Velogan and Prenetha

As a family of five, Velogan and Prenetha made a bold move to leave their home country, South Africa, and start a new life in Australia with their three boys.

It had always been the couple’s shared dream to live abroad and experience a new way of life. They were excited at the prospect of setting their family on an entirely new trajectory, one that will have lasting impact on their family’s future generations.

Velogan, in particular, felt called to Melbourne by its cosmopolitan lifestyle, multicultural richness and the diverse opportunities it offered. Leaving behind their own family, including aging parents, was not an easy decision. Yet, despite the heartache, their family fully supported their choice. With that blessing they took the courageous step toward the opportunity offered by Velogan’s work and set sail in 2019.

With a strong desire for new adventures and a willingness to step into the unknown, the family united around a shared vision for a new life in Australia. Their children happily embraced the Australian culture, transitioning smoothly into new schools, making new friends and getting involved in sports;

What makes this couple truly special is their sheer warmth, optimism and sense of adventure they radiate. Both Ministers with a strong faith, they sought connections through a church that welcomed and embraced them. One connection in particular became a dear friend who supported them during their early days of settling into a new way of life.

Velogan and Prenetha exude their values and intentionally devote their energy and positivity into the community. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting them yet, you may have seen their sensational Christmas light display outside their home. Or, you may have been touched by their small acts of kindness on Father’s and Mother’s Day, when they have offered greeting cards to their neighbours for them to share with important people on these special days.

Adapting is exactly what this couple have set out to do. They actively reach out to their neighbours and create connections. Even when they were new to Orana, they didn’t shy away from inviting their neighbours, now friends, into their home for Christmas Day lunch. Continued friendships have and connections have led to a life group which they host from their home and ‘plate of origin’ nights, where they share meals with their Orana friends, enjoying cuisine from around the world in one sitting.

It’s clear that Velogan and Prenetha find immense joy in nurturing meaningful connections. They are open and always seeking to learn from others. Food plays a central part in their lives, fostering opportunities to connect. They believe that ‘breaking bread’ together is one of the most valuable things people can do.

Velogan has observed that an apparent problem for some people who immigrate is that: “they migrate, but they don’t often assimilate” and, as a result, can feel disconnected in their new community or home. Assimilating is something they continue to prioritise in their family and home.

One of the biggest challenges they have faced in their immigration journey has been the loss of loved ones back home. Being so far away, combined with the expense of airfares and exchange rate, has made frequent trips back to South Africa impossible. Yet, even in face of sad losses, the couple continue to look forward with bright eyes and open hearts.

What are their sights set on for the future? “Never say never!” they respond. They are committed to saying YES to new opportunities that may come their way, forging a path of their own making. Their wish is to leave a positive impact on their immediate community, fueling connections, breaking down barriers and creating togetherness wherever they go.