Celebrations: Uncle Rick Ronnan with Rex Empinado, Christine Echavez and son Vince Empinado, Cr Tony Marwood and Mayor Rob Amos.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
The Mill in Echuca was the venue as Campaspe Shire welcomed the region’s newest batch of Australian citizens last week.
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Campaspe Mayor Rob Amos and Uncle Rick Ronnan ensured all attendees were warmly welcomed at the Monday, September 18 event.
Among the 15 new Australians was Christine Echavez, who moved Down Under with her partner Rex after deciding to build careers with Fox Dairies in Stanhope.
“When we came to Australia in December 2018. It was the middle of summer, and it was 35°C. We found a great employer in Fox Dairies, and now we have been with them for the past four years,” Ms Echavez said.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Ms Echavez works in administration, her husband is a Philippine-trained vet working as the business farm manager.
“My partner Rex is a trained vet who loves working with animals. Rex is the farm manager, and we’re both employed by Fox Dairies,” she said.
“While he’s happy, he is considering doing the Veterinarian course to Australian standards. The first step is usually the hardest, so that’s in the pipeline for now.”
On hand: Uncle Rick Ronnan, Nationals leader Peter Walsh and Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
Photo by
Michael Lloyd
Ms Echavez said despite being a long way from her family in the Philippines, she is proud to call the Campaspe region home.
“While the last time we visited the Philippines was May last year, we now think of Stanhope as our home,” Ms Echavez said.
“We chose Australia, specifically Stanhope, as we have friends and had heard many good things about it.
“Coming here was one of our biggest decisions, and it was worth it.
“I love living in Stanhope and all that it has to offer. The family also enjoys visiting Kyabram and Melbourne from time to time.
“When I’m grocery shopping, many strangers say hello, even if we didn’t know each other.”
18°C