Interview by Violi Calvert
Recording by Andrew Russell

Thirty-two year old Starski Madrilejos, a Filipino international student, arrived in Melbourne on June 26, 2022.   He is on Student Visa to undertake a course in Cookery which will be finished in November 2024.  He moved to Bundoora on July 5 and has recently been hired to work part-time in a Korean restaurant as kitchen hand.  He was very happy that everything seemed all aligned to his plans to give his family a better life.

Oh, yes Starski is his real first name – his mother named him after the character of “Starsky and Hutch” their favourite cop tv series when he was born.  He hails from Mandaluyong City and has an older brother.  He completed a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant  Management at the Dominican College in San Juan City.  Before coming to Australia, he worked in a restaurant as a front liner.  He is married to Donna Fe Yu, 30 years old and they have a son Isaiah Kence who is turning three years old in September.

Barely more than two weeks of his arrival, Starski and family lost their family home and contents in a fire.  All that were saved were the clothes that his wife and son had on their back.  Starski is appealing for help to get back up on their feet, with his undertaking that in due course, he will pay forward the help.   If you are able to help, no amount is small, here are his bank details:  PayID:  0476176545; Starski Madrilejos.