The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Minister for Sport had the pleasure of honouring the presence of Her Excellency, Mrs. Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega, Ambassador of the Philippines in Australia at the Queensland Parliament House on Thursday 3 June.
Filipinos from various groups in Brisbane were warmly welcomed and joined in the afternoon tea. Those in attendance included Cecilia Somodio, President of the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland Inc (FAFQ) and her partner Mauro Somodio, founder of FAFQ; Nelson Salangsang, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines; Connie da Cunha, Founder and President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australia Philippines Inc., and Ace Tamayo from Littles Lawyers; and Ace Tamayo from Little Lawyers.
Minister Hincliffe recognised the contribution of the Filipino community to Queensland’s economic prosperity and multicultural diversity with their talents, good work ethics and rich culture.
Ambassador De La Vega is on an official visit in Brisbane since 1 June, and has also met with several Filipino organisations at a reception at the Philippine Multi Purpose Centre. The visit to Queensland forms part of the year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippine-Australia diplomatic relations.
