Filipino community leaders from across Australia gathered at the Gold Coast, Queensland, for the 17th Biennial Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) National Conference and Gala, held from 10 to 12 October 2025 at the Sea World Conference Centre.
With the theme “A Sustainable and Thriving Future: Unified, Creative and Collaborative,” the three-day conference united Filipino-Australian organisations nationwide in a powerful celebration of leadership, culture, and community.
Opening and Community Leaders Forum
The conference opened with the Welcome Reception and Community Leaders Forum, hosted by Richard Agtarap and featuring a performance by the Filipino-Australian Community of Gold Coast Inc. The national anthems were led by Andress Obenza, followed by opening remarks from FILCCA President Agnes Cabe and a welcome message from Hon. Tom Tate, Mayor of Gold Coast.
Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales delivered an address on strengthening the Filipino diaspora. Other speakers included Melissa Mendizabal (Labor Attaché, Migrant Workers Office–Canberra), Lindsey Mercado and Celine Shaira Del Monte (Commission on Filipinos Overseas), and Atty. Sheryll Lucille Gabutero, Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland. An open forum was facilitated by Rina Villaluna, followed by cultural performances by the Gold Coast Filipino Australian Performing Arts Ensemble and entertainment from Gauss Obenza.
Plenary and Keynote Sessions
The plenary session on Saturday, 11 October, opened with Gauss Obenza performing the national anthem and a welcome address by Hon. Rob Molhoek MP, Chair of Queensland’s Parliamentary Health, Environment and Innovation Committee.
Ambassador Morales, Hon. Hermann Vorster MP, and Premier David Crisafulli (represented by Vorster) delivered keynote messages affirming support for multicultural leadership.
The morning continued with an impressive roster of speakers including Hon. Carmen Garcia AM (CEO, Community Corporate & Honorary Consul for South Australia) on social innovation and sustainability; Mr. Paul Antonio, former Mayor of Toowoomba, on inclusive regional leadership; and Consul General Gary Domingo, who shared insights on Filipino identity, community empowerment, and the importance of mentoring the next generation.
In his address, Domingo redefined “international cooperation” as grassroots collaboration and mentorship. Through the launch of the Volunteer Ambassadors Program (VAMBA), he called on Filipino-Australians to take active roles in civic and community life—fostering unity, representation, and the spirit of “bee mentality,” where individuals support one another to build thriving, connected communities that produce “many hives of honey.”
Rafael Toda, President of the Australia Philippines Business Council, highlighted economic opportunities for bilateral trade, while Melissa Mendizabal, Lindsey Mercado, and Celine Shaira Del Monte outlined updates from the DMW and CFO.
Afternoon sessions featured Hon. Gim del Villar KC, Solicitor-General for Queensland; Dr. Maria Mares, representing the Filipino Nursing Diaspora; Madeleine Modina, Corporate Safety Advisor; Julie Jago, from Australian Skilled Migration; and Terri Lynam, General Manager of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, who spoke about diversity and inclusion in sport.
Gala and Awards Night
The 17th Biennial Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) Gala and Awards Night was hosted by Jenina Lui and Rachel Bernabe, with vibrant cultural performances by the Kalinangan Dance Troupe. Distinguished guests and speakers included Hon. Senator James McGrath, Ambassador Morales, Hon. Luke Gosling OAM MP, and Honorary Consul Gabutero, each highlighting the significance of Filipino-Australian contributions to the nation’s social and cultural fabric.
Outstanding Community Organisation Award 2025 was presented to the Filipino Language School of Canberra (ACT), Association of Samar and Leyte of WA Inc., and Sto. Niño Association of Campbelltown & Macarthur Inc. (NSW).
Filipino Australian Leadership Award 2025 recognised Heidi Davie (QLD), Jenina Lui (NSW), Dr Joy Penman (SA), Roxanne Sarthou (VIC), Fatima Reyes-Della Verde (SA), Emcille Lim Wills (NT), Jenny Rose Ryall (WA), Cynthia Duggan (WA), Josefa Gasendo (ACT), Roma Filipino Community Inc. (QLD), Give Love Inc. (VIC), and Filipinos iConnect SA Inc.
Filipino Australian Youth Achiever Award 2025 honoured Ziah Chandie Villacencio (WA), Louie Galman (QLD), Marie Satorre Salazar (NSW), Elijah Dijamco (VIC), and Ashlee Golding (SA).
Filipino Australian of the Year 2025 was awarded to Carmen Garcia (SA), recognising her national leadership and advocacy. Other nominees were Roxanne Sarthou (VIC), Tara McWilliams (NSW), and James Mangohig (NT).
Filipino Australian Senior Excellence Award 2025 recognised Dante Maribbay (WA), Agnes Maddock (QLD), Aida Garcia (SA), Cr. Dorothy Del Villar (NSW), and Esperanza “Fe” Galindo (VIC) for their lifelong service and leadership.
Filipino Australian Achiever Award 2025 celebrated the accomplishments of Jason Cordi (VIC), Ofilia Leadbeater (WA), Gim Del Villar KC (QLD), Kimberley Hodgson (QLD), Lucia Cyntia Rago (ACT), Novy Bereber (NSW), and Dr Jelina Haines (SA).
Special, Pioneer, and Legacy Awards were also presented, including plaques of recognition for media organisations The Philippine Times, UNTV Networks, SBS Filipino, and The Philippine Community Herald Newspaper. FILCCA Board Members were acknowledged for their service, while Pioneer Pillar Awards were presented to past presidents who served between 1990 and 2005.
FILCCA Pioneer Awardees are Marina Garcia-Ruivivar, Founding President of FILCCA, Kate Andres, Jing Sosa, Jess Diaz, Orlando Vargas OAM, Ernesto Demate, Malyn Andres-Chun, Florence Talbo Parker, Marisa Vedar, and Dante Maribbay.
Finally, the FILCCA Legacy Award recognised the long-standing leadership and contribution of Mena Edmondstone, Roberto Garcia, Fiori Cruz, Reena Gabutero-Johnson and Agnes Whiten AM.
New Leadership for 2025–2027
The FILCCA National Executive Board Election was held on Sunday, 12 October, with former president Ricardo “Ric” De Vera administering the oath of office.
The newly elected officers are:
• Roxanne Sarthou (VIC) – President
• Elsa Collado (NSW) – Vice President, External
• Cristina Thomson (WA) – Vice President, Internal
• Jenina Lui (NSW) – Vice President, Youth Affairs
• Arjee Renaud (VIC) – Secretary
• Ofilia Leadbeater (WA) – Treasurer
• Emcille Wills (NT) – Public Relations Officer
• Rachel Bernabe (ACT) – Appointed PRO
• Kotch Velasquez (ACT) – Public Officer
• Agnes Cabe (QLD) – Immediate Past President
Member organisations include the Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI), Filipino-Australian Business, Industry & Communities Council of QLD Inc (FABICCQ), Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCCNSW), Filipino Settlement Coordinating Council SA Inc (FSCCSA), Filipino Australian Association of the Northern Territory (FAANT), Filipino Community Council of ACT (FCCACT), and the Filipino Community Council of Western Australia (FCCWA).
A Renewed Vision
As FILCCA marks its 35th year, the conference reaffirmed its mission to foster sustainability, unity, and collaboration across Australia’s Filipino communities—paving the way for a stronger, more connected future.
