KEY POINTS
- Glen Gonzalez, a public-school teacher, moved from Los Angeles, California, with his family in 2008 due to the recession. His wife secured a nursing position in Darwin, Australia.
- Glen believes that many Filipinos are drawn to the area because of its peace, safety, and low crime rates.
- As the Filipino population grows, Filipino community groups become active, contributing to the suburb's multicultural community.
The community in Zuccoli is diverse, with Australians comprising the majority at over a thousand, followed by English residents, then Filipinos, and about two hundred each of Australian Aboriginal and Irish descent.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, most residents work in community and personal services, followed by professionals, technicians, clerical and administrative roles, managers, sales workers, and labourers.
Glen Gonzalez, a public-school teacher, moved from Los Angeles, California, with his family in 2008 due to the recession. His wife secured a nursing position in Darwin, Australia, a move that was facilitated swiftly.
Initially residing in Malak, where they rented for nine years, Glen and his family moved to Zuccoli in 2018.
"We lived in Malak first, renting there for 9 years, then we decided instead of renting out why not purchase a house. During that time, the government in the Northern Territory had a first-time home buyer scheme. They provided a $25,000 grant. Among the new suburbs back then, Zuccoli was a bit cheaper compared to the others."
The couple chose Zuccoli because of affordable land prices and the Northern Territory's first homeowner’s grant.
A peaceful and safe suburb
Glen emphasises the safety of Zuccoli as a major factor.
"Safety is also a consideration. The roads here are wide compared to other suburbs. In other suburbs, the roads are narrow. We are in a boulevard so there's a lot of space between houses and the road, plenty of parking space and safe. It’s a very safe suburb. It’s about security and peace."
He adds that proximity to shops and establishments, as well as having two private schools and one public school, attracts Filipinos, who prioritise education for their children.
In their six years in Zuccoli, Glen has seen significant development.
"There have been further developments behind our house. I think the government wouldn’t invest in building schools if it wasn’t viable because there are already many houses and many migrants who prefer the area because it's cheaper."
He believes that many Filipinos are drawn to the area because of its peace, safety, and low crime rates.
"Maybe one of the reasons is the safety of the place because it's spacious and breezy compared to other suburbs. The peace of mind that you don't have to worry, unlike in other suburbs where there are thefts and high crime rates."
While primarily residential, Zuccoli also attracts Filipinos working in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
"The suburb is more on residential but one of the industries that can attract Filipinos are hospitality, and also healthcare, medical field like nurses.Recently, there are also teachers."
As the Filipino population grows, Filipino community groups become active, contributing to the suburb's multicultural community.
"The Filipino community here is active when it comes to events, and the multicultural system is also active. The beauty of Darwin is that people are inclusive and it’s a laid-back community compared to Melbourne. We seem to know each other. People say hello to each other."
Glen and his family are happy with their simple life in Zuccoli and envision retiring there.
LISTEN
‘Peaceful and safe’: Why Zuccoli is the top Filipino suburb in Darwin
SBS Filipino
13/06/202410:37
