For April Laguros, the decision to move to regional Australia was never just about a job. It was also about building a bright future for her family.

Originally from Cebu in the Philippines, April had imagined a different kind of life for her family. When she came across an opportunity to train and work in aged care in Australia, with a scholarship too, it felt like it was something worth pursuing. So she took a chance and applied.

‘Australia has always been my dream country - a place where I hoped to build a better future for my family,’ April says. ‘When I saw an advertisement on Facebook about training, sponsorship and caregiver opportunities in Australia, I took a chance and applied.’

Her courage paid off, because she was awarded the scholarship and her dream life was on its way!

Building a future from a distance

Of course, like all dreams worth having, it did bring with it some challenges. Initially, April arrived in Coolamon on her own, leaving her husband and children back in the Philippines.

‘Being alone at the beginning was not easy. I experienced deep homesickness, and there were many challenging moments.’

Those early months required resilience, strength and even courage. April held onto the goal that she’d had from the beginning. A bright future for her family. And when things got hard, ‘I held on to my dream of reuniting my family, and that kept me going.’

‍

Finding a place that feels like home

Coolamon, however, was certainly the right place for April. Even when she was alone, she felt embraced by the close-knit and warm community.

She says, ‘From the very first day, Coolamon felt like home. The community welcomed us with such warmth and kindness.’

But once her family all joined her, things got even better. She says the community ‘made us feel like we truly belong… Simple gestures like smiles, greetings and friendly conversations made a big difference. We feel safe, valued and at home.’

When the family was finally all back together in Coolamon, it was like it was meant to be. ‘It felt like all the sacrifices were worth it.’

Even better, April was able to arrange for her mother to join their immediate family as well. She says, ‘Not only did I reunite with my husband and children, but I was also able to bring my mother, who lovingly helps care for the kids.’

Life in Coolamon

Set in the Riverina region of south-west New South Wales, Coolamon is a small town known for its heritage streetscapes, wide verandahs and strong sense of community. Located around 40 kilometres north-west of Wagga Wagga, it sits within Coolamon Shire – an area that also includes the towns of Ganmain and Ardlethan, along with villages such as Marrar, Matong and Beckom.

Home to around 2,200 people, Coolamon is surrounded by wheat fields and is part of the region’s well-known Canola Trail. The area blends working farmland with a relaxed, small-town lifestyle, where historic buildings, local businesses and community groups remain at the heart of daily life.

For April and her family, life in Coolamon has been like a dream. The children adjusted very quickly and settled straight into Coolamon Central School. They made friends easily, and they can walk to and from school.

April loves her work with the residents at Allawah Lodge, an aged care facility.

‘What I enjoy most is spending time with the residents, especially during meals or morning tea. I love listening to their stories and life experiences, and in return, we share our own joys and challenges. There is a genuine connection – we treat them like family, and they feel that.’

She also noticed a clear difference from her previous experience working overseas.

‘Here in Australia, communication is easier, and the people are warm, open and welcoming. The environment feels lighter and that makes a big difference in both work and daily life.’

In fact, the work-life balance is great. April describes this as the ‘biggest difference’ between life in the Philippines and in Coolamon.

‘Here, life feels more relaxed.There is no rush, no heavy traffic and the pace is calmer. I have more quality time with my family, which is very important to me. It’s also a safe place for children to play and grow. Compared to life in the Philippines, where everything is fast-paced and often requires juggling multiple responsibilities, life here feels more balanced and peaceful.’

The family loves spending time outdoors, going to the park, having picnics and enjoying the beautiful weather. And there’s so much of the great outdoors in Coolamon. Fantastic walking and cycling along the Kindra Forest Trail, incredible canola fields and Lions Park gives residents and visitors so many options for getting close to nature.

It’s no wonder the family loves their time together in Coolamon!

Knowing it was the right move

There have been many moments that have confirmed for April that the move was the right one. But the most important has been to see how happy her family, in particular her children, are.

‘As a mother, every decision I make is for my children. Seeing them enrolled in school here and having access to a good quality education reassures me that we made the right choice.

For April, the decision was always about what the future could hold for her family.

She says, ‘I truly believe this place will help give them a brighter and better future.’

A country change worth making

For April and her family - this country change was life altering. The famiy adores life here.

April’s advice to others considering a similar move is simple but sincere: ‘I would encourage families to consider moving to a regional area like Coolamon. Life here is peaceful, slower and more family-oriented.’

It’s a move that has allowed her to build not only a career, but a life centred on family, connection and belonging.