“One of the first things I noticed upon my arrival in Hobart is the kindness and warmth of Tasmanians. I didn’t know anyone when I first landed in the island but I never felt isolated or lonely.”

Originally from Sri Lanka, Mishadi Herath’s main motivation in moving to Tasmania was her ability to gain employment with Australia’s leading clean energy business and largest generator of renewable energy.

Prior to arriving in Hobart, Mishadi studied a Master of Advanced Civil Engineering at Monash University in Melbourne. Upon graduation she was offered a job at Entura, the consultancy arm of Hydro Tasmania, as a Graduate Civil Hydropower Engineer.

Mishadi has been genuinely touched by the kind hearts of Tasmanians from day one. She is very fond of the family-centred culture she has experienced, noting colleagues' care and concern for their families.

For a nature lover and a hiking enthusiast like Mishadi, Tasmania offers many advantages.

“Tasmania’s natural beauty is truly captivating and one doesn’t necessarily have to drive too far from the city to witness it. When I first arrived here, I didn’t have my own vehicle but that didn’t stop me from exploring the iconic Mount Wellington, which was the first hike I climbed in Tasmania.”

When first arriving in the state, Mishadi volunteered with the Bellerive-Howrah coast care group, enabling her to meet locals who shared her interests in protecting the environment. The group plants local shrubs and vegetation on dunes along the coast as a part of the Clarence City Council’s coastal conservation program.