Tuesday, 29 October 2024

 Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (13:31): It was a pleasure to attend the FAABI – Filipino Australian Association of Ballarat Inc – seniors night at Webbcona Bowls Club in Wendouree. I would like to acknowledge president Gersen Wardlaw, vice-president Eddie Racho, secretary Josephine Crowe and treasurer Dionesia Muaje, along with workers, volunteers and participants, on a wonderful rockabilly-themed celebration. I was also honoured – believe this – to be a guest judge of the fashion parade. Obviously they may not have known my skill set, but I took it on anyway with great enthusiasm. It was a great celebration and an evening filled with friendship, food, culture, dancing and most importantly, coming together to celebrate seniors in the Australian Filipino community. The presence of the Australian Filipino community in Ballarat is important. A deeply respectful and family-orientated culture, many Filipinos are entrepreneurial, aspirational citizens, small business owners and professionals who care deeply about their community. Congratulations to FAABI on all the positive work that they do in the community in and around Ballarat. I wish you all the best for the future.