Sherwin Malenab calls himself the father of the Corryong Filipino community.
The 43-year-old was among the first Filipino families to settle in the regional town on the Victorian-New South Wales border in 2015, and since then the population has risen to about 20.
He became an Australian citizen last February and now intends to build a dream home in the town where he says there is safety, fresh air and a friend around every corner.
“The people are very nice, they are lovely people here in Corryong, and it’s good to raise kids especially for me as a father," he told SBS News.
"I love my family, that’s why I pursue my dream [to come here] to give them a good future.”
He came with his wife Fritzie to Corryong in 2015, leaving behind their daughter Seancai and son Symone with their grandparents in the Philippines.
Sherwin Malenab with his citizenship certificate Source: SBS/Abby Dinham
Fritzie says it was a hard move, but Corryong welcomed them with open arms.
“The people looks after us, we feel so welcome here in Corryong I am glad to stay here.”
A registered nurse back home, Fritzie had to undergo a course to transfer her qualifications to an Australian recognised degree. Sherwin also began a course in aged care, working nights at the supermarket and mornings picking vegetables.
The pair raised enough money to establish a home in Corryong, bring the children over, and start life again in a small country town.
But in the early hours of 31 December, their new home was under threat as Corryong was surrounded by several massive bushfires.
Springing into action, Sherwin and Fritzie gathered members of the local Filipino community at their house and took it in turns to watch the fire as it spread down Mount Mittamatite towards the town.
L-R: Symone, Sherwin, Fritzie and Seancai outside their home in Corryong. Source: SBS/Abby Dinham
Many were preparing to evacuate, but as a second firefront bore down on the hospital, Corryong Health, Sherwin decided to act.
"My friend," he said, "'Kuya' - that means big brother - 'Kuya don’t go there, it is very dangerous, the fire is very big'. I said, 'I need to go, I need to do something, because if no one does anything what will happen to this hospital and this community?'"
Fritzie says she was worried, but there was no stopping him.
Fires burning just 300 metres from Corryong's hospital Source: SBS/Abby Dinham
“I just saw him run into one of the utes with one of the hospital staff and I just said 'where is he going?'”
The staff member was Brian Smith, an experienced CFA firefighter and groundkeeper at the hospital.
He says while he had a ute and a 200-litre tank ready to fight the fire, he had no one to help him, until Sherwin showed up.
The pair drove into a neighbouring property to where the fire was burning through grasslands towards the hospital.
Sherwin Malenab and Brian Smith who together kept the fire front from reaching the hospital Source: SBS/Abby Dinham
From 4am until around 7am, the pair drove along the firefront, extinguishing the blaze that was being reignited by winds blowing in every direction.
Brian says the fire came within 300 metres of the hospital and they feared embers could drift onto the building’s roof.
“We were fending off a metre-high firefront as we left one area. We thought we put it out but it would restart, so for three hours it was intense.”
Thirty-seven residents of the facility's aged care unit were later evacuated.
CEO of Corryong Health Dominic Sandilands has commended the actions of the pair.
Sherwin Malenab and the vehicle used in putting out the fires that closed in on Corryong Health Source: Supplied by Danyal Syed
“Sherwin put his hand up right when Brian was looking around for a helper, and it was really wonderful,” he said.
“He’s a tremendous asset and now he’s taking a real lead role in the Filipino community.”
The experience has since inspired Sherwin to join the CFA.
Before coronavirus lockdown measures came into force in Corryong, he was taken on a tour of the town's fire station by the CFA’s Tony Cattermole.
Mr Cattermole says the Corryong CFA has about 16 active members, and would gladly welcome more before the next bushfire season.
His advice to Sherwin: "come sign up".
“Just meet people, meet the local members, meet the local brigade, and I’m sure he’d have a lot to offer as most people who do that volunteer.”
Sherwin Malenab gets a tour of the Corryong Fire Station Source: SBS/Abby Dinham
Sherwin’s actions have also been recognised by the Towong Shire Mayor David Wortmann.
“There were many heroes on that night, but to help save such a key piece of infrastructure in the town I can’t thank Sherwin enough,” he said.
His is one story of bravery from the many seen during Australia's unprecedented summer bushfire season, but it is one that has changed his life forever.
“I love to deal with the community,” Sherwin said.
“I want to help people everywhere.”
