The Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) will be holding its 14th National Conference from 28 to 30 October 2016 in Toowoomba, Queensland.
The three-day national conference will celebrate 120 years of Filipino settlement in Australia. Coincidentally too, this year is also the 70th Anniversary of Philippine Australian diplomatic relations. “Celebrating such milestones, makes us realise how far we’ve come and how much, we Filipinos, have contributed to this country, we now call home,” said Aida Garcia, FILCCA President.
The FILCCA conference is held over two years and Filipinos from various organisations from all over Australia will be participating. Discussions will centre on issues that are of concern to the Filipino community in Australia. The event will be attended by Philippine and Australian government officials.
The conference is set against the lush greens of the City Golf Club at Toowoomba and will provide an excellent setting for those who want to unwind from their hectic work schedules. “Toowoomba was chosen as the location to reach out to Filipinos in regional areas,” said Garcia.
Conference topics
The conference will include topics such as: Domestic and Family Violence; Youth Leadership; Elderly Filipinos in the fast changing Digital World; Businesses and Entrepreneurs; “Romancing the Media”, a public relations Initiative and Regional Voices (Day 1).
The FILCCA Management is currently lining up prominent guest speakers, who are specialists in their fields to speak at the event and will be announced upon confirmation. Topics and speakers will be updated on the FILCCA site regularly.
Highlight of the conference is the Gala night to include the awarding of the Filipino-Australian Achievers. “We believe, that it is FILCCA’s role to recognise and commend those Filipino individuals and organisations that have excelled and contributed to the betterment of Filipino community in Australia,” said Garcia. Other awards will also be given for: Filipino-Australian Achiever, Leadership Award, The Youth Award and Filipino Australian organisation of the year. Deadline for nominations is on 15 August, 2016 and nomination forms are available from the State councils or from the FILCCA website – www.filcca.org.au
The 14th National Conference is hosted by the Filipino Communities Council of Queensland and proudly sponsored by Western Union, Toowoomba Council and Access Community Services Ltd.
FILCCA officers for 2014-2016 are: Aida Garcia – President (SA), Perlita Swinbank – Vice President External (ACT), Cecille Wheare – Vice President Internal (VIC), Roberto Lastica – Vice President Youth (NSW), Cynthia Caird – Secretary (SA), Serna Ladia – Treasurer (NSW), Dante Maribbay – PRO (WA). State Council Representatives are: Cynthia Caird – FSCC SA Inc, Dante Maribbay – PCC WA Inc, Perla Leutic – FCC Vic Inc, Mena Edmondstone – FCC Qld Inc, Florence Talbo Parker – Luzviminda, FCC Tas Inc, Kate Andres – PCC NSW Inc, Oscar Parian, FCC NT Inc and Cecilia Flores – PCC ACT Inc. and Elizabeth Garrett – Public Officer (ACT).
For further enquiries, please contact: Aida Garcia, FILCCA President on 0401 770 278 or email afgarcia@bigpond.com
