The Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) joined the whole of Australia celebrate Australia Day last January 26, 2015 through its affiliate State Councils, participated in state/local parades and other activities. FILCCA wishes to congratulate the Filipino honourees.
Ms Maria-Lourdes Doronilla, known to many as Noonee for being awarded Australia’s highest civilian honours, the distinguished Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her 30 years of service to the community through social welfare and cultural organisations by the Governor-General in Victoria and the ACT. She has a strong passion and commitment to social justice issues not only to the Filipino community but also globally.
FILCCA national President, Atty. Aida Garcia, was awarded the Citizen of the Year 2015 award by the National Australia Day Council through the Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield Council Gary Johanson last 20 January 2015 for her long service to the Filipino community in Australia and the Philippines as the national President, more particularly the relief assistance extended to the victims of the Bohol earthquake and Haiyan super typhoon.
Congratulations to all the Filipinos who became Australian citizens in recent months. The decision must have been difficult to relinquish one’s Filipino citizenship but the Philippine dual citizenship law now allows new Australian citizens to re-acquire their Filipino citizenship and still remain an Australian citizen.
FILCCA’s appointed Global Commissioner, Mena Edmondstone (Qld) and PRO, Dante Maribbay (WA) attended the 3rd Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora on February 25-27 at the Manila Hotel, Philippines. Other Australian delegations from other state affiliates were also in attendance. Mena and Dante will report outcome of the Global Summit on their return.
FILCCA’s 2014-2016 elected officers’ plan for the future includes the Filipino youth and the aging population, particularly the pension portability; the Drive for Justice on Cold Cases and the 457 Advocacy Committee; and the FILCCARD Emergency Fund has been activated. FILCCA will continue to advocate for Filipinos locally through its affiliate councils. Any questions can be directed to the President and or Secretary, Filipino Community Council of Australia Inc through afgarcia@bigpond.com. Visit FILCCA’s website www.filcca.org.au for more information on the organisation.
