Filippo Mongiovi is a partner in a structural/civil engineering firm and lives in Melbourne with his wife and two children.

He’s originally from Valguarnera Caropepe, a small town in the province of Enna.

“It was a very wealthy town because there were so many clothing factories,” he said.

“Not anymore, all the factories have been relocated.

“Our area was called 'the mill of Rome' because in ancient Roman times a lot of olives and wheat were grown.”

Mongiovi’s departure was painful for his family.

“When I left, my mother started crying,” he recalled.

“She remembered Italians who came to Australia and did not return.

“So I always tried to come back every year. I would work two jobs and then buy my ticket to Italy.”

Filippo arrived in Australia in 1997, when he was 25 years of age. Initially, he came as a tourist because he wanted to improve his English.

He first travelled the country, then started working at a restaurant in Carlton to make ends meet.

At the time he was still studying engineering at the University of Catania, but immediately saw the opportunities Australia offered.

“In Italy everyone was worried about finding work after their studies,” he explained.

“I said to myself, 'instead of finishing my studies in Italy, I’ll finish them here, because this is a country where young people have so many opportunities’.”

Meanwhile, Mongiovi had met the woman who changed his life and later became his wife, causing him to extend his stay through the Working Holiday visa.

After 18 months of falling in love, they got married and it became clear that his life was to be in Australia.

Eventually Mongiovi obtained his permanent residency, then transferred his studies from Catania to RMIT University where he would finish his degree.

“My dream was to be able to practice as an engineer in Australia,” he said.

After leaving his restaurant gig he found another one at Woolworths as a warehouse worker, before working in the logistics control office.

This period of study and work was difficult to balance, with little room left for free time.

“It was hard, but I wanted to finish my studies for my mother,” he said.

“She made so many sacrifices so I could study and I owed her that.”

After finishing his master's degree, Mongiovi worked for an international engineering company for seven years.

Towards the end of his time there, he realised that he wanted to go his own way.

Soon after leaving he joined StructEng (Structural and Civil Engineers) as a partner.

He now works on residential, commercial and industrial buildings, with many of the projects he’s completed located in Melbourne’s CBD.

“It hasn't been easy,” Mongiovi admitted.

“All the projects I wanted to do, though, I did on my own.

“Without needing to be introduced by anyone or receiving any favours.”

Mongiovi believes there is a blueprint for success.

“If you are willing and committed, you can succeed,” he said.

“The thing I like most about Australia is that people appreciate you for who you are.

“They see you, or you introduce yourself, and they give you an opportunity.

Mongiovi’s worldview remains hopeful.

“You don't have to give up in life,” he said.

“If you have dreams and desires you have to hold on in the face of difficulties and eventually you succeed.”