FAME Inc. INDUCTION 2014

By Neria N. Soliman  JP CMC
Blacktown-NSW-Australia
September 25, 2014



Max Encomienda is the new leader of F.A.M.E. INC – 2014-2015.
 
The Filipino Australian Movement for Empowerment, Inc (FAME,Inc) has just held its 7^th Annual General Meeting and Election of New Officers for the next 2 years. This was held at Chilli Peppers Restaurant and Function Centre(formerly Pinoy Lounge I/ Basement) in Blacktown last Sept 13, 2014.  Returning  and Inducting Officer   was none other than Clr Jacqui Donaldson of Blacktown City Council. Rod Dingle, the outgoing Executive Director of FAME, stepped down graciously after presenting his report and with the help of Cesar Bartolome , Founding Chair, answered some concerns from the members re the movement.

If there was any doubt about the ‘relevance’ of  FAME , Inc in the 21^st Century, a spirited discussion ensued. It was expressed by some members that we should continue tapping the list of members and re-focus. A saying  from Margaret Mead was read to re-assure everyone  where FAME, Inc comes in and I quote, “ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The Objectives of FAME, INC states: “ FAME is a movement and advocacy group geared towards the political, economic and social empowerment of Filipino Australians to enable them to become active stakeholders in mainstream Australian Society.” Yes, we can do it as a Team!

The elected officers are: Max Encomienda – Executive Director 2014-2015; Neria Soliman – Ass. Exec. Director who will serve automatically as Executive Director for 2015-16; Rod Dingle (Immediate Past Executive Director) – State Secretary; Dennis Laxamana- State Treasurer; Emily Rudd – State PRO; Phillip Ranoso – State Auditor. The four Directors are Cesar Bartolome (Founding Chair), Jade Cadelina, Ferdi Francisco (Past Executive Director) and Ross Iglesia.

Included in the AGM Agenda was a list of Planned  Activities for the rest of 2014-2015… including the Annual Christmas Party in December 2014, Clean-Up Australia Day 08 March, 2015; Blacktown City Festival Parade, 30 May 2015; FAME Inc.’s 7^th Anniversary Ball (tba) and AGM to be held every 2^nd Sunday in September – September 13, 2015 and automatic turn over to Ms. Neria Soliman the Executive Directorship for 2015-2016 after the report of the outgoing 2014-2015 Executive Director. Other Activities include: Supporting the Philippine Community Council of NSW and other Community Organizations and also supporting the Office of the Philippine Consulate General Headquarters and its attached Agencies. EMILY  RUDD, PRO – FAME INC. 2014-2016