Richie Ragutana had never before travelled or heard of places like Gundagai and Cootamundra when his sister relocated to Australia in 2016. Photo: Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Born and bred in the Philippines, Cootamundra Health Service Registered Nurse (RN) Richie Ragutana travelled more than 6000 km so he could be the best brother and uncle to his nieces.
“My family is very important to me, so when my sister moved I wanted to be a good brother and make sure she was ok,” Richie said.
“I began visiting back in 2016 and loved Australia so much that I applied for a visa so that I could relocate permanently.”
Richie lived in Melbourne for a few years after completing further nursing studies.
While waiting for word on his visa application, he made a country change to be closer to his sister and nieces.
“I was so excited when my sister had her babies and as a new uncle, I wanted to be there for them both,” Richie said.
“I applied for a job at Gundagai MPS and worked a year causally before a permanent position came up at Cootamundra.
“I loved working in Gundagai so much, so when I saw that Cootamundra needed a nurse, I knew I could help.”
Richie’s passion for helping others first led to him completing his nursing qualifications in Manila (Philippines) in 2010, where his nursing career began.
“Nursing is such an important vocation, with many nurses doing the work of doctors in many developing nations,” Richie said.
“I loved working back home and helping people in Manila access quality healthcare.”
Richie stays in Cootamundra over the four days he is rostered to work and travels back to Gundagai to see his sister and nieces.
He doesn’t mind the 45-minute drive between the two towns, either.
“It’s really nice because I now feel like I have family in two hometowns,” he said.
Between these two country towns, life is complete. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, Richie plays basketball with his friends.
“We have set up a social competition and like to play each week to stay fit and have some fun,” he said.
Before his sister relocated to Australia in 2016, Richie had never heard of or travelled to regional towns like Cootamundra or Gundagai.
“I loved living in Manila, but it is a city of almost two million people so it can be very busy and crowded,” he said.
“Cootamundra and Gundagai are so peaceful. The people are really laid back and friendly and the traffic is really quiet.
“It is amazing to be a nurse in a county town.”
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