The 2025 National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council (NEMBC) Awards are just around the corner, and the nominees have been revealed, showcasing the remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the multicultural media landscape in Australia.
With the Gala Dinner set for May 24, 2025, the nominees span a range of categories, from Youth Broadcaster of the Year to Excellence in Journalism & Storytelling. This year, several Filipino-Australian broadcasters have been nominated, highlighting the increasing visibility and impact of the Filipino community in Australian media.
Spotlight on Filipino-Australian Nominees
Brian Yap – Best Ethnic Program of the Year
Brian Yap has been nominated for his program, Filipino Hoy Pinoy, on 3ZZZ. His work is a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture and issues, making it a vital resource for the Filipino community in Melbourne. Brian’s engaging storytelling continues to bridge cultural divides and strengthen the voice of Filipinos in Australia.
Cora Fuentes-Mahnic – Innovative Multicultural Program
Cora Fuentes-Mahnic’s The Filipino Show on Phoenix FM Bendigo has earned her a nomination in the Innovative Multicultural Program category. Known for her commitment to showcasing Filipino culture through diverse topics and discussions, Cora’s show has become a platform for the community to explore Filipino identity in a multicultural Australia.
Liz Honey – Outstanding Women in Multicultural Media
Liz Honey, from Filipino Broadcasting Group on 3ZZZ, has been recognised for her work in empowering Filipino women in Australia. Through her show, Filipino Broadcasting Group, Liz has been an advocate for cultural awareness and community development, providing a voice to those who are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Sonny Castillo – Excellence in Journalism & Storytelling
Sonny Castillo has been nominated in the Excellence in Journalism & Storytelling category for his show Pinoy Late Shift on 3ZZZ. With his compelling narratives and insightful discussions on Filipino stories, Sonny continues to capture the heart of the Filipino-Australian experience, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Nenita Weekes-Meacham – Community Impact
Nenita Weekes-Meacham’s Filipinania program on 2MCE FM has earned her a nomination in the Community Impact category. Nenita’s program has become a key resource for Filipino-Australians, addressing community concerns and offering a platform for discussion and empowerment.
“I am thrilled of the NEMBC Community Impact nomination as this finally recognises the hard work of my years of Volunteering in Community Broadcasting at 2MCE-FM.
Gina Augustin – Voices Through Time
Gina Augustin, from Gippsland FM 104.7, has been nominated in the Voices Through Time category. Her work as a broadcaster and advocate for Filipino culture has made a lasting impact on the Filipino-Australian community in Gippsland, and her continued dedication to preserving Filipino heritage is commendable.
Celebrating Diversity in Australian Media
These nominations reflect the ever-growing recognition of multicultural voices in Australian media. It’s a celebration of dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of radio in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Each of these nominees, including Brian, Cora, Liz, Sonny, Nenita, and Gina, has made an incredible mark on the industry and the communities they serve.
As the finalists prepare for the upcoming Gala Dinner on 24 May, the Filipino-Australian community, along with the broader Australian multicultural media, eagerly anticipates the opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The nominees are to be congratulated for their hard work and dedication in making multicultural radio an essential part of the Australian media landscape.
Further updates will be shared as the 2025 NEMBC Awards draw closer.
