Press Release

Filipino-Australian Community Association, Eastern Sydney (FACAES) Officers Meet with Federal MP Matt Thistlethwaite

By Francis de los Santos
Past President and Secretary( FACAES)
Sydney-Australia
November 26, 2014



In response to an invitation sent by the Federal MP Matt Thislethwaite, the first ever Filipino community association formed in the Randwick-Maroubra area, the Filipino-Australian Community Association, Eastern Sydney (FACAES), recently met with the Honourable MP Thislethwaite to introduce their newly elected officers for 2014-2016 term of office.  

The meeting discussions focused mainly on the association’s role in the Filipino-Australian community mainly in the Randwick and Maroubra area.  The group explained that its main goal is to foster friendship and camaraderie and to promote the Filipino culture, customs and traditions among the Filipino-Australians and their families residing not only in the Randwick-Maroubra area but the whole Eastern Suburbs as well . 

Newly elected FACAES President  Mrs. Precy Santos enumerated the various programs / activities  that were successfully initiated and organised by FACAES during the last 7 years of operation including the planned activities to be held this year and the remainder of 2015.  FACAES Secretary Francis de los Santos added that in various events and occasions,

FACAES  were able to showcase the Filipino music, exotic food, special dance numbers and other unique entertainment packages that delighted the audience including families and guests.   Lillian de los Reyes, (Adviser) a well known singer/entertainer in the Filipino-Australian Community in Sydney expounded more on entertainment aspect based on her years of experience being a seasoned performer.  In addition, Lillian  provided insights on Filipino-Australians whom she  believed are gifted people having all the musical talents and skills that have potentials to become successful  musical icons in the Australian entertainment industry. 

Lillian further said that a good example of this assertion is Marlisa Punzalan, a 15-year old Filipino-Australian who was adjudged the Grand Final winner of X-Factor Australia.   Although the meeting with the MP Matt Thistlethwaite was brief, FACAES officers thought that it was  fruitful and rewarding as the Honourable MP offered to help/assist the association in whatever way possible, specifically holding FACAES events in big venues and promising to help and assist in regards to reducing venue fee and hire costs.  He also confirmed his interest to  attend any Filipino community related events/activities to be held around the Randwick-Maroubra area if his schedule permits. 

Prior to the meeting, FACAES officers handed a copy of the association’s profile/history to MP Matt Thistlethwaite for his  information and reference.  The MP also promised to keep in touch with Francis de los Santos, FACAES Secretary  in relation to community related issues i.e. NSW registered nurses who voiced concerns on patients’ ratio and other related issues/concerns.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, MP Matt handed his business card to all FACAES officers.  MP Matt Thistletwaite was elected in the House of NSW Representatives for Kingsford-Smith in 2013.  Currently, he is the Shadow Parliamentary for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration.