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​ Here at Speller we’ve recently experienced a sharp rise in demand for SAP contractors to work in Tasmania. So we thought we’d better explore the Apple Isle a bit and find out what it actually means to work and live there.

If you’ve ever been to Tassie for a holiday you’ll already know how beautiful it is. From Wineglass Bay to Cradle Mountain the landscapes are wild and natural. The people are friendly and relaxed, the food and wine are gorgeous and the history is hauntingly evocative. All this in Australia’s smallest – and most diverse – state.

Then there are the attractions. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Salamanca Market… there’s no end of sites to explore.

But what’s it like actually living there? We asked a couple of our contractors exactly that.

Michelle Johns

Change Specialist

Why did you decide to work in Tasmania?

The stars just aligned. I came for a weekend and chatted with a friend about how I could work here, and the very next week I received a call about a role that was perfect. It was obviously meant to be!

Do you commute or have you made a permanent move?

I’m leasing an apartment and expect to stay here for about 12 months. But I have friends and family in Melbourne so I’ll fly back every couple of weeks. It’s easy: flights between Hobart and Melbourne only take\ an hour.

What do you enjoy most about the Apple Isle?

Hobart has to be the most beautiful city in Australia. I pass the harbour and the mountains each day on my trip to work, where I can see Mount Wellington from my desk.

Do you have time for sightseeing?

So far I have been to MONA, the Richmond wineries, Tasmania’s oldest bridge, Salamanca Markets, the top of Mount Wellington and to many fabulous restaurants and bars. I have friends coming to visit this weekend so I’ll be off to Coles Bay sailing on the Lady Nelson. The following weekend I’m going to the Posh Pit (a ferry with drinks and nibbles) to and from MONA where the MOFO festival is held.

Is there a different work mentality?

Making work friends is encouraged and a lot of people socialise outside office hours. Of course this may simply be the organisation I’m working for.

Have there been any challenges?

No, it’s been fairly easy. The lifestyle is quite laid-back. I’ve found Tasmanians to be friendly and helpful, especially cab drivers. The challenges are usually associated with flight delays.

What advice would you give someone considering a contract in Tasmania?

Go For It! It’s an adventure. Make sure you make time to see the sights. Take the opportunity to make new friends: I meet some fabulous locals at the Hobart airport during a flight delay, and they now show me the hidden gems of Hobart!

​

Richard Winczaruk

SAP Data Migration

Why did you decide to work in Tasmania?

A position came up for a S4HANNA Green field site SAP implementation, which is a rare opportunity these days.

Do you commute or have you made a permanent move?

I’m commuting on a weekly basis as my family is back on the mainland. Having just relocated back to Australia from the UK I didn’t want to uproot them again.

What do you enjoy most about the Apple Isle?

I love the easy-going lifestyle. It just seems more relaxed than in Melbourne.

Do you have time for sightseeing?

Not much because I’m commuting weekly, however I have had some long weekends sightseeing with the family when they have come down to Hobart: Port Arthur, MONA, Salamanca Market and Bruny Island. We’re planning a road trip up the west coast, around and back down to Hobart.

Is there a different work mentality?

Not really.

Have there been any challenges?

Yes, not being present for some of my son’s school activities, such as parent teacher interviews has been tough. Flight delays are pretty standard I guess, but the amount of time traveling to and from airports and waiting for flights is annoying.

What advice would you give someone considering a contract in Tasmania?

Come down and have a look around Tassie first. Bring your car if you’re thinking of commuting as it’s easier to get around by car than public transport.

Tasmania has a lot going for it. The lifestyle, easy commute to Melbourne, standard of living, natural wonders and scenery make it an exciting adventure for a year or two. Would you consider a move to Tassie for the right job?