When Cobram Regional Care launched a global search for nurses to help address a regional skills shortage, it was looking for more than qualifications alone.
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It wanted people who were dedicated, compassionate and passionate about caring for its residents.
After an extensive recruitment process, Rosmi George became one of the first international nurses to join the CRC team.
Growing up in India, Rosmi studied nursing at New Delhi University.
Working conditions were challenging, with low pay, long hours and often only four days off a month.
Searching for greater opportunities, she moved to Saudi Arabia, where she spent four years building on her nursing experience, although she found the lifestyle restrictive as a single woman.
After marrying, her journey then took her to New Zealand, where she upgraded her qualifications to meet New Zealand and Australian requirements.
A relative, also a nurse working in Melbourne, spoke highly of the opportunities and lifestyle in Australia.
The prospect of being closer to family was an added attraction.
Moving to a regional town was the unknown. It was another fresh start in a life that had already taken her across three countries.
What Rosmi did not expect was how familiar Cobram would feel.
"I felt it was the same, like my hometown," she said.
Having grown up in a small village in India, the similarities soon became apparent.
Recognising familiar faces while walking down the street now brings back a sense of nostalgia.
Distance from family remains the greatest challenge, with regular phone calls and Zoom catch-ups helping bridge the gap between visits.
One particularly special time was her mother's three-month visit following the birth of Rosmi's daughter Tessa, giving her treasured time with her daughter and first grandchild.
Rosmi speaks warmly of the support she received from CRC when arriving in Australia.
Its staff helped the family settle into accommodation, find a rental property and eventually purchase a home.
There are now about 10 Indian families in the district whom Rosmi knows, creating a community within a community.
She has also formed friendships through St Joseph’s church and a local badminton group.
Fitting into the community was made easier by supportive neighbours and new friends.
One neighbour helped trim Rosmi’s roses, while others regularly checked in and offered support.
“I feel like I belong,” Rosmi said.
“I have felt supported.”
Adapting to new cultures was nothing new for Rosmi. India is home to 28 states, each with its own language, culture and food.
With an open mind and a willingness to embrace new experiences, she has settled comfortably into Australian life.
Fish and chips have become a favourite, Aussie-style barbecues are enjoyed at home and joining in the footy tipping is great fun at work with colleagues and residents.
Working in aged care has brought its own rewards.
“It makes you feel good inside,” Rosmi said.
“I have lovely conversations with residents. It’s like family.”
The residents themselves have helped deepen Rosmi’s connection to the district.
“They tell me stories about their lives,” she said.
“Many spent decades dairying in the district.”
One resident still wakes at 3am each morning ready to milk cows. It is something Rosmi understands well.
Growing up, her family milked cows and produced cardamom and rubber in India.
Rosmi has learnt that connection often begins with finding what matters to a person.
For one resident, it was stamp collecting. A simple question about his collection was enough to spark a conversation around a topic he loved.
For Rosmi, aged care extends beyond nursing.
“We can give them all the support they need, but they need that family connection,” she said.
“That's so important.”
Outside work, Rosmi and another nurse from India have purchased a small block near Muckatah where a few chickens provide an enjoyable connection to their agricultural roots.
Her husband Mathew has also embraced life in Cobram.
As a family, they enjoy spending time in the peaceful ambiance of Thompsons Beach, while Mathew enjoys swimming, kayaking and dreaming of owning a boat.
Rosmi enjoys the flexibility of shift work, which allows her and her husband to share caring responsibilities in the absence of close family nearby.
Her warm smile, gentle nature and philosophy of ‘I can only be myself’ have served her well.
Passionate about nursing, she hopes to undertake a masters degree when her daughter is older.
Asked what she is most proud of, Rosmi does not hesitate.
She is proud of her education, her nursing career and the fact that she and her family have been able to buy a home of their own.
Most of all, she is proud of the life they have built in Cobram.
“It’s been a huge opportunity,” Rosmi said.
“This is my home now.”