Walter Villagonzalo migrated with his family from the Philippines to Australia in 1986 and has been an avid volunteer at Hoppers Crossing. He helped establish the Migrant Hub in 2009 to help migrants find their place in the community.
What’s your connection to the local community?
I have lived at Hoppers Crossing with my family for 26 years. I’m president of the Migrant Hub, a member of Wyndham council’s cultural diversity committee, vice-president of the Australian Council for Multicultural Entrepreneurs, and a member of the original advisory council of the Victorian Multicultural Commission for the north-west region. I was one of the founders of the Migrant Hub in 2009 and continue to volunteer there full-time.
We then started social enterprises, including the MiHUB Café and My Refuge. My Refuge started three years ago and provides support and accommodation for asylum seekers on bridging visas. So far we have supported more than 700 clients.
What do you remember being in Wyndham that’s no longer there?
The MiHUB Café started in the Mambourin Sensory Gardens and was Wyndham’s best kept secret. We used to have festivals and events there but later moved due to lack of support from the local council. Now the gardens are no longer used by the community.
What do you like about Wyndham?
Its diversity. The area has become more welcoming to asylum seekers, and it’s family- oriented.
What would you change?
There’s not enough jobs in the area.
Many migrants have talents and skills yet to be discovered, but they need the support of local council and government to help them set up new businesses.
We need to create more social enterprises for them to work in because more local jobs would reduce the traffic congestion.
I’d like to see parks and community centres used more as meeting places where people can share their visions and have a barbecue together.
What’s your favourite eatery or place to get coffee?
MiHub Café in Werribee do a great beef rendang and Saffron Kitchen in Laverton has delicious vegetarian food. I also like Church Chicken House in Werribee.
How do you spend your downtime?
I don’t have much, but when I do I like to visit Werribee Plaza to look at the different businesses opening, just to see the growth of the area.
