Nelson Lin (Cheng-Hao Lin)
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, Darwin City
“The most unforgettable part of staying in the Territory is the comfortable weather with two seasons and the incredible view of sunsets and skies.”
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Originally from Taiwan, experienced Barista Cheng-Hao Lin moved to the Northern Territory almost 13 years ago on a working holiday visa after his sister recommended Darwin to him. After transferring to a student visa he then completed his University studies at Charles Darwin University in 2015.
“My sister was a student at Charles Darwin University and graduated with a Master’s degree in IT. She mentioned there were more opportunities on Darwin compared to other cities. I arrived in Darwin on a working holiday and then transferred to a student visa then a working visa as it was a pathway for Permanent Residency. My first impression of the Northern Territory was that its cosy with a laid back lifestyle in comparison to other major cities around Australia. The most unforgettable part of staying in the Territory is the comfortable weather with two seasons and the incredible view of the sunsets and skies”
Cheng-Hao and his sister opened a pop up food stall at the markets and major events to bring something new to Darwin and after being awarded “Best Barista” in 2017 Cheng-Hao decided to follow his dreams of opening his own Café, Meow Waffee.
“Being a Barista has always been my passion, the environment and atmosphere of working in the café is incredible in Darwin because of its unique lifestyle and welcoming people”
Finding work-life balance can be a challenge, but for Cheng-Hao Lin, the Northern Territory (NT) provided the perfect solution.
What started as a temporary adventure soon turned into a long-term commitment, thanks to the abundant opportunities and welcoming community he found in the NT.
For Cheng-Hao, being a barista is more than just a job—it's a calling. The bustling café scene and warm hospitality of the NT community make every day an enriching experience. Whether it's crafting the perfect cup of coffee or creating delicious waffles for his customers, Cheng-Hao finds joy in the daily rhythms of café life in Darwin.
With its diverse population and endless opportunities, the Northern Territory has become Cheng-Hao's home away from home. His journey from a working holiday visa holder to a successful café owner is a testament to the opportunities and vibrant spirit of the NT. For anyone seeking a fulfilling career and a balanced lifestyle, Cheng-Hao's story proves that the NT is truly the place to be.
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