The Philippines-Australia Multicultural Association Inc (PAMA) celebrated its 5th Anniversary on May 16, 2026, in Springfield with a spectacular Gatsby Night-themed gala that brought together community leaders, multicultural groups, supporters, families, and friends for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and meaningful community engagement. The milestone celebration reflected PAMA’s continuing commitment to fostering multicultural unity, cultural understanding, and stronger community relationships across Queensland. Guests embraced the glamour of the 1920s in Gatsby-inspired attire, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and celebration while commemorating five years of service and advocacy within the Filipino-Australian community.
During the speech, PAMA President Jomar Nieva reflected on the organisation’s humble beginnings. He shared that the foundation of PAMA can be traced back to April 2019, when many of the current founding members successfully organised the Filipino-led multicultural Autumn Festival at Robelle Domain Parklands in Springfield. The festival attracted thousands of visitors from Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, becoming the inspiration behind the establishment of PAMA in April 2021 before officially incorporating as a community organisation on June 23, 2021. He emphasised that the experience strengthened the organisation’s guiding belief that “there is unity and strength in diversity.” He highlighted PAMA’s vision of uniting people to enrich multicultural friendships and promote integration within economic, civic, educational, and cultural life while leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations. He also reiterated PAMA’s mission to connect Filipino migrants and settlers in Australia with other multicultural communities through sports, festivities, advocacy, and community support. The organisation also aims to assist Filipinos, minorities, and younger generations facing difficulties while encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, empowerment, harmony, and safer communities.
PAMA continues to uphold its core values of accountability, commitment, dignity, equality, passion, preserving heritage, and transparency through its programs and initiatives. Over the years, the organisation has successfully delivered community activities including summer community bus trips, Retro Dance Nights during autumn, and the annual PAMA SpringFest entertainment festival, all aimed at promoting inclusivity and cultural cooperation.
The celebration was led by PAMA’s dedicated Mancom officers including Warren Grainger (Vice President), Dennis Carlos (Secretary and Technical Officer), Araceli Reyes (Financial Officer), Odette Bandarian (Cultural Officer), Yasodhara Marga Duenas (Social Media Marketing Officer), and Alfredo Agpalo (Community Marketing Officer). Distinguished guests included Federal Member for Oxley and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick MP, Councillors Pye Augustine and Marnie Doyle, and Teena Ingram from Centacare. Honourable Milton Dick MP delivered a commemorative toast and presented PAMA with a certificate recognising the organisation’s significant contributions to the multicultural community over the past five years.
Entertainment throughout the evening added vibrancy and excitement to the celebration, with live music provided by Fire and Rain Band, whose performances kept guests entertained throughout the gala. One of the evening’s highlights was the lively Mancom’s Charleston dance led by Yasodhara of SHADOWBLUSH, bringing the Gatsby Night theme vividly to life. Guests also enjoyed raffles, social dancing, entertainment, and an auction held throughout the evening.
In the spirit of compassion and community service, all proceeds from the auction and contributions from sponsors were donated to Centacare, supporting its ongoing mission of providing care and assistance across aged care, disability support, family services, early education, and pastoral care throughout Queensland. The successful anniversary celebration served not only as a reflection of PAMA’s accomplishments, but also as a testament to its ongoing dedication to unity, diversity, cultural pride, and community development for generations to come.
