“When people found out we were new to the area, they invited us in. Now we play basketball on Monday nights, it’s just for fun. People are really friendly, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing in today’s world.”
When Zoe moved from Canberra to New York in 2020, it felt like a major step forward in her career. But like so many others, her plans were disrupted by the pandemic. She returned home to Canberra, uncertain about what her future held in a world that had changed overnight.
Looking to regroup, Zoe and her partner spent some time living in Bombala, a small town not far from the city. What started as a temporary escape quickly turned into something more. They found themselves drawn to the quieter pace and close-knit community of regional life.
During this time, Zoe was working in disability support, a role that gave her a fresh perspective on her skills and opened the door to something unexpected. With a background in theatre and performance, she discovered that many of those same strengths – communication, creativity, and empathy – translated well into a new career path: Speech Pathology.
Her partner landed a teaching role at a South Coast high school, and together they made the move to the coastal town of Moruya Heads.
“I’d gone from living in Canberra, to New York, back to Canberra during the pandemic, and then to a very, very small town during lockdown,” Zoe reflects. “The idea of living somewhere I had loved visiting as a kid was just exciting. We had no fear making the move.”
While studying for her Master’s in Speech Pathology, Zoe worked as a therapy assistant at Noah’s Inclusion Service, a local not-for-profit that supports children and families. “I was so grateful,” she says. “Noah’s was really flexible and supportive from the start, especially with my degree and placements.”
Her time at Noah’s gave her practical, hands-on learning that deepened her understanding of allied health. “I was learning about occupational therapy and speech, and seeing how it all fits within the NDIS. I’m a practical learner, I learn by doing, by seeing, by experiencing. When you’re working directly with people and can see their goals and context, it all becomes real.”
Now, Zoe has been working as a qualified speech pathologist for a year through Noah’s New Graduate program. The mentorship she’s received has made her transition smooth and fulfilling. “The work environment at Noah’s is unmatched,” she says. “The team is kind, happy, driven – and they truly want to support you. There are so many great professional development opportunities, and they support your growth in every sense.”
Zoe finds deep joy in her work, especially in delivering therapy through play. “It’s so much fun to embed therapy into games. Kids learn through play, especially when they’re young. It’s the best thing for them, and I love being part of that.”
Her work is fully face-to-face, typically at Noah’s clinic in Batemans Bay or at local daycares and schools, making therapy accessible and familiar for the children. And the commute from her home in South Durras? A daily reminder of why she made the move.
“I love looking out the window on the drive – beautiful trees, the ocean on the horizon. It’s really special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love it here.”
Zoe and her partner have also found something equally valuable: a sense of community. “When people found out we were new to the area, they invited us in,” she says. “Now we play basketball on Monday nights, it’s just for fun. People are really friendly, and I think that’s such a beautiful thing in today’s world.”
Zoe’s story is a powerful reminder that career growth doesn’t have to happen in big cities. Sometimes, the best opportunities, and the best lives – are waiting in the places we least expect. Regional communities offer more than just fresh air and open space. They offer connection and a chance to build something meaningful – both professionally and personally.
