Against the Odds: How Claidelyn Made Her Aussie Dream Happen
Chris O • December 15, 2025
Meet Claidelyn Marquez’s, one of our international nurses who made the journey from the Philippines to Broken Hill. Her story is honest, emotional, and it shows exactly what determination, sacrifice, and belief can look like when someone refuses to give up on their future. We hope this inspires any healthcare worker to take that next step toward the future they want, no matter how impossible it may seem today.
Choosing nursing - even when it wasn’t the obvious path
“I come from a family of engineers - everyone around me was in that world,” she says. “Choosing nursing made me different.” In the Philippines, nursing isn’t easy to get into. Only a small percentage of students make it through the entrance requirements.
But Claidelyn kept pushing. “I wasn’t the most confident student at first, but I kept going. Then I did a 3-month training in haemodialysis and decided to specialise. The more I learned, the more I realised this is where I belong.”
Why Australia?
Claidelyn always felt drawn to Australia - long before she ever had the chance to come here. “I always told myself I wanted to work in Australia. I preferred it over the US. Something about the lifestyle and the culture just felt right.”
But there was something deeper too. “My father always dreamed of seeing me build a life here. When he passed away, I felt like I needed to actualise that dream - for him and for myself.” So, she started saving every little bit she could. She also built a small online business to help fund the journey - exams, paperwork, travel, and training. “It was expensive. Really expensive. But I told myself, if I want this, I’ll find a way.”
Why Broken Hill?
Moving overseas is huge. Moving to regional Australia is even bigger. But for Claidelyn, Broken Hill just clicked.
“I researched so much about regional areas. Broken Hill stood out because it’s peaceful, low crime, friendly people, and a small community. I’m not a big city person. I love quiet and I love feeling safe. Broken Hill just felt right.”
Relocating to Australia is one thing but starting work in a brand-new healthcare system is another.
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Everything is new - the culture, the routines, the system. But I like challenges. I love experiencing new things. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
How Talent Quarter came into the picture
Like many international nurses, she found us online through Facebook. “I saw Lewis’s post, and something told me to message him. But first, I checked everything - rankings, credibility, if TQ was legit.” Then came the moment that stood out to her most: “Lewis replied FAST. Other agencies didn’t respond or take forever. Lewis helped me right away. That alone made me choose Talent Quarter and disregard any other agency.”
“The onboarding process with TQ was really fast. So fast! I finished most of the paperwork in just a week. Lewis kept me updated every step of the way; he was really accommodating too. If they needed something, they told me immediately. It was a smooth process.”
Securing the contract - and that moment everything clicked
She laughs remembering it. “I screamed! Literally screamed. Then I told my husband right away. We were both so happy! It felt like things were finally falling into place.” None of this would be possible without her husband’s support and the dream of giving their son a brighter future. She misses them every day, but they’ll be together again soon - and she’s counting down the days.
Her message to other international nurses
“Keep going. Don’t let doubts - especially other people’s doubts - stop you. People told me I’d never get PR, that it was too hard, or that I’d just waste money. But I planted a seed. I prepared the soil. I worked really hard. And most importantly… I had faith. Faith in myself. Faith in timing. Faith that the universe would open the right doors. If you want to take a similar journey, don’t give up. It is possible.”
A final note from us at Talent Quarter
Stories like Claidelyn’s remind us why international nurses are so special. Behind every placement is a human being who has sacrificed, worked, hoped, and believed. We’re honoured to be part of her story - and we can’t wait to support the next one. If you're an international nurse dreaming of your own Australian journey, we’d love to help.
Reach out to Lewis Dew via LinkedIn or email him on lewis.dew@talentquarter.com
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Approximately one in five Australians live with disability as per the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The festive season can be fun, but for many young people and individuals living with disability, Christmas can also feel a little overwhelming - as you probably know! Changes to routine, busy environments and heightened emotions can make this time of year challenging. As support workers, it’s often the really small but thoughtful things that make the biggest difference. Here are a few tips for this time of year. You might already know (and do) many of these, but they’re always worth keeping in mind. Stick to Familiar Routines Where You Can Even small changes can feel big during Christmas. Where possible, keep routines consistent and give plenty of notice when things need to change. Clear communication and preparation can go a long way. Watch for Sensory Overload For some people with autism spectrum disorder, meeting new people, loud music, crowded spaces and bright decorations can be overwhelming. Due to the nature of Christmas, social situations are difficult to avoid, but putting the right strategies in place can help make Christmas more enjoyable for everyone. Offering quieter spaces, lowering noise levels, or supporting the use of headphones or sensory tools can help people feel more comfortable. Let Choice Lead the Way Not everyone wants to celebrate in the same way-and that’s okay. Give the people you support the choice to join in, take a break, or opt out altogether. Feeling in control helps reduce stress. Think About Accessibility Early Whether it’s a community outing or a small activity at home, making sure spaces are accessible and suitable helps prevent unnecessary pressure and keeps things running smoothly. Additionally, if some activities such as driving around to see Christmas lights prove to be challenging for guests with mobility issues, consider choosing a different activity that is more accessible. Check In and Keep It Real Christmas can bring up mixed emotions. A simple check-in, a listening ear, or a calm presence can make a real difference during this busy time. Focus on What Matters Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. Meaningful moments, genuine connection and a sense of inclusion matter far more than sticking to a set plan or ticking boxes. For the people you support, feeling safe, respected and understood is often more important than participating in every activity or tradition. Taking the pressure off expectations and meeting people where they’re at can help create moments that feel calm, positive and truly meaningful-whatever Christmas looks like for them. At Talent Quarter , we’re proud of our youth and disability support workers who show up with empathy, flexibility and professionalism - especially during high-demand periods like Christmas. Your work helps create inclusive, supportive environments where people feel safe and valued. We would love to also thank you for the care, patience and compassion you show every day—especially during this busy time of year. Supporting young people and individuals living with disability takes a very special kind of pers on, and your work does not go unnoticed. You are truly appreciated! Looking after yourself is also important! If you are concerned about your mental health, call Lifeline for free 24/7 counselling support on 13 11 14. Alternatively, you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit the Beyond Blue website for an online chat.
We know that Aged Care recruitment is about more than filling roles, it’s about dignity, respect, and making sure the right people are in the right place to deliver safe, compassionate care. To shine a light on this important part of healthcare, we spoke with Alexiss Macneil, our Head of Aged Care , about why this work matters, how the sector is evolving, and what sets Talent Quarter apart. Q: Alexiss, what first drew you into Aged Care recruitment? For me, it comes down to two things: people and purpose. Aged Care recruitment stood out to me because it isn’t just about jobs - it’s about supporting organisations that care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Knowing that the right placement can directly impact the quality of life for residents and their families which makes my role in this incredibly meaningful. Q: How has the Aged Care sector changed in recent years? Aged Care is changing on 1 November 2025 with the new rights-based Aged Care Act , which puts older people’s dignity, choice and supported decision-making at the centre - backed by stronger Quality Standards and better whistleblower protections. At the same time, Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. The person receiving care will be paying for the services they use, with contributions set using age-pension-style means testing (income + assets), and “no-worse-off” protections for anyone who was in the Home Care Package queue before 12 September 2024. For providers, the bar is higher: clearer obligations, sharper accountability, safer, more people-centred care. The challenge is workforce. That’s where Talent Quarter comes in - supplying compliant, compassionate nurses and care workers you can rely on across residential and in-home care. Our focus is simple: trust, safety and dignity in every placement. As these reforms come into effect, facilities will need people they can rely on, and nurses and care workers will see clearer pathways and new opportunities, whether in residential facilities or in home-based care. I see our role here as helping both providers and carers thrive in these new circumstances. Q: What makes Talent Quarter’s approach different? I don’t see recruitment as transactional; I spend a lot of time building long-term partnerships. While I think our approach is solutions-focused: we look beyond workforce gaps to truly understand the culture and compliance needs of each institution. Whether it’s permanent, temporary, or international recruitment, we take pride in making sure our support is tailored for both clients and healthcare staff. We want our clients to feel confident they have the right people, at the right time. Speed, compliance, and cultural alignment aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re essentials. Q: Why is trust so important in Aged Care recruitment? Providers are caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, mums, dads, grandparents, people who deserve to feel safe and respected every single day. In Aged Care, there is simply no room for shortcuts, because every placement touches a real life. That’s why trust is everything. Recruitment partners need rigorous compliance processes, of course, but they also need to be compassionate advisors who understand what’s at stake. At Talent Quarter, we never forget the human side of what we do. We build trust not just through transparency and consistency, but by treating every placement as if we were choosing care for our own loved ones we call this #connectionswithimpact. Q: There are still misconceptions about Aged Care. How do you change the narrative? Aged Care nursing is so often misunderstood. It’s not ‘just basic care’, it’s leadership, it’s advocacy, it’s problem-solving in moments that really matter. It’s being the bridge between residents, their families, and the wider healthcare team. The way we change that narrative is by telling the real stories - shining a light on the skill, compassion, and resilience of Aged Care professionals. We need to celebrate their work, highlight their voices, and remind the community that they’re not just providing care, they’re creating dignity, belonging, and home. When people hear those stories, the perception starts to shift. Q: What does a successful placement look like for you? For me, a successful placement is never about filling a vacancy quickly - it’s about finding the right fit. On the candidate side, it means a nurse or care worker steps into a role where they feel truly valued, supported, and able to grow. It’s seeing them thrive, build confidence, and deliver the best possible care because they’re in an environment that is best suited for them. For our clients, success looks like having a reliable team member who integrates well, strengthens culture, and stays for the long term. The way we get there at Talent Quarter is through empathy and communication, listening to what candidates truly want in their careers, understanding what clients really need, and building genuine partnerships that bring both together. Q: What keeps you motivated in this challenging sector? Honestly, it’s the impact we have on people’s lives. When a nurse or care worker finds the right role, they’re not only supported to thrive, but the people they care for feel that impact too. That ripple effect from candidates to clients to the communities they serve - is what inspires me every day. For me, that’s what our TQ slogan #connectionswithimpact is all about. Your Scottish accent is a bit of a trademark here at TQ! If you had to give us one Scottish phrase, what would it be? I’d say ‘Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye’ - which means” what’s meant for you won’t pass you by.” I love it because it’s a reminder that the right opportunity always comes around - and in recruitment, that couldn’t be more true!
Your Nursing Career, Your Way: A Q&A with Zoe Cooke from Talent Quarter Thinking about your next nursing role? Whether you’re craving more flexibility, dreaming of a rural adventure, or ready for a permanent position that offers stability, Zoe our Team Lead at Talent Quarter understands exactly what you need . With years of experience supporting nurses across Australia, Zoe has come to understand the pressures you face and the opportunities that can take your career to the next level. Here’s Zoe’s advice on finding work that fits your lifestyle and how our Refer a Friend program helps you and your colleagues thrive together. Zoe, when you speak with nurses, what are the biggest reasons they start looking for a new role? Most nurses I talk to want better work–life balance, fairer rosters, or the chance to grow their skills in a different clinical setting. For nurses working rural or remote, the need for variety and adventure is huge, they want to experience new communities and still make a real impact. When I hear that, I try to match them with opportunities that fit those goals, whether that’s flexible shifts close to home or a permanent position. At Talent Quarter we’ve built connections across Australia, so I can explore options that give nurses the flexibility or fresh experience they’re after without them having to navigate it all alone. What do you hear most often about what Nurses really want, is it flexibility, culture or something else? Flexibility comes up first almost every time - nurses want to decide when and where they work so they can actually have some balance between their professional and personal lives. Culture. You want to feel respected and supported by your team and management. Career growth is another big driver, especially for anyone looking to build experience across specialties or move into leadership. Outside of those, I think there are other things that get overlooked that make a big difference like: Predictable rosters so you can plan family time and life outside of work. Access to mentoring and CPD to keep skills growing and careers moving forward. A supportive team that has your back when a shift gets tough – we know this happens all too often. Wellbeing support - from mental-health resources to managers who genuinely listen and care. When I’m helping someone plan their next role, those extra pieces really guide the conversation. Together we look for roles that tick the boxes on flexibility, culture, and development, but also give you a sense of belonging and the right kind of support so you can thrive in the long run. From your perspective, what makes a permanent role especially attractive to nurses right now? Security and consistency are definitely appealing. A permanent role gives you a steady income, benefits, and the chance to really feel part of a team and a community. For some nurses it also opens doors to structured professional development and clearer career pathways into senior or leadership roles. That said, I know permanent work isn’t for everyone! Shift and agency nursing offer incredible flexibility and variety, and those options are just as valuable. What I try to do here at TQ, is help nurses explore which path fits their goals and lifestyle, whether that’s the stability of a permanent role or the freedom of casual and contract work. It’s about finding the environment where you can grow, feel supported, and deliver the best care, whatever shape that takes for you. Referrals seem to play a big role in nursing recruitment. Why do they matter so much, and what would you say to a nurse who has a friend or colleague thinking about their next move? Referrals are huge in nursing because the profession is built on trust. When a nurse recommends TQ, it carries real weight. Many of my favourite success stories began when a nurse joined us through a friend’s recommendation and thrived in a role that truly fit. If you have a colleague thinking about a change, I’d love to chat. As a thank-you, we’re offering a $500 referral bonus when your friend completes a four-week placement. The bonus is a nice extra, but the real reward is helping someone you care about find a role where they’ll feel supported and valued. That sense of community is what makes nursing special, and it’s the heart of how we work at Talent Quarter, that’s what we mean by #connectionswithimpact. Beyond filling jobs, how do you help nurses grow their careers, and what advice would you give someone thinking about their next step? For me, recruitment isn’t just about the next shift - it’s about the long game. At Talent Quarter we offer support that helps nurses build a career, not just find a role, including: CPD platform for career-long learning and compliance. Compliance support to make credentialing smooth and stress-free. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential mental-health and wellbeing support. 24/7 workforce support so there’s always someone to turn to. My best advice? Be open to new opportunities and take the leap! Every time you step outside your comfort zone you gain skills, confidence, and connections that can move your career forward faster than you expect. Whether you’re ready for a new role yourself or know a colleague who is, I’d love to have a conversation, sometimes that first chat is all it takes to discover the next great move. Ready to explore current opportunities? Discover our latest nursing vacancies here , and see where your next role could take you. #connectionswithimpact in Action When you introduce another nurse to us at TQ, you’re not just helping them find a role that fits their life - you’re strengthening the entire nursing community. I’m not here just to fill shifts, I see myself as a career partner, not just a recruiter. That means I’m really invested in your journey, I’ll listen to your goals, give you honest advice, and stay in touch well beyond your placement. At TQ, I think our focus on wellbeing, professional development, and community connection is what really sets us apart. 📩 Ready for your next role or know a great nurse who’s looking? Connect with Zoe toda y and ask about our Refer a Friend program.
