Kateryna finds sanctuary from city living in the hills

“It’s such a nice community, and being surrounded by nature makes it even better”

testFor Ukraine-born linguist and German citizen Kateryna Panasenko, becoming an Australian citizen marks the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new chapter.


Kateryna had never given much thought to Australia beyond its iconic beaches and kangaroos. But in 2017, she made a quick decision to apply for an Australian working visa, bringing her halfway across the world to WA’s Pilbara region.


“I had travelled a lot in Europe - from Ukraine to Germany and lived in Spain in high school and later Paris, France when I decided to work on improving my English. I thought Australia sounded like a lovely sunny place, so I decided to apply,” Kateryna explained.


It was here in Australia that Kateryna met her fiancé, Grey. After travelling together, the couple decided to settle down, purchasing a property in Mount Helena in 2024.


“Grey and I wanted more space and land, and Mount Helena felt perfect. I grew up in the city, but living in the hills is so peaceful and relaxing - especially coming home after a long day at work,” she said.


Kateryna has embraced her new community, enjoying horse riding in nearby Gidgegannup and the welcoming Hills lifestyle.


“It’s such a nice community, and being surrounded by nature makes it even better,” she said.


Now, as an Australian citizen, and working locally as an aviation protection team leader, Kateryna feels a sense of relief and excitement. “There are so many more work opportunities here, and after years of travel and study, it feels wonderful to finally call Mount Helena home,” she said.


Kateryna’s journey is a testament to the power of taking chances - and finding a place to belong.


Kateryna received her citizenship certificate along with 32 other locals at the Shire of Mundaring Citizenship and Awards ceremony January 2025.


Home is the ‘great outdoors’ for Hill’s area resident Andrew Gribben

“This is my home and has been since 2011 - which is now almost 14 years. Being accepted here means the world to me, this is where I have my feet in the soil”

For one of our newest Australian citizens and someone who is ‘all about the outdoors’, finding their little piece of the hills in Stoneville to call home, was a dream for Geologist Andrew Gribben, his wife Ellice and their young family.

Andrew, who moved from New Zealand, recalls what first attracted the family to the area and to moving to Australia.

“I really started to look at Mundaring Weir and had a pint at the local pub with friends and thought how amazing it was. It doesn’t feel like you are in the city, it’s a real escape. Being from a small town in New Zealand, the community is really strong and it feels similar.”

Andrew and his family moved to Stoneville, excited at the opportunity to enjoy a larger block and all that the hills community had to offer.

“We have half an acre - chickens, a whole bunch of bandicoots running around, 20 types of fruit trees, a big ‘vege’ garden and we make our own tomato sauce that we give to our friends”.

For Andrew, the offer of Australian citizenship and the chance to connect to the Australian outdoor lifestyle is deeply meaningful.

“This is my home (Australia) and has been since 2011 - which is now almost 14 years. Being accepted here means the world to me, this is where I have my feet in the soil”, Andrew explained.

It does mean a lot be an Australian and the opportunities are exponential - if you work hard, things can happen for you. We see ourselves bringing our family up in the hills”.
Andrew’s wife Ellice is looking forward to her citizenship, and is still in the process of applying.

Andrew and his two sons Jimmy (5) and Fergus (2) received their Australian citizenship officially at the Shire’s Citizenship and Awards ceremony January 2025.

Image: Andrew with his 4WD at home, supplied by Andrew Gribben


Mark and Fayanna Sowerby - A reluctant move turns into a dream Chidlow life

“The way of life here was just easy. WA is it - there’s the rest of Australia and the best of Australia.”

Chidlow couple Mark and Fayanna Sowerby recently celebrated a significant milestone as they officially became Australian citizens at the Shire of Mundaring Citizenship and Awards Ceremony in 2025.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a journey decades in the making – and one that began reluctantly at least for Fayanna.

Mark originally lived in Australia during the 1980s before returning to New Zealand, where he met Fayanna and they fell in love.

For years, he dreamed of coming back to Australia, but it took 27 years to convince Fayanna to make the move.

Fayanna’s first visit to Australia wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Arriving during a heatwave and staying in a house without air conditioning, she found the experience less than appealing. However, Mark’s love for Australia never wavered.

“I always wanted to be an Aussie,” Mark had said. “The way of life here was just easy. WA is it - there’s the rest of Australia and the best of Australia.”

Life kept them busy in New Zealand, especially after the Christchurch earthquake, which kept Mark’s construction company tied up with repairs for nearly a decade. Finally, in 2018, they made the move, purchasing a five-acre property in Chidlow.

For Mark and Fayanna, Chidlow quickly became home. “It is such an awesome community in Chidlow - everyone is on the same page. All our neighbours became our best friends.”

Their property, complete with chooks, dogs, and a beautiful backyard pool, now welcomes travellers from around the world with Fayanna looking after a small airbnb business.

When the much-loved couple are not busy with their businesses they volunteer - working with OzHarvest, Foodbank and their church, collecting and packaging food hampers for locals in need.

With their children, Alannah and Harley in their 30s and two grandchildren to dote on, Mark and Fayanna remain deeply connected to their community.

“We were so blessed to be here,” Fayanna said, “This is home, and now it’s official.”


From Canada to the foothills - Scott is ‘officially’ home in Helena Valleynull

“Helena Valley just kept calling us back”

The Shire of Mundaring’s Citizenship and Awards ceremony in January 2025 marked a special milestone for Helena Valley resident Scott Thompson as he officially became an Australian citizen.

For Scott, the ceremony signified more than a piece of paper; it represented a sense of belonging and permanence after years of moving around the world.

Born in Canada, Scott spent his childhood in Northern Ireland before moving to New Zealand as a teenager. In 2012, he and his wife decided to leave New Zealand in search of better opportunities and a change in lifestyle.

“It was hard to find good work in New Zealand, and my wife at the time wanted to move,” Scott explained.

With experience in healthcare, Scott applied for jobs and eventually landed a role in Perth, where the lifestyle immediately resonated with him.

“Australia feels like New Zealand. It’s very easy to settle here - it’s familiar, but with better weather and more opportunities”.

Scott, after a year of renting in Bassendean, wanted a block of land and kept returning to the idea of Helena Valley.

“Helena Valley just kept calling us back,” he shared.

I am not a big city person - this suburb is quite rural, even with lots of kangaroos hopping around at night, but also close enough to the CBD and work”.

Now a father to four-year-old Ocean, Scott’s connection to the area has only deepened.

“Being a scuba diving instructor, I named my son Ocean and it really suits him. He loves the water, and we spend a lot of time fishing, scuba diving, and exploring together. It’s a great place to raise a family and be part of a community.” 

Scott expressed gratitude for the opportunities Australia had provided and excitement about the future.

“This is where I’ve built my life, where my son is growing up, and where I feel like I belong. People connect to where they live and this is such a nice little place,” he said.

Image: Scott with his dog Eddie Boy, supplied by Scott Thompson