Key Points
- After visiting the area on a family vacation in 1992 from Sydney, Australia, Cathy Rivilla Ayesa and her family decided to move to Glenorchy, Tasmania. The place is perfect for nature lovers.
- Glenorchy is surrounded by the River Derwent to the east, Mount Wellington to the west, Hobart to the south, and Brighton to the north. The Glenorchy City Council also includes Montrose, Moonah, Rosetta, Wellington Park, and parts of West Moonah.
- According to Filipino residents, compared to other areas, Glenorchy offers more affordable rent and housing prices, plenty of job opportunities, and easy access to Asian shops—making it an attractive place to live.
The proud Cebuana, Cathy Rivilla Ayesa, warmly invites her fellow Filipinos to visit Glenorchy in Tasmania.
She shares that from the moment she first saw the place during a vacation, she was immediately captivated by its beauty. Beyond the fresh and scenic environment, the area is home to diverse wildlife and a vibrant Filipino culture and tradition that continues to flourish.
"I'm so thankful that I ended up here because of its slow pace, its close-knit community, and its unique ambiance. It's a multicultural place where people have different ways of life, making it even more special."
Cathy’s experiences are fully echoed by Jyosh Polea Vizcarra, President of the Philippines-Australia Community of Tasmania, Inc.
The Glenorchy City Council covers areas such as Montrose, Moonah, Rosetta, Wellington Park, and parts of West Moonah.
Nearly 500 Filipinos call this area home.
Meanwhile, across the entire state of Tasmania, more than 3,000 people have Filipino heritage.
"There are really more and more Filipinos here now, and company owners are reaching out to us because they have hired Filipinos. They want to ensure that the new migrants feel at home here since there are many Pinoys—because they truly love Filipino workers.
Cathy Rivilla Ayesa also takes pride in how Filipinos continue to showcase their admirable values.
Practices like pagmamano (a gesture of respect by taking an elder’s hand to one’s forehead) and friendly greetings in public spaces remain strong in the community.
One of the most vibrant and cherished celebrations in the community is Christmas, the most important festivity for Filipinos.
Beyond the beautiful scenery and joyful experiences, Cathy and her family are deeply grateful to the Filipino community in Glenorchy.
With the support of this close-knit group and their own hard work, she and her husband have raised their two children to be well-mannered and responsible individuals.
"And I believe it depicts how we raise our children. We have very good, hardworking kids, and I am so proud of my children. I believe my husband Alfonso, and I did a good job—at least, I guess so!"
