20 September 2010

The Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA), national umbrella body of Filipino community organizations in Australia, successfully organized the 11th FILCCA Biennial National Conference on 17-18 September 2010 at the Rydges Capital Hill in Canberra.

The Conference brought together around 200 delegates from the different states in Australia. 

The two-day conference tackled four salient issues namely: disaster prepareness, planning and disaster response;  settlement of new migrants; promoting the Filipino language and culture to the mainstream community; and reconnecting the youth with the Philippines.

The National Conference was hosted by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), Inc. 

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Alexander N. Go represented Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ernesto H. De Leon during the Conference’s official opening on 17 September 2010.  He likewise inducted the newly elected officers of the FILCCA Executive Board during an oath-taking ceremony included in Conference’ Gala Night program on 18 September 2010.

Ambassador and Mrs. De Leon hosted a Welcome Reception for the Conference guests and delegates at the Philippine Embassy in the evening of 17 September 2010.  The occasion was graced as well by the Honourable Senator Kate Lundy, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship and Parliamentary Secretary assisting Her Excellency Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Australian Cabinet.