Community
12 June, 2026
Finding “home” in big-hearted town
WHEN Deepesh Baskota left Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2008 as a 21-year-old international student and came to Australia, he never imagined that a regional Victorian town would one day become the place he’d proudly call home.
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a vibrant and bustling city filled with people, traffic, culture, and constant activity.
Before moving to Warrnambool in 2013 with his wife, the couple had been living in Sydney and were accustomed to city life.
Relocating to a regional town was a completely new experience for them both.
They arrived in June, right in the middle of winter.
The cold winds, hailstorms, and quiet streets of Warrnambool were a stark contrast to everything they had known.
“To be honest, my first thought was that we would stay only until our visa situation was sorted and then return to Sydney,” Deepesh recalled.
“Finding work was not easy. While my wife was working, I spent my days walking from business to business, handing out resumes and looking for opportunities but months passed without success.
“We had no friends, no family nearby, and at the time I couldn’t find another Nepalese family living in Warrnambool. The days felt long, and the isolation was challenging.”
Eventually, Deepesh secured a job as a housekeeper, and that became the turning point.
“My colleagues welcomed me warmly. People were curious about where I came from, the Nepalese culture, and the food we eat,” he said.
“I enjoyed sharing stories about my homeland and introducing workmates to Nepalese cuisine. What began as workplace friendships gradually turned into something much deeper.”
Many of those colleagues remain close friends today and are like family to the Baskota’s.
“They supported us during our early years in Warrnambool and helped us feel that we belonged. Through those friendships, I learned more about Australian culture, values, and community spirit,” he said.
“One of the things that stands out most about Warrnambool is its people. I have always enjoyed meeting new people, and the friendliness and openness of the local community made it easy to build connections.
“Over time, I developed many lasting friendships and became increasingly involved in community life.”
Today, he works as a community support worker - a role that allows him to support people in living independent and fulfilling lives while building meaningful connections within the community.
“I find this work both rewarding and humbling,” Deepesh said.
“Alongside this, I co-operate a Nepalese food truck business with friends called Hashtag Momo – Taste of Nepal. Through food, we have the opportunity to connect with people from all backgrounds and share a small part of Nepal’s rich culture.
“Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone try Nepalese dumplings, known as momos, for the first time and love them.”
Beyond work, Deepesh is also proud to serve as president of Warrnambool Nepalese Community Inc.
“Alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, we work to support the growing Nepalese population across Warrnambool and south west Victoria,” Deepesh said.
“Our goal is simple. We want to help people feel connected and supported while preserving the culture and traditions that are important to us.
“Over the year, our community has organised cultural festivals, social gatherings, sporting events, and family activities that bring people together.
“We have also established social groups including bhajan and kirtan (Hindu devotional musical traditions) gatherings, community sports programs, and are working towards developing parent and children’s groups where young people can learn Nepalese language, culture, traditions, and values.”
Deepesh believes these activities help new arrivals settle into the region while ensuring that the next generation remains connected to its heritage.
“The Nepalese community in Warrnambool continues to grow, and I am proud of the contribution our people make to the wider community,” he said.
“Many Nepalese residents work in healthcare, disability support, aged care, hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, and other essential industries. They are hardworking, community-minded individuals who proudly represent Nepal while contributing positively to regional Victoria.”
Deepesh added that, looking back, the town that once felt cold and unfamiliar has now become the centre of his family’s lives.
“It is where we’ve built friendships, started a business, raised a family, and found a sense of belonging.
“And I sincerely thank the people of Warrnambool and the surrounding communities for their kindness, support, and willingness to embrace cultural diversity. Your openness has helped create a welcoming multicultural community where people from different backgrounds can thrive together.”
After more than a decade in Warrnambool, Deepesh can confidently say that Warrnambool is home.
“It may be a regional town, but it has a very big heart,” he added.
“And for my family, there is no better place to be.”
