The Philippines and Australia are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, with celebrations to be held in both Australia and the Philippines.
With the support of the Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Ma. Hellen Dela Vega, the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne established a core group of community leaders who expressed interest to organise events in Victoria to celebrate this important milestone.
Members of the steering committee have endorsed a team consisting of Melba Waugh of the Bridge Builders for Australasia Inc, and Walter Villagonzalo who is a former Wyndham City Councillor. Together they have organised the Australian BBQ and Lechon Festival & Competition to be held on the official anniversary date of 22 May.
The Australian BBQ and Lechon Festival & Competition – Event details
The Australian BBQ and Lechon Festival & Competition will run from 10am to 4pm outdoors at the new Wyndham Park along Watton Street, Werribee which has a capacity of 2000 people. A large turnout will be expected for this much awaited FREE event which will attract a diverse crowd of Filipinos, Australians and those of other cultural backgrounds alike to celebrate this milestone between Australia and the Philippines.
Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo and Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap have been invited to attend, along with the local Mayor and Councillors of Wyndham, and Sarah Conolly MP. They will join organisations and Filipinos from far and wide to celebrate this milestone between Australia and the Philippines.
Registrations are now open for vendors, competitors, and performers
Join the competition!
“Everyone is invited to form a team and enter the competition – and win handsome prizes. Everybody is invited to come join the Festival and taste BBQ from different parts of the world,” says Walter Villagonzalo.
Five Competition Categories which everyone can join are:
- Best Lechon
- Best Any Meat BBQ
- Best Practice / Teamwork (will receive Mayor’s Trophy)
- Best Marquee
- Best in Wild West Costume
As part of the Best Lechon and Best Any Meat BBQ competitions, there will be cash prizes for the winners:
- 1st – $1000
- 2nd – $700
- 3rd – $300
Vendors
Businesses who would like to have a marquee may also register as soon as possible to ensure they have a space to promote their business at this event. Contact Melba Waugh (Event Chairperson) on 0403 007 950.
Performers
Singers and dancers who are interested to perform may contact Cyfly Mil of BC Entertainment & Promotion on 0413 038 059.
Partners
Aside from BBFA and PUSO, also supporting to ensure this event is a success are TEAMS, The Migrant Hub, FilOz Western Region, Australian Council of Multicultural Entrepreneurs (ACME), Davawenyo Victoria Inc., BC Event & Promotion, with the following Media Sponsors: The Philippine Times, Radio Pilipino 3ZZZ, Pinoy Ako Pinoy Tayo, Radyo ng Barangay.
This event is backed with approved funding from the Victorian State Government. BBFA and PUSO have combined their grants, totalling $9500, with Council of Australian-Filipino Organizations of VIC, Inc (CAFOVI) also contributing grant funding of $2500 for this occasion.
For more details, contact:
- Melba Waugh (Event Chairperson): 0403 007 950
- Jojo Genato: 0412 144 832
- Walter Villagonzalo: 0422 452 019
- Myrna Ysais: 0421 111 774
- Lulu Lorenzo: 0431 541 137
