After moving from India’s New Delhi – with a population of almost 35 million people – living and working in Gippsland is serenity.
“Everywhere you go you’re surrounded by scenery, it’s like being on a paid holiday,” said Aaqil Abbas, a graduate engineer with Southern Rural Water. Aaqil lives in Sale and works delivering capital upgrades to irrigation infrastructure in the Macalister Irrigation District.
Starting his career in rural water management, Aaqil was surprised to learn how deeply water is embedded across the economy.
“Now, when I see a carton of milk on the supermarket shelf, I think about our purpose,” he said. “How Southern Rural Water helps makes this happen for our dairy farmer customers – because we supply the water needed to grow the pasture to produce this milk.”
Aaqil completed a degree in civil engineering at Monash University in 2023. Soon after, he joined Southern Rural Water’s two-year graduate program.
“When I first arrived in Australia to study civil engineering I had not thought I’d be living in regional Victoria,” he said. “Now, I’m managing multimillion-dollar projects and soaking in country sunsets between site visits.”
Engineering runs in Aaqil’s blood – both his parents are professors in civil engineering back in India – but his interest truly sparked once he saw how much this shapes the world around us.
“Water, buildings, structures – civil engineering ties it all together,” Aaqil said.
Like many recent graduates, Aaqil was hesitant about moving away from Melbourne’s comforts and social scene.
“I wasn’t sure at first. Now, I drive to site and it’s peaceful, the scenery is stunning, and there’s no traffic.”
The rural move also gave Aaqil the chance to take real ownership of projects early in his career. He’s currently leading delivery on 15 upgraded customer outlets – a big responsibility, and one he’s embracing with support from experienced colleagues.
“I’ve got mentors who’ve taught me so much already. It’s like opening a Pandora’s box of knowledge.”
While the technical learning curve is steep, what stands out most for Aaqil is the people.
“Just like at university, where I enjoyed working with classmates late into the night, here it’s being part of a team. Kicking goals together, sharing a laugh – it makes the work even more enjoyable.”
As an introvert, building a social circle outside work has been gradual, however, Aaqil’s grounded approach shows regional life doesn’t mean giving up connection.
“I still visit my brother in Melbourne most weekends, but here, it’s calm. I really value that.
“Don’t be afraid to take the leap to consider a rural career,” Aaqil said. “Rural water might be outside your comfort zone, but the learning, the lifestyle – and the career opportunities – are worth it.”
For more about careers, including future graduate opportunities as they become available, click here.