Sally Zou: Why I chose Adelaide as my new home in Australia

CHINESE entrepreneur Sally Zou — an ardent promoter of South Australia, Port Adelaide FC sponsor and university scholarship patron — tells why she calls Adelaide home.

Adelaide-based Chinese entrepreneur Sally Zou on the River Torrens footbridge. Picture: Jo-Anna Robinson

MANY things attract migrants to a new country, and to a specific location within that country.

While many new migrants to Australia opt for the hustle and bustle of Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide (and South Australia) was very appealing to me as an entrepreneur and young mother.

Growing up in China as it was opening up to the outside world I started to learn about Australia. Its uniqueness was very appealing to me as a 12-year-old schoolgirl.

Australia had a vastness that few countries could match — its geography of rolling green hills, inviting white sandy beaches, sunshine and blue skies, and its relatively temperate climate.

I dreamed of holidaying in Australia if not living here one day.

As I grew older and moved to the workforce and entrepreneurship, Australia started to appeal on another level as a place where I could create and build businesses and value.

Because of its rich natural resources, the country appealed to me as a place to invest in the mining industry.

Although I originally based myself in Sydney, I fell in love with Adelaide and South Australia during a visit two years ago. I was very touched by the warmth and kindness of the people, culture, charming architecture, and livability.

Sally Zou and Jim Kelly, managing director of Adelaide based agricultural organisation Arris, in a tomato growhouse at Virginia.

Everyone I meet here is passionate about what they do and about their state.

And they are all keen to help me at both a professional and personal level with advice, or just by lending an ear to hear my ideas and thoughts.

The authenticity of the people of South Australia is unrivalled.

Another reason I was inspired to relocate to Adelaide was for my daughter. Adelaide is a beautiful, friendly and safe city for children, with some world-class schools.

I cannot think of a better place to bring up children as I am sure every Adelaide parent would attest.

No one who knows me is surprised by my passion for Adelaide and South Australia. As readers of The Advertiser would know from my advertisement of last week I am looking to buy a house close to the city that I can call home.

I know it is not “the done thing” in Australia to advertise that one is looking to buy a house. This may be a cultural difference with China.

I thought advertising what I am looking for in the leading newspaper of the state would appeal to the genuineness of locals.

They’ll know I am sincere and they will respond with equal honesty and seriousness. I have not been disappointed.

I have received a number of genuine offers to view properties that meet my criteria for a home and I look forward to seeing them.

Apart from making my home in Adelaide I am committed to the development of South Australia and to creating jobs here.

Sally Zou with a representative from the China Gold Group, NSW Energy and Resources Minister Don Harwin and Chinese Embassy commerce counsellor Wang Hongbo in March.

As one who has made South Australia my adopted home I want the people of South Australia to share in my prosperity.

To that end I have established two new South Australian based businesses — AusDiamond Mining and AusFood Alliance, which includes the Australian Romance Wine brand.

As the names suggest, one will focus on diamond mining while the other is focused on food and wine exports to the world.

My love for South Australia also extends to sport and education. I have sponsored the Port Adelaide Power AFL team, and I have established a scholarship for the study of mining engineering at Adelaide University.

As a Chinese I love my mother country. As an Australian resident I love my adopted country.

Through my business ventures I am trying to put these loves of mine together with my passions.

As a Chinese businesswoman and entrepreneur who has chosen to base herself in Adelaide I am uniquely placed to help South Australia capture the opportunities offered by China’s growing wealth and demand for all the great things the State has to offer — from tourism and education, to the natural resources and agricultural products we can export.

Historically South Australia has embraced new migrants and encouraged their entrepreneurship. I look forward to becoming part of that spirit of South Australia as I make my home here.