Filipino Communities Council of Australia

FilCCA 13^th National Conference

By Florence Talbo Parker FilCCA Promotion and Publicity
Parramatta, NSW Australia
July 22, 2014



The Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FilCCA) will hold its 13 National Conference on 24-26 October 2014 at Novotel Parramatta, NSW.  The conference aims to provide a forum for the Australian-Filipino community nationwide to come together and work towards common goals.  This year’s conference will enable the community to share, learn and contribute with one another, building on our diverse experiences and strengths towards the development of future strategies.

This year’s conference theme is “Facing the Future Together”, a fitting theme after  the world's strongest Typhoon Haiyan  hit the Philippines  in November 2013.  This disaster came on the heels of the earthquake that devastated Cebu, Bohol and other parts of the Visayas. Together they have left many areas of the country in a state of destruction and devastation.

Imagery of the desperation have been shown on the news worldwide, including stories of lives lost and children stranded. Yet words cannot capture the magnitude of the loss and extent of the recovery efforts required to rebuild this nation. More than 9 million individuals were affected as homes; livelihoods and infrastructure were swept away. 

FILCCA’s objective is to help the worst affected families and coordinate the national efforts to rebuild this country by maximising the efficiency of funds raised and goods shipped.

The international community has been generous, but the recovery is far from over. As the Filipino leaders in Australia gather at this conference, central to our outcomes are ways we can contribute to this recovery. Identifying new ways of strengthening Australian-Philippine relations to bring greater investment and development will be key.

Other priorities are to discuss current and emerging challenges facing the Filipino community in Australia such as aged care, small business and social enterprises and the role of women.

A range of expert speakers from business, settlement, media and others from across Australia will stimulate our idea and strategies in facing the future together. Delegates will be able to participate in a range of topics through our innovation cafe table format.

Key topics include:
·        Filipino Women: Leadership, Influence and Inspiration
·        Innovation, Ideas and International Opportunities
·        An Ageing Filipino Community: Are we ready?
·        Typhoon Haiyan: Our role as Australian Filipinos 
·        Think Tank: Emerging Challenges
A Gala dinner will also be held on Saturday 25 October to raise funds for the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan Appeal.
The Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCCNSW) will be hosting this year’s conference.  PCCNSW is recognised by FILCCA as the State council of NSW has over 55 affiliate member organisations, in a vast range of areas including arts and culture, education, elderly, health, immigration, sport, women and youth, which it represents.  PCCNSW has spent the last two decades advocating for the needs of Filipino-Australians in NSW by taking a leadership role in advancing the needs, interests and goals of the local community.

For more information, conference registration and guidelines, please visit www.filcca.org.au