Meet the educators …

These are the stories of some of the early childhood educators and teachers who have come from all over the world to live and work in childcare centres in Moranbah in the Isaac Region in QLD. The Childcare Leadership Alliance has made this possible with an innovative and unique recruitment campaign that offers a pathway to permanent residency through visa-sponsored employment.

Meet Irinah Manalon, Group Leader

Title: Irinah’s Journey Unfolds

Allured by new beginnings and new opportunities, Irinah Manalon ventured on her own from her home in the Philippines to Australia, where her story began in Brisbane. Here, she found opportunities under her short-term visa and worked for around three years in two early childhood centres while at the same time studying for her Early Childhood Diploma.

Knowing by now that she wanted to make her home in Australia, Irinah began to look for visa-sponsored employment, and it was during this search that she discovered the opportunity at Simply Sunshine in Moranbah, further north in Queensland. Drawn by its promise and the prospect of a new adventure, Irinah worked through the requirements to gain this sponsorship, and a little over a year ago, she began another remarkable chapter in her life.

On arrival in Moranbah, Irinah experienced some initial uncertainties, but these were quickly dispelled by the warm welcome and support she received from the Simply Sunshine Director, Amanda, and her new work colleagues. The families of the children in the centre made Irinah feel welcome in the Moranbah community. Having this support made it easier to get to know the children and begin to build connections with their families.

When Irinah was offered the opportunity to relocate to Moranbah, she invited her partner, who was working in Singapore at the time, to join her. She had been living on her own in Brisbane, so she was very happy when he arrived. They were married in Moranbah, so it is a very special place for them both. Irinah’s husband, an architect by trade, is working at the pharmacy in Moranbah, where he is enjoying what he’s doing to serve people in the community.

The Filipino community in Moranbah has been extremely supportive and welcoming to Irinah and her husband. They regularly gather on the weekends and on long weekends have travelled further afield to Mackay and Airlie Beach.

When she first arrived in Moranbah, Irinah thought it would be a huge adjustment, but she surprised herself at how quickly she settled in. She reflects fondly on their life in Moranbah, highlighting the sense of community and the beauty of their surroundings, very happy that she has chosen this beautiful part of Australia to call home.

The Childcare Leadership Alliance is proud to have been supporting Irinah on her journey.