The Government of South Australia has appointed Carmen Garcia, the first-ever Filipino-Australian to become a member of South Australian Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC) for the period of 1 July 2021 until 30 June 2024.
Premier Steven Marshall announced the 15 newly appointed members of the said Commission which consists of different nationalities residing in SA. Carmen Garcia, the only Filipina in the SAMEAC, is a Filipino-Australian from Adelaide who advocates for refugees, migrants, and social entrepreneurship, as well as women’s rights.
Ms. Garcia is the Chief Executive Officer and the Founder of Community Corporate — an award winning social enterprise which won National Enterprise of the Year at the 2021 Australian Small Business Champions Awards. She is also the President of FILCCA – Filipino Communities Council of Australia and she was awarded the Governor’s Multicultural Award for Individual Outstanding Achievement in 2019. Garcia is one of the Filipino community leaders in Australia who’s making steps in order to ensure the welfare of Filipino community in the country. She is currently completing a Master of Business Administration from Australian Institute of Business.
“It’s a privilege to serve and advance multiculturalism in South Australia. I am honoured to represent my Filipino community and increase the visibility and recognition of our communities contribution to social and economic prosperity,” said Garcia.
“Advancing support and engagement for youth and women has always been close to my heart and I am passionate about enabling women, particularly Filipino women who are the life managers in most families to have greater access to support and networks,” she adds.
SAMEAC is a multicultural commission that helps the SA Government to support the growth of existing multicultural communities in the area. Established in 1980 under the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Act, SAMEAC focuses on strengthening and achieving an open and inclusive intercultural community in South Australia.
The members were appointed, following the recent expressions of interest process and they are set to be members of SAMEAC for the next three years. Know more about SAMEAC here:
