Townsville: A Tropical Home for Family, Research, and Adventure
Muliyana, from Indonesia, is undertaking a PhD at James Cook University (JCU) and is an international student who has chosen to study, and live, in Townsville with her family allowing them to also experience this unique opportunity together. Muliyana shares her experience which is providing life long memories, not only for her, but also for her children.
In April 2024, when I landed in this city from a series-long journey from Indonesia, my initial knowledge about Townsville was that it was a city that was far from the crowds, where the shops close before the night comes, and where I will never wear winter clothes! Indeed, when the dry season came, it was considered as winter with temperatures ranging from mild to cold, but it was still sunny and pleasant! I really enjoy a 15-minute walking with greenish scenery to the University, James Cook University (JCU).
I am doing my PhD in JCU with the study area of Agriculture, Environment, and Related Studies under the College of Science and Engineering. My project is about converting biomass waste into added-value products that are put back to the nature for improving agriculture and environmental quality. JCU is worldwide popular for Marine Science and Environmental studies related to the tropics, but my research project is fully supported with well-facilitated laboratories and an outstanding supervisor panel. I get a great learning opportunity to operate some analytical instruments independently under the supervision of experts. This helps me gain the objectives of my research project. More broadly, having the opportunity to undertake my doctoral study at JCU facilitates me to develop academic progression, improve my professional career, and enhance my global network.
My husband and three children have joined my 4-year PhD adventure. It then becomes our family’s adventure in Townsville. As a research post-graduate student, my kids got the privilege of free education access for the State Schools in Townsville. I am also grateful that Townsville shares almost similar the tropical climate as in Indonesia, so we can adapt smoothly to the life of this lovely city. My family, especially the kids, can tolerate with the friendly winter and love doing outdoor activities during sunny days. We love exploring many parks and beaches after work hours or early morning on weekends. Sometimes we have lovely and peacefully breakfast, lunch, or even dinner in those places.
In the second year of my candidature, I got the opportunity to be one of the 2025 Study Townsville Ambassadors. This role enables me to explore diverse local spotlights. The day trip program also provides a welcome escape from my research routine. Study Townsville also allows one of my family to join me on community events and day trips, to discover and to witness the unique natural beauty of Townsville. Furthermore, we learn a great deal about the life of beautiful islands we went to, the interactions between living and non-living things that naturally maintain the life chain, and how the community here respectfully and responsibly preserve the natural attributes.
Photo Credit: Muliyana Arifudin
November 2025
