Photo: Dan Molina is enjoying the friendliness of Coonamble.
Born in the Philippine capital Manilla, Dan Molina had his worries about coming to Australia – and it wasn’t just “crawling things.”
“One thing I heard about Australia, to be honest – many, many years ago – was that racism here is really, really bad,” he said.
Then in his 30s, he arrived in October 2019 to a pleasant surprise.
“You guys, you’re amazing,” he said.
“Even though it’s just a stranger passing by when you’re crossing the street, they will greet you.
‘Good morning.’
“I never experienced that back in the Philippines, not unless you know the person.
“In my five years’ experience here, going on six, I never, ever experienced any racism or discrimination anywhere.”
Dan had wanted to be a nurse since around high school and worked as one in his home country, including in aged care, for about seven years before seeking better pay overseas.
He came to Melbourne to study aged care and worked gigs in construction, disability support and a plastic wares packaging factory.
His current visa was set to expire in June when a friend told him about a carer role at Koonambil Aged Care.
The 41-year-old arrived on 7 April with wife Wendy, who works at Supa IGA, and their daughter Ammell, who attends St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School.
It’s Dan’s first time in a rural town.
He tells a story about a recent encounter with an elderly man passing him during a trip to the hardware shop.
“He was smiling on my way. You know what he did? He tipped his hat to me,” said Dan.
“I can’t really say the words for how happy I am.
“That’s the first time someone took their hat off just to say ‘hi.’ It really warms my heart.
“I’ve seen that in a movie when they’re doing that with ladies, but to experience it firsthand – wow.”
Liking to stay on his feet, Dan said he is interested in running and going to the gym, plus enjoying his new PlayStation 5 bought from Dubbo.
He also plans to explore the region once he gains a NSW drivers licence and the family buys a car.