PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
06 June 2026, Bathurst, New South Wales – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales attended the celebration of the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 80th Anniversary of Philippines–Australia Diplomatic Relations in Bathurst, New South Wales.
The event was organized by the Filipiniana Friends Group of Bathurst and Central West, led by its President, Ms. Nenita Weekes-Meacham, and brought together members of the Filipino-Australian community, local government officials, and community leaders.
Among those in attendance were Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Robert Taylor; The Hon. Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst; Consul General Greg Marie Mariño; and other representatives from the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.
The celebration commenced with a Philippine and Australian flag-raising ceremony at Evans Bridge, Kelso, symbolizing the enduring friendship and partnership between the two nations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Morales underscored the importance of engaging with Filipino communities across regional Australia and recognized their role in strengthening ties between the Philippines and Australia.
“I also understand the important role this community plays in bringing Filipinos together across Bathurst and the Central West,” Ambassador Morales said. “I believe that it is important to engage not only with Filipinos in large cities, but also with communities across regional Australia that continue to contribute meaningfully to both the Philippines and Australia.”
Mayor Taylor highlighted the significance of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations, noting that the Philippines and Australia have built a partnership grounded in friendship and practical cooperation in areas such as defense, education, trade, maritime security, and people-to-people exchanges.
In his speech, Hon. Toole acknowledged the valuable contributions of Filipinos to the growth and development of regional Australia and commended the Filipino community for its active participation in local civic and community life.
To mark the occasion, Ambassador Morales, Mayor Taylor, Hon. Toole, and Consul General Mariño led the ceremonial cutting of the commemorative cake and participated in a toast celebrating the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Australia and the vibrant Filipino community in the Central West region.
The celebration reflected the strong and growing people-to-people links that continue to underpin the Philippines–Australia relationship and highlighted the contributions of the Filipino community in enriching the social, economic, and cultural development of regional communities across Australia. END
