PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

06 July 2026, CANBERRA - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra joined members of the diplomatic corps in the observance of NAIDOC Week through a Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The program featured a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Uncle Warren Daley, a Ngunnawal custodian, followed by remarks from DFAT Deputy Secretary George Mina.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” marks five decades of the NAIDOC movement which honors the Elders, activists, organizers, and communities who have advanced First Nations storytelling, cultural continuity, and advocacy.

In line with the Strategic Partnership Plan of Action between the Philippines and Australia, both countries continue to strengthen cooperation in promoting greater understanding of their respective Indigenous cultures. This includes participation in annual commemorations such as NAIDOC Week in Australia and National Indigenous Peoples’ Month in the Philippines, observed each October.

The Philippines and Australia also share historical Indigenous connections. The Manilamen, who settled in northern Western Australia (Broome) and Queensland (Torres Strait) primarily to work as pearl divers and maritime laborers in the pearling industries in the 19th century, formed families with Indigenous Australians, and helped establish some of the earliest Filipino communities outside the Philippines.

As part of this continuing engagement, Ambassador Antonio Morales visited Broome in May 2026 to meet descendants of the Manilamen and highlight their legacy, in celebration of Philippines-Australia friendship and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

To learn more about this shared history, the Embassy’s virtual exhibition, “Beyond Borders: Voices of Indigenous Australians of Filipino Descent,” is available at:
cultural.philembassy.org.au/phinau/beyond-borders

Further details on the Ambassador’s visit to Broome may be accessed here:
  1. https://www.philembassy.org.au/latest/news/ambassador-morales-celebrates-ph-au-friendship-and-80th-anniversary-with-manilamen-descendants-in-broome
  2. https://www.philembassy.org.au/latest/news/ambassador-morales-visits-broome-to-highlight-manilamen-legacy-in-australia

#PHAU80YEARS🇵🇭🇦🇺