Edenhope to welcome family of five before Christmas

The father-of-three studied and worked in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Melbourne and Sydney before moving to Edenhope, where he works as a registered nurse. 

Despite arriving in the depths of winter and surviving without a car, James sees his future in the small rural town. 

“I want to buy a house and settle here,” he said. “We’re just waiting for my visa approval and I’m going to buy tickets for my family to come.” 

James’ wife and three daughters, aged 13, 12 and 3, are hoping to call Edenhope home before Christmas. Although it will be a culture shock, and difficult to pick up English, James is confident they will adapt quickly. 

The move comes after many years of searching the globe for the quality-of-life James wanted for his children. 

“I was in Saudi Arabia for two years, but I was anxious and felt unsafe there,” he said. “My plan was then to go to Ireland, but my brother is in Melbourne and told me there are a lot of opportunities here.” 

He also values the “high standard” of care in Australian healthcare facilities. 

“In the Philippines I’d say it’s freestyle care,” he said. “In Edenhope it’s very organised and better quality, which is good.” 

Now a proud Australian driver’s licence-holder, James is looking forward to exploring the region with his family. 

It will mark the end of a long and difficult period of separation. 

“My wife is excited because she is tired of cooking and I do the cooking,” he said. “I even do the laundry, but in the Philippines it’s manual laundry; I’m going to buy a machine.” 

Grampians Health Edenhope welcomes James, his wife and their three daughters to the community.