WHEN Mansfield Shire Council hosted a citizenship ceremony to celebrate Harmony Week 2025, Mayor Cr Steve Rabie welcomed the Mojica family as Mansfield’s newest Australians.
Originally from the Philippines, Arjie came to Mansfield in 2018 with his family following in 2020 just in time for quarantines and lockdowns during COVID.
Arjie found employment as a mechanic with Kyalan Mechanical Repair while Gretchen, a nurse in the Philippines, works at the IGA in town.
With Chino (14) enjoying life at Mansfield Secondary College and Nailah (9) and Ashlyn (6) at Mansfield Primary School, Gretchen says Mansfield’s newest Australians feel very settled in the shire.
“We like living in Mansfield, it feels like a safe town,” Gretchen told the Mansfield Courier following her family’s Harmony Week citizenship ceremony.
“It doesn’t feel crowded here, which is very nice.
“We enjoy our work and we have all made lots of friends and workmates.
“We go to the Catholic church in Mansfield, everyone has been so kind and has welcomed us there.
“We feel like we are a part of the community.
“My son Chino is turning 15 this year, I'm trying my best to put him in the soccer team."
Chino has started planning for what his life might look like in Australia once he has finished with school, he is hoping to study engineering at university with a view to get involved with the building industry.
Nailah and Ashlyn, on the other hand, have decided they are going to be doctors when they grow up.
“What does it mean to me and my family to become Australian citizens?” Gretchen asked.
“After five years of our journey, we are now Australian citizens.
“We are happy to become a part of this wonderful country and we thank the lord for the strength and guidance and for allowing us to reach this milestone.
“We will be eternally grateful to all of the people around us for making our lives feel so meaningful.
“And we are grateful to the people of Mansfield, the council, and the mayor for welcoming us."
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie was delighted to officiate the Harmony Day citizenship ceremony at which he was joined by Cr Bonnie Clark, Cr Mandy Treasure and Cr Tim Berenyi.
“Welcoming people into our Australian family through the Citizenship Ceremony is always a highlight for me as mayor,” the Mayor said.
“I’m proud to welcome people as members of both our community and our country.
“Everyone who makes the commitment to citizenship brings with them a diverse and valued background and contributes to making Mansfield the best small shire in the world.”