On the Grapevine | Australia offers opportunity for Windy

Windy and Peter were introduced by family members when Cobram farmer Peter journeyed to the Philippines in 2019 just before COVID-19.

The couple felt an instant attraction.

After many FaceTime and phone calls, the couple made the decision for Windy to move to Australia.

It has obviously been the right one.

“Our families thought we were a good match, and they were right!” a smiling Windy said.

Born on August 16, 1974, Windy is the eldest of six children, with her mum and dad rice growers and volunteer church workers for their community in Hinigaran, in the Negros Region, which has a population of 88,909.

After completing school, she studied drafting but did not finish. Instead, she married and had her family of three children.

“For me, being a mum has been very rewarding, and now they are grown up,” she said.

“Angelica is 31, a teacher, Angelo is 28 and a driver/farmer and Stanina is 25 and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in hospitality management.”

Stanina visited Australia to see her mum after completing her degree and, while the three siblings miss their mum, they are pleased she is so happy.

Her children often encouraged her to learn to use a computer, but Windy showed little interest, responding with, “It won’t help me to wash your clothes.”

Windy acknowledges that if she continued to live in her home country, she would not have been able to train for a job outside the home.

“You need to be attractive, smart and young to gain employment in the Philippines. At the age of 51 years, I am considered too old,” Windy said with a laugh.

However, she is certainly not too old here in Australia, where mature workers are considered valued members of the workforce.

Windy is extremely proud to have gained employment at Cobram Regional Care after attaining her Cert III — Individual Support to become a personal carer.

Recently, she was invited to undertake a foot care course at Mayfield Education in Melbourne for a period of three months.

Sponsored by CRC, Windy achieved perfect results.

And yes, she has since learned to use a computer.

Windy is a vivacious, positive woman who loves her life.

“I really love my job with the residents, every day is an adventure for me,” she said.

“I had never driven a car previously, not even a pushbike, but I now have my own car, (a snappy little red Ford sedan) my first asset in Australia and can drive myself to work.

“My children are proud and they’re my best supporters.

”When my children were younger, I was a stage mum at my daughters’ concerts, cooking competitions and baton whirling.

“I was competitive and made certain I always did my best with them. You only get one shot at being the best mum!”

While there are many kilometres of separation for the family, FaceTime is a magical tool enabling them to stay connected on a weekly basis.

Windy is so happy, settled with Peter in Cobram, that she is looking to become an Australian citizen this year.

Initially, she did find the Australian language a little difficult.

But she said she had now settled in well and made friends with many people, including the residents at CRC and her co-workers.

“I have been back home just once since I arrived in Australia, but will return in October to see my family, yet I will never regret my decision to come to Australia,” Windy said.

“I came with nothing but hope, faith and love. And I am not disappointed, just very happy.”