Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last month I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Australian Philippine Association of the Illawarra's 43rd annual June ball with the state member for Wollongong. We celebrated the 126th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Philippines with the Filipino community in Cunningham. We also celebrated the 78th anniversary of Philippine-Australian bilateral relations. The Australian Philippine Association of the Illawarra would not be what it is today without the incredible dedication and hard work of one of their founding members and president, Lilia McKinnon, their secretary, Erna De Los Reyes, and their amazing management committee. Lilia and Erna have played a huge part in shaping and nurturing the organisation, with their efforts being instrumental in the growth and influence within the community. Their passion to preserve and celebrate the rich Filipino culture in the Illawarra can be seen through their warm and welcoming personalities, making all members feel like they are part of the family. Their tireless efforts in organising events celebrating cultural diversity and promoting Filipino heritage have improved the cultural landscape of the Illawarra region. The Illawarra is a vastly diverse area, and the Filipino Australian community has contributed to the multicultural community that I am so proud to represent. I would like to thank Lilia, Erna and the Australian Philippine Association of the Illawarra for the amazing work that they do.