By Sue-Ann de Wet

On 7 February 2003, Marius le Grange landed in Perth with two suitcases, a winter sleeping bag and a head full of dreams. Ahead of him lay a new life in Australia – unknown, simple and without guarantees. What followed was not just a move, but a journey of faith, community and determination.

The first step: Horsham, Victoria

After his connecting flight to Melbourne, Marius started work on 27 February 2003 in Horsham, Victoria, as a systems administrator at a college. He also taught Maths, Science and Computer Studies – a combination of technology and teaching that still characterises him today.

Horsham, a fairly large town near the Grampians Mountains, often reminds him of the Magaliesberg – a small piece of familiar landscape in a strange world.

For the first four months he lives alone in a departmental house. There is no bed, not even a mattress. Just a winter sleeping bag, two suitcases, no fridge and no car. Yet he describes that time as one that he “enjoyed thoroughly”.

He starts small: braaiing and cooking, systematically buying cutlery, cups and plates, and eventually getting a small freezer. Local residents take him on rides through town. He joins Lions International. Even the local police proudly show him their town.

Slowly but surely, strangers become friends – people with whom he is still in contact today.

At the college, he installs new software, modernises administrative databases and fully administers the network. His technical skills not only build systems, but also trust.

Family, mattresses and new horizons

Later his wife and two sons arrive. They sleep on air mattresses in front of a fireplace – simply, but together. And that makes all the difference.

His first car is delivered from Melbourne and as a family they begin to explore Victoria and South Australia. It is, as he describes it, an incredibly privileged experience.

They later move to Edenhope near Naracoorte in South Australia. There they meet other South Africans – a doctor and his wife, a farm foreman and a minister. These friendships continue to this day.

A community in Perth

The family has lived in Perth since early 2005, specifically in the southern metropolitan area of ​​Baldivis and Rockingham. Here they have settled among approximately 6 000 South Africans.

They become part of the Deo Gloria congregation. Marius serves as chairman of the local branch of the South African Military Veterans’ Organisation (SAMVOA).

Despite years in Australia, they still speak Afrikaans a lot. They have a large circle of friends that includes both Australians and South Africans. Integration and identity go hand in hand.

Marius remains involved in technology and still teaches – proof that your calling doesn’t change with your passport.

His advice to prospective emigrants

Marius’ advice is simple and honest:

Do your homework thoroughly before you emigrate

Don’t ruin yourself financially.

Emigration requires planning, discipline and realistic expectations. Dreams are important – but preparation is essential.

From a winter sleeping bag on a bare floor to a settled life in Perth – Marius le Grange’s story is one of faith, perseverance and community.
He concludes his greetings with words that sum up his journey:
Keep praying and live your life knowing that Christ loves you.
And perhaps it is that firm anchor that has carried him through every new beginning.

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