APCO News Updates

APCO joins ECC at 2016 Premier’s Harmony Dinner

By Richard J Ford ( PRO-APCO Inc.)
NSW - Australia
March 24, 2016



The Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO) joined forces with Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECC NSW INC) at this year’s Premier’s Harmony Dinner. Thirty two members and officers of APCO accepted the offer of ECC NSW to its members at a reduced cost of $75/person for bookings processed through the ECC office. APCO on the other hand, also offered $25 subsidy/person.

In keeping with APCO’s commitment to promote our rich and unique cultural heritage, APCO attendees turned up in their elegant Filipiniana costume and barong.

The Premier’s Annual Harmony Dinner is a chance to recognise and celebrate the significant contributions made by our multicultural leaders. One thousand five hundred attended this year. Hosted by the Minister for Multiculturalism the Hon. John Ajaka MLC and attended by the NSW Premier the Hon Mike Baird MP, guests enjoyed an evening of food, fashion and entertainment.

A special part of the night was the announcement of those who were inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll. Those honoured were recognised for their outstanding achievements in contributing to and building the successful multicultural society.

The Premier also presented the Multicultural NSW, Community Medals recognising outstanding achievements in building community harmony, contributions by young people, community service, arts and culture and the NSW economy.

Jewish leader Jeremy Jones was honoured with the top award, Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Medal for Community Harmony for his interfaith work.

NSW Premier Mike Baird also awarded Lindt cafe siege survivors Louisa Hope and Jarrod Morton-Hoffman Champion of Community Harmony certificates, for their work promoting community harmony in the aftermath of the siege.

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2016 International Women’s Day at Auburn

By Richard J Ford PRO-APCO Inc.
NSW Australia
March 24, 2016

The Auburn Centre for Community was standing room only on the 10^th of March as women from CALD and mainstream Australian communities gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Dr Cen Amores, Founding President of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations Inc. (APCO) and Public Officer of Auburn Small Community Organisation Network Inc. (ASCON) took the opportunity to actively engage with women from cross cultural backgrounds and took photos of the various segments of the day’s program.

A brief opening program included cultural performances from various ethnic groups and the launch of the book, The Art of Diversity authored by Najla Turk.

Demonstrations, interactive activities, craft exhibitions, talking circles, garden programs, health and well-being and kids activities made the day fun and enjoyable for all.  Multicultural food and drinks were provided free for everyone to enjoy.