Long-serving Northern Territory community leader and former Philippine Honorary Consul General Januario “John” Rivas is retiring after decades of supporting Filipino migrants and helping build the Filipino–Australian community in Darwin. From promoting Filipino culture and organising community initiatives to assisting new migrants and strengthening ties between Australia and the Philippines, Rivas leaves behind a legacy shaped by service, leadership and the spirit of bayanihan.
By Em Wills
After almost two decades of service as the Philippine Honorary Consul General in the Northern Territory, Januario “John” Rivas is retiring at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of community service and support for Filipino migrants in Darwin.
Rivas, a long-serving pillar of the Filipino–Australian community, was the first Filipino in Australia to be inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The award, presented in 2016, recognised his significant contributions to helping Filipino migrants and promoting bilateral ties between the Northern Territory, Australia, and the Philippines in sports, education, trade and business.
Building a Filipino community in Darwin
Rivas has made significant contributions throughout his 53 years in Australia. Arriving in Darwin in 1973 with his wife as a high school teacher, he was part of the wave of Filipino migrants recruited to fill the shortage of skilled professionals in Australia.
The initial offer was for a teaching position in Sydney, but the offer in Darwin was double the pay, with a salary package of $4,600 per annum, motivating Rivas and his family to relocate.
Despite a difficult first impression of the city’s torrential rain, the family quickly integrated into the community, focusing on promoting Filipino culture and education.
In 1974, Rivas helped form the Filipino–Australian Association of the Northern Territory (FAANT), which initially began as the Filipino Association of the Northern Territory (FANT). The aim was to create a stronger, more inclusive community for Filipinos, Australian spouses and others with Filipino heritage.
As the first president of the association, he worked to raise awareness of Filipino culture through performances, educational initiatives and cultural festivals, helping Darwin residents become familiar with Filipino traditions.
This period of active involvement laid the foundation for the growing Filipino–Australian community in the region.
One of the standout achievements of the association during this time was its role in organising the Philippine contingents for the Arafura Games.
The Arafura Games is a multi-sport event that fosters international friendship and sporting excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. Held every few years in Darwin, it brings together athletes from various countries, including the Philippines, to compete in a wide range of sports.
Rivas and other community leaders volunteered as ambassadors, ensuring that Filipino athletes were warmly welcomed into local homes and experienced Filipino hospitality.
Supporting migrants through service
Beyond his contributions as an educator and community leader, Rivas took on the role of Honorary Consul-General of the Philippines in the Northern Territory in 2009, a position he held for almost two decades.
He said his motivation has always been to serve fellow Filipinos.
As Consul-General, Rivas played a crucial role in assisting Filipino migrants with their settlement in Australia. He provided consular services such as visa recommendations, legal assistance and character references, helping many secure permanent residency and build stable lives in Australia.
Recognising the struggles of newly arrived families, he worked closely with the Filipino community to extend support, ensuring that no one felt alone in their journey. He believed that a warm welcome and a strong support network could ease the difficulties of migration, turning uncertainty into opportunity.
Rivas also worked on strengthening ties between Australia and the Philippines, advocating for initiatives that benefited both countries. His efforts contributed to the growing respect and demand for Filipino professionals in industries such as healthcare, education, hospitality and construction.
Despite the demands of the role, he never turned away from his responsibilities.
For him, service was not about recognition but about making a real difference in people’s lives.
Advice for future leaders
Rivas understands the challenges that come with leading a community organisation. He acknowledged the pressures faced by the current leaders of FAANT and other Filipino groups.
Balancing work, family and community responsibilities can feel overwhelming. However, he encouraged them to keep pushing forward, reminding them that leadership is not about personal gain but about collective progress.
He urged the younger generation to step up, get involved, and be part of something greater than themselves.
“Show your worth, contribute and become an active member of the community. If you persist in offering help and demonstrating your value, you will earn respect and acceptance.”
Rivas also offered words of encouragement to current and future leaders.
“You are doing a difficult job, but an important one. You are shaping the future of the Filipino-Australian community. Do not be discouraged by criticism. Use it as motivation to improve. Surround yourself with people who share your vision, and never forget why you started. The work you do now will benefit generations to come.”
He also reminded the community to support their leaders rather than tear them down.
“These people are volunteers. They have careers, families and personal commitments, yet they still choose to serve. Instead of criticising them, offer help. Be part of the solution. We are all in this together as migrants navigating life in Australia. A strong, united community starts with each of us doing our part.”
Rivas’ legacy is one of service, dedication and unwavering commitment to the Filipino community. His work has paved the way for future leaders to continue building a thriving, inclusive and empowered Filipino–Australian community.
His message to the community remains simple – support one another, stay involved, and keep the spirit of bayanihan alive.
