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Bayanihan (“buy-uh-nee–hun”) is a Filipino term derived from the word bayan, referring to a nation, town or community. The term bayanihan thus refers to the action of community volunteers uniting to achieve a particular goal.
Bayanihan Australia Community Network Incorporated (BACNI) is a non-profit community volunteer organisation formed by a group of Filipino and Australians on 13 November 2005 to meet the urgent need for skilled younger leaders and in response to changing needs of local Filipino communities in Australia.
The group led a series of community discussions that highlighted community issues in aged care, youth programs, family support, settlement services and responsible leadership that will carry through future generations. The founding members committed to promote Filipino values, build Australia as their home and embrace other migrants as fellow citizens.
In 2006, the members formed an informal network of partnerships in the bayanihan spirit of mutual support: Filipino elders in Eastern Metro taught folk dance to young families in the Western Metro and rural Geelong; senior citizens from Southern Metro travelled to support Geelong’s events and vice versa; young professionals mentored older club officers on technology after work and on weekends, and Filo basketball players became “buddies” to young Maltese, Vietnamese and African refugees.
“The community that takes charge of its present shapes its future.” – John Williams, PSM, 2007
The group registered as an Incorporated Association with the Consumer Affairs Victoria on 17 April 2007. In 2008, after 3 years of meeting at people’s kitchens, university classrooms and McDonalds, BACNI was delighted to get City of Melbourne approval for a home office in the innovative City Village Building in the Melbourne CBD.
Bayanihan Australia Community Network Incorporated- What we stand for
Vision Our vision: strong community partnerships that deliver benefits to the Filipino Australian community.
Mission Statement Our shared mission: lead, support and upskill our individual and organisation members to enable them to work effectively with government and other groups in meeting the needs of the Filipino Australian community.
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel Barker
Major Goals and Key Strategies We have three priority operational strategies as set out in the 3-Year Strategic Plan 2007-2010. The Plan is reviewed annually before the AGMs and the reports posted on our website. These key strategies are:
· provide leadership development to all interested members,
· deliver intergenerational mentoring support programs to network members, and
· initiate community partnerships between members, government and external organisations.
STOP PRESS: Pasko 2009 Souvenir Bags Available For Sale $10- (Includes Pasko 2009 Souvenir Program, Pasko Community CD, Priscilla Queen of the Desert Demo CD, BeatThe Heat Flyer, Australia Post Pen). TO PURCHASE: email chairperson@bayanihanaustralia.org or send sms text to 0408 800 288