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My Australia Awards Story: A Transformative Experience
What are your most memorable experiences living and studying in Australia?
Living and studying in Australia was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. At the University of Melbourne, I learned alongside classmates from all over the world, which broadened my perspectives and strengthened my ability to approach development with empathy and inclusivity.
My most memorable moments, however, were shaped by community. As President of the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria, I helped create spaces where international students could connect through cultural festivals, peer-learning circles, sports, and music. Volunteering with organisations such as the Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) and OurDNA also gave me the chance to contribute to equity-focused projects and ensure diverse voices were heard.
Above all, I am proud of seeing Filipino culture celebrated in Victoria and of knowing that our stories and contributions are valued in a global community.
What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?
Australia is a great place for postgraduate education because it combines academic excellence with a global learning environment. At the University of Melbourne, I benefited from rigorous teaching while engaging with classmates from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my perspective. The country also offers strong student support, multicultural communities, and opportunities for leadership and volunteering. This balance of world-class education and real-world experience makes Australia an ideal place for international students to grow both academically and personally.
As Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?
As a Filipino scholar, I am most proud of carrying the Philippines with me in every space I entered. Graduating with First Class Honours from the University of Melbourne was a milestone that reflected both hard work and resilience. But what I value most are the moments when I saw our culture, creativity, and academic excellence celebrated in Victoria’s multicultural community. Through cultural events, academic collaborations, and volunteer work, I was able to show that Filipinos can excel not only in the classroom but also in leadership and community life. Most of all, I am proud to return home ready to give back and strengthen ties between the Philippines and Australia.
Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.
Transformative.
Empowered by your Australian education, how do you plan to make a difference in your field, community, or organisation in the Philippines?
Empowered by my Australian education, I plan to use what I have learned to promote inclusive and equitable development in the Philippines. Completing my Master of Development Studies (Gender and Development Specialisation) equipped me with both the technical grounding and the confidence to engage in complex policy and development work. Today, in my role at the Public-Private Partnership Center, I am applying these lessons by supporting government agencies and private partners to integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into infrastructure projects.
Beyond my organisation, I aim to spark wider conversations on how development should be people-centered and responsive to diverse needs. Over time, I hope to contribute to regional collaboration between Asia and Australia, ensuring that the spirit of partnership I experienced in Victoria translates into lasting impact for communities at home.
Ysrael Camacho completed his Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne in 2025. He is a training specialist at the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP).
