More than a year after relocating to Australia, former Miss South Africa Cindy Nell-Roberts has begun sharing candid glimpses of her new life in Melbourne. Her light-hearted ‘Ausieland updates’, posted online in recent weeks, reveal a woman adjusting to change with honesty, humour and deep appreciation for beauty in both her old and new homes.
Cindy, her husband Clive and their children Ethan and Aenea moved from Camps Bay, Cape Town to Melbourne in early 2024, just months after Cindy was involved in a frightening truck accident that saw six people injured. The move marked a significant shift for the media personality and businesswoman, but she has taken to her new surroundings with grace and enthusiasm.
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Finding beauty in change
Cindy’s updates showcase a genuine love for Melbourne, particularly its scenic seasons. Autumn and winter, with their rich colours and crisp air, have especially won her over. But she has been careful to remind her South African followers that her appreciation for her new environment does not come at the expense of her homeland.
“Melbourne being beautiful is not the absence of beauty in South Africa,” she said in a recent post. “There’s a lot of trees everywhere, it’s really very picturesque.”
She’s also grown fond of the city’s dog parks, noting the thoughtful details such as free dog bags provided at each entrance — a small but welcome convenience she’s now also noticed in parts of Cape Town.
Keeping it real
Despite her warm words about Melbourne, Cindy has not sugar-coated the challenges of starting over in a new country. In one update, she spoke candidly about how difficult immigration can be, no matter where you’re headed.
“I’ve just been trying to find my feet in this country,” she admitted. “And anyone who has immigrated will tell you — it’s not easy.”
She also shared her more playful pet peeves, such as the overwhelming number of overhead electricity wires in Melbourne. “Once you see it, you can’t unsee it,” she joked, attributing her sensitivity to her time spent with yogis and her growing awareness of energy and space.
Practical frustrations, like a lack of storage space in Australian cars, have also cropped up — a light-hearted nod to the realities of parenting in a different environment.
A fresh chapter with familiar joy
While her surroundings have changed, Cindy’s signature warmth and charm remain unchanged. Her videos reflect someone embracing life abroad without letting go of where she came from. Her updates strike a balance between playful commentary and heartfelt reflection, resonating with South Africans at home and abroad.
Through it all, Cindy continues to celebrate life’s quieter joys, from leafy dog parks to the laughter of family. In doing so, she reminds others that home is not just a place, but a feeling — one that can be carried, and recreated, wherever life leads.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @cindy_nell
