What We Like About Perth
personal staff · personal · perth · developers
This originally appeared on The App Workshop’s site
We asked each of our developers how they came to be in Perth and how they 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.