In early 2007, the first seed of what is now known as the Philippines Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA) was planted. It all happened when the then Philippine Consul General, the Hon. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, paid her first visit to the then Mayor of Penrith, Mr Pat Sheehy. The Philippine Consul General was startled when the good Mayor asked her, “Where is the Filipino-Australian community of
Penrith?”. Though surprised and a bit embarrassed, she readily responded:
“The Filipino-Australian community is strong and is just awaiting for the opportune time to present itself to the Penrith Community”.
True to that vision, the Read Philippines project was launched on 29 September 2007. Members of the Filipino-Australian community were so inspired by the success of the project that they soon established the PLCAA on 24 November 2007. The Penrith Community Filipino School was also established. In 2008, Penrith Filipino Youth Group was launched, the first Penrith Filipino Gazette was published and the PLCAA Glee club was formed. In 2009, the PLCAA Cultural Dancers was formed and the first Philippine Cultural Exhibit was displayed in St. Marys.
Today we recognise what unity and collaboration can achieve. Today we acknowledge our partners, the Penrith City Council, the Philippine Consulate General Sydney, various Filipino organisations and the tireless PLCAA volunteers, for their encouragement and contributions. Without their support, the PLCAA would not be here today.
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary we can all proudly declare that our time has come and we are indeed the strong Filipino-Australian community in Penrith.
PLCAA President
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