Calling Esperance Home

Since settling in Western Australia, David has worked across the public and private sectors in procurement, including the Western Australian Local Government Association, City of Joondalup, DevelopmentWA, the Department of Primary, Industry and Regional Development, Tronox and the Department of Finance.

Providing a ‘bridge’ between Southern Ports’ Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth service for customers, David first began at Southern Ports in 2020 during the global pandemic.

Originally based in Southern Ports’ Perth office, David was working to streamline expenditure approvals and engagement of suppliers for the supply of goods, services and works.

“It’s not every day you get to do what you’re passionate about. I work with a great team of people and the values here are evident in the interactions I’ve had with the team,” said David.

Taking the opportunity to relocate had been on the cards for the Mureithi family for some time before making the 10-hour move to Esperance in July.

Prior to moving, the family decided to take a road trip to see what the town was like.

“On the Australia Day weekend, we packed the car and drove to Esperance on a fact-finding mission,” said David.

“The weather was more favourable than Perth, and our hardest decision of the weekend was which beach to visit.”

“When we were visiting there was a vessel berthed at the Port of Esperance which was called Bettys Dream, and in a strange coincidence my other-half, Betty, shortly thereafter said yes to our new dream of moving to Esperance!”

David recalled when he first met his wife Betty at university in Perth, when he was studying business and IT. Together, they’ve had four kids who have now started at the local Anglican and Catholic schools.

When asked what he loved about Esperance: “It’s a different, more relaxed pace to city life. The proximity of work, school and leisure is a maximum of 15 minutes which not only means no traffic lights, but also means more family time.”

“And what’s not to love about coming to work every day, where there’s the picturesque view of the Esperance Port.”

While the four kids keep David fairly occupied, he still tries to find time for fitness and soccer and is thinking of joining a local club. David’s also hoping to take up a bit more of the Esperance lifestyle fishing and getting out to enjoy the outdoors.