Brand Tas

When Chia-Hung (Danny) Hsieh drives through Hobart with friends, he sometimes slows the car, points out a street corner or a stretch of new footpath, and says with a grin: “That’s my project. I did that.”

It’s a small moment of pride that sums up how far he has come since first arriving in Tasmania seven years ago. Today, Danny is a Design Engineer with the City of Hobart, working on the kinds of civil infrastructure projects – roads, stormwater systems, kerbs and channels – that help the city function smoothly and inclusively. Danny says his job is about more than designs on a computer screen. It’s about contributing to the place he now calls home.

Danny’s journey to Tasmania began in 2014, when he came on a working holiday visa with friends. At the time, he picked berries in Queensland and New South Wales, before eventually making his way south to Devonport. What stood out to him then was the contrast with his life back in Taipei, Taiwan.

“I realised Tasmania is a very beautiful place with beautiful nature. And it’s also a slower pace of lifestyle here. I came from Taipei and everyone is busy there: no-one stops to talk to you. But here in Hobart, people are very friendly and very supportive. If you have a question, they’re helpful.”

Those positive first impressions stayed with Danny. After returning to Taiwan to work as a site engineer, Danny decided he wanted to study abroad. Tasmania was his first choice, especially after the University of Tasmania awarded him a scholarship to complete a Master of Civil and Structural Engineering.

At UTAS, Danny discovered small class sizes, close industry connections, and a teaching style that encouraged both technical skills and creativity. “The teachers gave us a lot of support in both problem solving and creative thinking,” he reflects. “We had hands-on experience in laboratories, working on hydraulics and concrete structures. And I enjoyed studying with classmates from different backgrounds. I really felt supported.”

Graduating, however, wasn’t the end of the challenge. Finding his dream job was difficult at first with no local experience, but Danny didn’t give up.

One afternoon, the phone finally rang.

“I remember I was in the car and someone called me, so I stopped on the street. They said, ‘This is City of Hobart.’ At first, I couldn’t believe it because I’d been looking for so long. I was super excited. I said, ‘Yes, I would love to join your team!’ That’s the moment I remember.”

I feel like this is what I’m here for – to help the community develop and make the city more beautiful and better.

That first six-month contract as a stormwater officer gave Danny the crucial local experience he needed. He’s been with the City of Hobart ever since, eventually moving into his current role as a Design Engineer.

Now, Danny’s work involves taking projects from 2D concepts through to detailed 3D designs, before handing them on to construction teams. Danny says that seeing those projects come to life, and knowing that his work improves the lives of Hobart residents, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“We design for the community, including people with disabilities,” Danny explains. “We build standard ramps on footpaths so they are more accessible. That’s very important, and I really enjoy helping with that. I feel like this is what I’m here for – to help the community develop and make the city more beautiful and better.”

He also values the workplace culture that has welcomed him. “People in Hobart City Council are super friendly and supportive. Colleagues and managers take care of each other. They ask about your weekend, your daily life, and it’s very caring. I really appreciate that.”

Outside of work, Danny stays just as engaged with the local community. He is a committee member of Young Engineers Australia Tasmania, where he helps organise networking events for early-career professionals. One initiative, Firsty Thursday, brings young engineers together on the first Thursday of each month to share stories over a beer.

“It’s very good for them,” he says. “We talk about projects, their studies, their life. I also like sharing career advice and stories with young engineers. It’s become a rewarding part of my life here.”

Looking back, Danny has no doubt that choosing Tasmania was the right decision.

“What I like about Tasmania is the beauty of nature, the slow pace of lifestyle, and the people. When I go to the coffee shop, they smile and have a chat. It feels warming. That’s what keeps me here.”