SYDNEY – A delegation of emerging leaders from the Philippines has met with local officials in Blacktown, engaging in discussions on community leadership and cross-cultural exchange during a recent visit to Australia.
The delegation was led by Charisse Anne Hernandez, a member of the Philippine House of Representatives representing Calamba City in Laguna. She was joined by fellow local government leaders and officials from across the Philippines.
They were welcomed by Brad Bunting and councillors from Blacktown City Council.
During the visit, council representatives provided an overview of Blacktown City, highlighting its diverse population, active Filipino community, and youth development programs. The delegation also shared their experiences in governance and community engagement in their respective regions.
According to Mayor Bunting, the visit offered an opportunity for mutual learning and strengthened ties between the two communities. He noted that Filipinos represent the second-largest expatriate group in Blacktown, with more than 25,000 residents recorded in the 2021 Census.
“Blacktown City is the Filipino capital of Sydney,” he said. “People from the Philippines have contributed so much to our community, including their culture and food. Sharing this special bond with our visitors is a great way of promoting Blacktown City to emerging leaders of the Philippines, as well as sharing ideas on building better communities.”
Blacktown City Council currently includes three councillors of Filipino heritage: Dorothy Del Villar, Jess Diaz and Carol Israel.
Members of the visiting delegation included Iloilo Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Formacion Debuque, Talavera Mayor Aries Vincent Patrick G. Lim, Albay Board Member Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz, Basilan Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv T. Hataman, and San Juan Councillor Lorenzo Francisco Tañada-Yam.
The visit was coordinated by the Australian Political Exchange Council as part of its initiative to provide emerging international leaders with insights into Australia’s political and community systems.
The engagement also builds on existing ties between Blacktown and the Philippines. In 2025, the council entered into a Friendship Agreement with Baguio City to promote cultural understanding and explore opportunities for economic and artistic collaboration.
