What We Like About Perth
personal staff · personal · perth · developers
Intro
Welcome to our first article. We thought we’d start by asking our team of app developers how we came to be in Perth and how we each got started as a software developer.
You can jump straight to:
Mike
- Where did you grow up? What are your childhood memories of it?
I grew up in Kallaroo, in the northern suburbs of Perth. Back then, there were a lot of sand dunes (hills) where there are now houses. My older sisters and I would find big pieces of cardboard and slide down the dunes on them. When I was not much older I had a BMX bike which I rode everywhere. We just had to be home by 5pm.
- How long have you lived in Perth?
Most of my life. I lived in Canada for a year when I was 13-14, in Brantford Ontario. As an adult I lived in Canberra for a year working in software development for Centrelink. My wife and I spent four years in the UK, working there while exploring Europe. We’ve been back in Perth for over 12 years now.
- What do you like about Perth?
A lot of things! It’s a great place to raise kids. There’s plenty of activities for them to do. The schools are good. The people are generally friendly and helpful.
- Which suburb do you currently live in? What are some of its features?
I moved to Darlington with my family just over a year ago. It feels like a forest town in W.A.’s South West, which I suppose it sort of is, but it’s only 30 minutes drive from Perth’s CBD. It has a strong sense of community, some great cafes and some fantastic forest walking trails.
- What was your very first experience with software development?
I hadn’t done any software development until I was choosing an elective unit at the University of W.A. . A friend suggested I do computer science 101 with him. I discovered that I enjoyed it and was good at it! So I switched my majors to computer science and information technology.
Charlotte
- Where did you grow up? What are your childhood memories of it?
I grew up in a small town, far, far away in New Zealand. It’s as flat as Perth, and can be just as windy - definitely not as hot though. My parents own a small farm just out of town and I loved hanging out with the cows, climbing hay bales and gum trees, and collecting frogs, gum emperor caterpillars and rabbits as pets.
- How long have you lived in Perth?
Perth has been home for just over two years. I knew nothing about it before I came, but quickly came to love the weather, beaches and the network of friends I met through my cycling club.
- What do you like about Perth?
I still get excited about seeing kangaroos while out riding - snakes too, but I try and keep my distance, and all the brightly coloured birds which are still a novelty for me. I like that Perth is big enough to attract sporting events, and put on free events like the Opera in the Park, but not so big that I need to own a car.
- Which suburb do you currently live in? What are some of its features?
I currently live in Como, which I love because there are lots of trees and green spaces, and it’s close to the river - walking distance with a windsurfer.
- What was your very first experience with software development?
I’m new to the development world, having recently made the jump from my graphic design career - I love that I am now making interactive things, and that I learn a million new things every single day.
Luke
- Where did you grow up? What are your childhood memories of it?
It was in Ellenbrook back in its early stages. My primary school was a work in progress, adding new grades every year. I didn’t spend my entire childhood there but I remember going on bike rides around the block with my parents, and karate lessons at the community center (which I never kept up).
- How long have you lived in Perth?
My whole life. I’ve had short holidays over east but that’s about it.
- What do you like about Perth?
Perth is really all I know; pretty much all my fond memories with my friends and family are based here. It’s a small city, at least for now, but has a lot of interesting offerings if you’re willing to explore.
- Which suburb do you currently live in? What are some of its features?
Formally in Morley but practically in Beechboro since I’m right on the edge. I wind up in Morley most of the time for its public transport and business hub, but I like to take walks through some of the well-kept streets and parks of Beechboro.
- What was your very first experience with software development?
I stumbled across a program called GameMaker when I was in the 7th grade and I was making all kinds of little games. I enjoyed developing them more than the game itself. It introduced me to the fundamental concepts of programming and set me on the track of discovery into the field.
