PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

15 September 2026, HOBART – Ambassador Antonio Morales and Consul General Jesus Gary Domingo paid a courtesy call on the President of the Tasmanian Legislative Council, Hon Craig Farrell MLC, at Parliament House to discuss the growing links between the Philippines and Tasmania and the contribution of the Filipino community to the state.

Also present were Ms Rachel Bessant OAM of the Filipino Needy Children’s Fund Inc., Ms Laila Dalmacio of the Philippines-Australia Community of Tasmania and Mrs Deanna Turnbull, Protocol Manager from the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the importance of strengthening connections between Tasmanian institutions and the Filipino community to deepen the longstanding friendship of the Philippines and Australia as both countries mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Ms Bessant and Ms Dalmacio shared their experiences in moving to Tasmania and emphasized the strong presence of the Filipino diaspora in Tasmania’s hospitality, nursing, and metalworking sectors. They also highlighted community networks that assist new arrivals in settling in Tasmania, as well as initiatives supporting Filipinos in need in the Philippines.

Hon Farrell shared the Tasmanian Government’s efforts to support local communities and acknowledged the important contributions of migrants to Tasmania’s growth and prosperity. He also underscored the value of continued engagement with Tasmania’s Filipino community and the role of community organizations in fostering strong linkages.

Consul General Domingo highlighted opportunities for further engagement, including stronger local government ties and youth-focused initiatives to promote greater people-to-people exchange and collaboration.

According to the 2021 Census, there are more than 2,400 Tasmanian residents born in the Philippines. - END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇦🇺