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John Seybolt

My wife Pat and I arrived here in Melbourne a bit over a year ago, when I accepted the job at the Melbourne Business School (MBS). 

We decided to come here for two reasons:

First, we had known of MBS for several years, as the finest and most internationally recognized business school in Australia and we had learned of the merger of MBS with Mt Eliza Business School, a bold move by an institution that understands the future of management education globally. Very few business schools have had the courage and foresight to do this.

Second, we had heard that Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities. Our first visit to this city, as well as Australia, in August 2004 gave us a hint that this would indeed be true.

So, what have we discovered?

When we arrived, we decided to live right in the heart of the city and have found our expectations to be exceeded in every way. Melbourne has the benefits of a 'big city’, with the delights of its many small 'villages'.  In 5 or 10 minutes we can walk to theatres, sporting events, galleries, museums, parks and gardens, an array of very good restaurants which is unheard of in cities of this size elsewhere, and all the things that a cosmopolitan city offers.  The markets are irresistible and being able to take a short walk and tram ride to work is an added bonus.

The Melbourne community has been extremely welcoming – both personally and professionally. We have found a real sense of pride, commitment and vision towards the city’s future that is quite rare in cities of this size.  The array of partnerships between institutions and individuals in the city has had a great impact on what the city has been able to accomplish, and those accomplishments have been significant. We have also been surprised and delighted with the city’s cultural diversity. 

Ask yourself, in which other city can people sit in their apartment and - while eating breakfast - watch boating activities on the bay, ballooning over the city, rowing, airplanes approaching the airport, commuter trains and trams coming and going, and the ever-changing city skyline?  Beginning and ending the day with these views of our city is remarkable and quite refreshing.

After living here for a year, we are convinced that Melbourne is indeed one of the world’s most liveable cities.  We are delighted to be here in our new home.

Some of our friends in America cautioned us prior to our move here that we would like living in Melbourne so much that we would never move back “home”. 

Who knows?