From Oud-Beijerland to the Sunshine Coast: The Story of the Beekes‑van der Wal Family
After navigating an intensive visa process, Nanine (43), Sven (45), and their ten-year-old daughter Diede made the leap from the Netherlands to Australia's Sunshine Coast. They are now building a new life—finding work, settling into routines, and creating opportunities they could only dream of back home.
A Love for Australia
Long before they became a family, Nanine and Sven traveled Australia independently. Both returned from their backpacking trips with the same realization: 'this is a place where I see myself livin!' they both thought.
"Australia was one of the few places I've visited where I could genuinely see myself living," Nanine says. Between the excellent healthcare, English-speaking environment, strong education system, and her sister's 14-year success story there, it seemed like the logical choice. But the final push? "The Dutch weather," she admits. "That's what really tipped the scales."
Planting the First Seed
In 2020, the family traveled to Australia for a three-week visit with Nanine's sister. COVID had other plans. What started as a holiday stretched into five weeks as borders closed and flights were canceled—an unplanned extended preview of Australian life.
"That trip changed everything," Sven says. Once back in the Netherlands, their minds were made up. Sven even began applying for jobs in Australia before they'd secured visas, hoping to fast-track the process. He learned quickly that it doesn't work that way. Without a work permit, Australian employers won't give you a second glance.
The Visa Process: Patience and Perseverance
The entire process took approximately 2.5 years. In October 2023, the long‑awaited news finally arrived: their 491 Skilled Migrant Visa was approved. Nanine was eligible for this visa based on her education and work experience.
We were under time pressure because you receive more points for this visa until the age of 45. It was a nerve‑wracking period,” Nanine recalls. “At that moment, Sven was already 45, so the application had to be submitted before he turned 46 in order to secure the maximum points". She earned the required points through an English language test and a skills assessment. Due to COVID, everything took longer than expected, but in the end, the approval came through.
Things Started Moving Fast
From that moment on, things progressed rapidly. “The busiest two months of my life,” Nanine laughs. Their goal was to depart on January 2, so that Diede could start at her new school on January 23.
There was a lot to arrange: selling their house in the Netherlands, sorting belongings (40 cubic metres were shipped), and even preparing their dog Guus for the move. It was a race against the clock. During the first four weeks in Australia, they stayed with Nanine’s sister, which made settling in much easier.
Settling in Queensland
They ended up on the Sunshine Coast, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Initially, they hoped to buy a home, but this turned out to be more challenging than expected. Fortunately, they quickly found a rental after just their second viewing.
“In the first three weeks, we arranged everything: housing, school uniforms, school enrolment, a car… We were a bit naïve, but it all worked out. Everyone told us it would be difficult, but we were lucky with our rental,” says Sven.
Life in Australia
Australia feels like a dream, but also a challenge. “The weather is beautiful, but extreme. We’ve already experienced several floods. It can change from sunshine to storms in no time.” Still, every day feels like a new adventure. “Sometimes it feels like I step outside into a sun‑drenched zoo,” Sven jokes.
Sven worked during his first year in his brother‑in‑law’s business and is now looking for something new. “Diplomas matter less here; experience is what counts. But without Australian work experience, that’s tricky.”
Nanine now works with dogs just like she did in the Netherlands. She runs a dog‑walking and pet‑sitting business that fits perfectly around Diede’s school hours. In addition, she works in cleaning, for a resort and several Airbnbs.
“Most jobs come through connections. Australians are incredibly friendly and curious: where are you from, what do you do, where do you live?”
Looking Ahead
The next step? Permanent residency. “That would give us the real freedom to live and move wherever we want. Even spending some time back in the Netherlands and later returning to Australia if we feel the need,” Sven explains.
In the meantime, they are embracing the ‘Aussie mentality’: living more in the moment. “We’ve already bought a caravan to explore more of Australia. Within two hours, you’re at a waterfall or a national park. For now, our main focus is stability for Diede.”
Grateful for Visa4you
“We’re incredibly happy that we went through the process with Visa4you. You truly don’t know where to start, it’s a long and complex journey. We couldn’t have done this without help,” Nanine says.
“Of course, there is a cost involved, but it’s worth it. Now we say: we should have started earlier. The process unfolds as it does, but one thing is certain, it makes you flexible,” she concludes with a laugh.
A Piece of the Netherlands in Australia
When meeting new people, they are often surprised by how strong the connection to the Netherlands can be, whether through generations past or families who, like them, have recently migrated. “It’s always nice to hear those stories.”
They’ve also found a welcoming Dutch community: The Dutchies Around the Sunshine Coast. Together they celebrate King’s Day and Sinterklaas. “It’s wonderful to speak Dutch and to share the experience of being in the same boat, it creates an instant bond.”
