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 \u2013 a combination of technology and teaching that still characterises him today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horsham, a fairly large town near the Grampians Mountains, often reminds him of the Magaliesberg \u2013 a small piece of familiar landscape in a strange world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cenjoyed thoroughly\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slowly but surely, strangers become friends \u2013 people with whom he is still in contact today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family, mattresses and new horizons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Later his wife and two sons arrive. They sleep on air mattresses in front of a fireplace \u2013 simply, but together. And that makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They later move to Edenhope near Naracoorte in South Australia. There they meet other South Africans \u2013 a doctor and his wife, a farm foreman and a minister. These friendships continue to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n A community in Perth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The family has lived in Perth since early 2005, specifically in the southern metropolitan area of \u200b\u200bBaldivis and Rockingham. Here they have settled among approximately 6 000 South Africans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They become part of the Deo Gloria congregation. Marius serves as chairman of the local branch of the South African Military Veterans\u2019 Organisation (SAMVOA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marius remains involved in technology and still teaches \u2013 proof that your calling doesn’t change with your passport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His advice to prospective emigrants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Marius\u2019 advice is simple and honest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your homework thoroughly before you emigrate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t ruin yourself financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emigration requires planning, discipline and realistic expectations. Dreams are important \u2013 but preparation is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a winter sleeping bag on a bare floor to a settled life in Perth \u2013 Marius le Grange\u2019s story is one of faith, perseverance and community.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wereldwyd.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/13700.jpg\")
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n