisations in need.

I think that’s when you can say you’re a local. It’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of people, connections and community.

Thanks for welcoming me into your country and community, not a day goes by where I don’t feel grateful for the adventures I’ve had exploring this magnificent, big red land.

Amanda

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