Filipino-Australian community leaders and members came together to represent their heritage at the highly celebrated 2025 New South Wales Premier’s Harmony Dinner, held at the Grand Ballroom of the International Convention Centre on 12 March 2025.
The event, attended by around 1,600 people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds — including politicians, businesses, and media — was hosted by the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, with NSW Premier the Hon. Christopher John Minns MP in attendance.
Thirteen outstanding individuals received the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals, honoured for their embodiment of resilience, inclusivity, and unity. Additionally, five individuals were posthumously inducted into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll for their invaluable contributions to the community.
“This is one of the largest multicultural celebrations in the state, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate, find common ground and maintain a strong foundation for social cohesion in NSW.”, Hon Kamper MP said.
The Filipinos, however, did not have any representation on the honourees’ list for this year’s event.
Filipino-Australian recipient of the 2024 Dr. G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal, Mr. Manuel Bermejo Castillo OAM, delivered a heartfelt message to his kababayans:
“It’s high time for our Filipino-Australian community to be united and build lasting community projects. Where there is unity, there is strength. What we need are visionary leaders who are planners, committed project and results-oriented.”
Ms Castillo was also the former President of the Philippine Australian Sports and Culture (PASC) from 1977 to 2015. PASC organises Australia’s biggest and longest-running Filipino Community Festival, the Fiesta Kultura, usually held on Labour Day in Fairfield Showground.
Former President of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and incumbent President of Lakas Filipina Inc., Dr Elsa Collado said, “Harmony Day reminds us that our strength as Filipino-Australians lies in unity, respect, and shared purpose. Let’s continue to celebrate our heritage, contribute to the communities we call home, and stand as proud advocates for inclusivity and understanding. Together, we build bridges, foster friendships, and enrich Australia’s diverse culture. Magkaisa para sa pagkakaisa – Together for harmony!”
Another former President of the Philippine Community Council of NSW and former Australian, New Zealand and Oceania Regional Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Mr Cesar Bartolome, likewise called for unity and support among the members of the Filipino-Australian community.
“I believe that the Filipino Community must always be visible to the wider Australian multicultural community. To my fellow Filipino-Australians, especially those who have not attended the event to make an effort to experience being in the company of a culturally and linguistically diverse society that gathers once a year in a formal setting and feel the warmth of each one’s company in harmony and unity.
“The occasion allows each ethnic community to discuss their work experiences in serving their community and being able to nominate outstanding work or service performed and achieved by individuals. The Philippine Community Council of NSW in 2024 was successful in having one of the members of the Filipino community nominated and awarded for his outstanding contribution in the field of sports.
“We feel proud that one of us was able to walk up the stage in our native costume (Barong) and recognised by the audience. There are many more outstanding achievers in our Filipino community, and all we need to do is appreciate their work ourselves and make an effort to nominate them. Let us give due recognition to deserving individuals and be proud to see them representing us in harmony with the rest of the Australian society.”
