First of all, I would like to pay my utmost respect to the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of this land. This respect extends to their elders, past, present and emerging. Thank you all for attending today’s AGM. It is indeed very challenging to organise an event such as this as if we cannot meet quorum, we will not be able to proceed. Despite your busy schedule, the committee and myself are very pleased to have you here today.
Before I start my report, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Darwin Malayalee Association for the recent passing of their beloved and newly elected President, Mr. Tomy Jacob. Mr. Jacob had recently met with myself to discuss the future plans of our communities. He was a huge support of FAANT and our endeavours. He will be sorely missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
In 2021, two of our committee members have left the FAANT team. Mr. RA Dumlao, our elected VP, had moved interstate in May/June 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Dumlao and his efforts during his time with us. Mr. Dumlao was an integral part of Barrio Fiesta 2020, the new committee’s first Barrio Fiesta. He organised the lengthy process of liquor application as well as the management of stall holders amongst other responsibilities. Thank you, Mr. Dumlao.
The other member of our committee, Mr. Andy Elicanal, have also decided to leave us as he took on a new venture – the birth of Pizza Overload. However, we still feel Mr. Elicanal’s presence as if he hasn’t left as he continues to provide unconditional support to us. Thank you, Mr. Elicanal and congratulations on the success of Pizza Overload.
2021 was the start of the peak of the pandemic in Darwin. We were still very fortunate to have been able to organise our major events such as the Philippine Independence Day and the Barrio Fiesta as well as other programs and activities.
Our goal during our term remains: to make the Filipino Community Centre (spearhead by the FAANT team) become the hub of all things Filipino, to support all endeavours of the members in our community and to collaborate with local businesses as well as with multicultural representatives and government leaders. We hope that we have somewhat proven ourselves to the Filipino Community so far as we work towards earning your trust again.
2020-2021 Highlights: Collaborations and Partnerships:
FAANT established the member-based scheme to give more to our financial members. We partnered with 11 local businesses to support this initiative.
Upgraded the Sponsorship Tiers/ Benefits/Packages
A total of 19 sponsors/supporters in 1 year and a half
Sam’s Websites waived the monthly website fee – promote Sam’s Websites as supporter in our event flyers and marketing materials
Official invites/meetings
Office Multicultural Affairs representing Minister Kate Worden, Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (via Zoom)
Minister of Immigration, Minister Alex Hawke (via Zoom)
Ms. Catriona Gray (Ms Universe 2018 through the initiative of Department of Tourism, the Philippines)
Minister Ngaree Ah Kit – member for Karama
Minister for International Students Minister Nicole Manison
His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Rtd)
Philippine Consul to the NT, Con Gen John Rivas
Department of Infrastructure meeting with multicultural leaders in Batten Road
Darwin City Council with International Relations Manager Ms. Cherry Cai re: Friendship City. Davao City was recommended by FAANT Officers. Davao profile submitted to Ms. Cherry Cai
Alderman Jimmy Bouhoris
Alderman Justine Glover
Alderman Vim Sharma
Alderman Brian O’Gallagher
Department of Home Affairs represented by Mr. Nikolay Nikolaev, Community Engagement NT
Skinnyfish Music
Melaleuca CEO Mr. Kwame Selormey
Nepalese Association of the NT
Darwin Malayalee Community
ICAE – Meeting with CEO Mr. Sean Mahoney
I thank the above organisations, government bodies and their representatives for the collaboration, the intention to work together for the benefit our community and for including FAANT in the conversation. We look forward to working with you all.
EVENTS
Darwin Festival Homegrown 2020 (represented by PHLtheBEAT)
Barrio Fiesta 2020 (November 2020)
Christmas Party 2020 (spearheaded by FAANT committee member, Ms. Darling Cockburn)
PHLtheBEAT Audition #2 2021 (organised by PHLtheBEAT)
Harmony Day Soiree 2021 (Represented by Mr. Jade Sabido and stall managed by FAANT members)
Movie Night Fundraiser – Metro Manila
Barunga Festival 2021 (represented by PHLtheBEAT)
Philippine Independence Day (15 awards presented to Filipino individuals/groups that have contributed to our community through their work and voluntary efforts, performance collaboration with the Australia-Chinese Friendship Society, Nepalese Community, Malayalee Community)
Census Information session
Visit to Tiwi Islands with the Philippine Consul to the NT to lay wreath to the 11 Filipinos who died during the Japanese bombing. We were welcomed and accommodated by CEO of Tiwi Enterprises, Mr. Scott Simpson and team
Barrio Fiesta 2021
Outdoor stage (commended by performers and attendees)
Stage in the main hall was transformed into a “bahay kubo” thanks to Mr. Albert Tabiolo (Committee Member)
Introduction of the itsa-itsa
Main hall – expo-like setup to support non-food vendors
International Student’s Event – Eat.Meet.Celebrate. at Café Dela Plage o Attended by Minister Manison
ICAE
StudyNT Representatives
Laksa Festival – represented by PHLtheBEAT
Typhoon Rai Fundraiser Gig – December 2021
Raised just over $10k
Divided into 3 and donated to 3 beneficiaries (all have acquitted funds)
Pedro Calungsod – Surigao
Mead Foundation – Bohol
Alpha Kappa Rho Humanitarian – Cebu
The first meeting of Hala Bira Steering Committee
We thank all performers, service providers and suppliers, volunteers who made all these events possible. We like to extend our gratitude to PHLtheBEAT, KMIXZ, Muzikalye, Brad’s Sounds and Point of Presence for always having our back. Thank you.
GRANTS
Upgrade of fence grant
Harmony Day soiree
OMA grant – Barrio Fiesta 2021
StudyNT Grant
Community Garden Grant – Bill Raby Foundation, Healthy Living NT
Kitchen Upgrade Grant
UNSUCCESSFUL GRANT o Darwin City Council to support Barrio Fiesta 2021
GOALS
Hala Bira 2022 – the 25th Barrio Fiesta (intention to hold the event at the Waterfront)
Increase FAANT membership and volunteers to hopefully create sub-committees to assist the FAANT committee
Upgrade of the facility in Marrara (kitchen, stage/backstage, small building, basketball court, main hall toilets, removal of ramp and replaced with wheelchair lift platform)
Active collaborations
Improve FAANT’s financial status
Lastly but definitely not least, I am grateful for the FAANT committee. This service is not easy especially as we all engage in a full-time employment. We put our hands up for these positions and we are committed to make positive changes but we need your support to continue what we have started.
This report is written and declared to the best of my ability recalling the events in 2020- 2021.
Emcille Wills PRESIDENT The Filipino-Australian Association of the NT, Inc.
