By Ron Quinonez
On the morning of 26th January 2015, the colourful Australia Day Parade has seen thousands of people lined up Swanston Street to enjoy the entertainment, wave their flags and cheer on the participants. The parade followed the Australia Day flag raising ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall. Thousands of revellers celebrated Australia’s cultural diversity in this annual parade which passed along Swanston Street, over Princess Bridge and into Kings Domain.
The Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVI) led the Filipino delegation at the annual Australia Day Parade. FCCVI was established in 1998 and is a duly accredited non- stock, non-profit community service organization. Our kababayans who attended the parade wore traditional Filipino clothes while the Ati-Atihan, led by Ed Guevarra, was also present to liven up the parade.
The Australia Day Parade also provided an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of the Anzacs through the participation of their descendants, also drawing attention to the men and women who serve us in our local communities across the state – the emergency services volunteers.
(Editor’s note: Text and photos by Ron Quinonez. Ron is a Melbourne-based Fashion and Lifestyle Photographer. Visit his website: www.portfolio.radiancestudios.net)
