From families with young children to singles making a big change solo, eight households leave their big city lives behind in new documentary series Meet the Neighbours.
The three-part series, hosted by Myf Warhurst, follows the group as they seek to live and work in the small town of Maryborough, Victoria, for three months.
The eight diverse households from the city bring a range of skills, expertise, and talent to the town, from healthcare professionals to a teacher, a journalist, a chef, a truck driver, and a star cricket player. Some are planning to set up their own businesses. The new residents send their children to the local school, support and join community groups, and even bring some night-time entertainment to the town. How will they all cope with this big change?
Meet the ‘new neighbours’:
THE SINGH FAMILY
Navdeep and Navtej met in Amritsar and migrated to Australia in 2007. Now with two teenage boys, Indreshwar (Indy) and Jageshwar (Jag), they’re looking for a tree change. Both bring potentially valuable skills to the town. Navtej is a qualified truck driver and Navdeep an aspiring caterer in a town with no Indian restaurant.
The Singh family of 'Meet the Neighbours'. Credit: Jackson Finter / SBS
AKON
South Sudanese born Akon came to Australia as a refugee when he was just six years old. Now 25 and a star fast bowler, he’s come to play for Maryborough Cricket Club, an institution in the town that’s desperate for new young players. Now facing surgery for a long-term injury, country cricket is a step down from the top level for Akon but also an opportunity to contribute.
Akon in 'Meet The Neighbours'. Credit: Jackson Finter / SBS
THE ROSALES FAMILY
El Salvadorian born Hector has been out of the restaurant business for more than five years. But as a trained chef who has worked in some of Melbourne’s top establishments, he’s joining the team at one of Maryborough’s busiest pubs which desperately needs help in the kitchen. Hector aspires to bring some Latin America spice to the menu and the town. His wife Maria, and two children Rafi and Isabella, are along for the ride.
Hector in 'Meet the Neighbours'. Credit: Jackson Finter / SBS
CLAIRE, RENEE AND HUXLEY
Claire will be taking up a critical position in aged care, her first full time job since arriving in Australia from The Philippines six years ago. But with English as her second language, she’s concerned about communicating with the staff and residents. Husband Renee will be working as a delivery driver. Their 10-year-old son Huxley is nervous about the move and how he’ll settle in at a new school.
Claire, Huxley and Renee. Credit: Jackson Finter / SBS
ESTELA AND EDUARDO
Melbourne has been home to Eduardo and Estela since they arrived from Chile and El Salvador 35 years ago. Today, they’re pillars of the city’s thriving Latin American community. Estela will fill a vital job vacancy in disability services in Maryborough. Eduardo is taking a break from his cleaning job, giving him time to bring a special Latin and salsa night to the town.
Eduardo and Estela in 'Meet the Neighbours'. Credit: SBS
ANKI
Single mum Anki was born in Nepal before becoming a Canadian citizen and arriving in Australia a few months ago. Maryborough is the ideal place for a businesswoman wanting to lay down roots. But those dreams are on hold for now. Like tens of thousands of people living in Australia, Anki’s on a temporary visa. Until her status changes, her 9-year-old son Savio can’t go to the local state school without Anki paying $12,000 a year – leaving the pair in limbo.
Anki and Savio in 'Meet the Neighbours'. Credit: SBS
PREALENE
From Mumbai to Melbourne to Maryborough, Prealene’s jumped at the opportunity to begin her journalism career at the local paper – The Maryborough District Advertiser.
Prealene in 'Meet the Neighbours'. Credit: Jackson Finter / SBS
SUELAF AND FADI
Australian Syrian Suelaf and her Jordanian husband Fadi are seeking a life change. After spending four years working as a teacher overseas, the pregnant mother of three is now answering the call of Maryborough’s public school and hoping to settle her young family in town. But before they can move, there are various challenges to overcome.
Suelaf, Fadi and their family. Source: SBS /
New Episodes of Meet the Neighbours will be available each Wednesday 1-15 November . Meet the Neighbours will also air weekly Wednesdays from 1 November at 7:30pm on SBS.
Meet the Neighbours will be available to stream on SBS On Demand in five languages: Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. The series will also be available with audio description for blind and low vision audiences.
Stream free On Demand
Meet the Neighbours
