In an event decked with politicians and diplomats, the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC-NSW) celebrated its 20th Anniversary last 11 September at Blacktown RSL Club.
Hosted by the 2010 Board of Directors, led by President Elsa Collado, it was a night of appreciation and gratitude to all the founders, officers and directors who have given their time over the last 20 years.
“At 20, we now have reached a certain age of sensibility. We have gained maturity and stability and have a better understanding of who we are. We are still young with many productive years ahead of us,” said Collado.
Consul Anthony Reyes congratulated the PCC-NSW and called it the “pulse of the community. Special guest of honour was Kristina Kenneally, Premier of NSW.
Eight of the twelve presidents were in attendance and five of the first board of Directors were in attendance: Linda Swords, Dom Pangilinan, Manny Diel, Ric de Vera, Benjie de Ubago. Diel and De Vera went on to become presidents of the PCC-NSW. Linda Swords was part of the interim group and was most active in the early days for championing the cause of women, fighting for issues such as domestic violence and mail order brides. She established PACSI and has been honoured since with a Filipino Women’s Award by the Philippine Consulate. Memories came flooding back as the original directors recalled the early days.
“It was a nice overall feeling with no factions. There was a definite feeling of oneness and the merging of the old with the new,” said one former PCC director.
For its unflinching contribution to the Filipino community, the PCC-NSW has received the Banaag Award in 2008. Past President, Lolita Farmer, OAM is also a recipient of the Banaag Award.
Community favourites, Lillian de los Reyes and Rod Dingle were chosen as the evening’s performers along with the Studio B dancers and the PLCAA Glee Club.
The anniversary celebrations solidifies and reinforces its position as the peak organization of the Filipino community recognized by both Philippine and Australian government officials.
In her welcome remarks, Elsa Collado said: “To those who may come on board in the future, the onus is on you to carry on the torch. May you continue to live up to the goals and objectives of the Philippine Community Council with integrity and with dignity. “
The PCC-NSW continues to lead the way in advancing the image and cause of the Filipino community.
