The recent Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence (VMC) 2008 honoured Filipino-Australian individuals and organisations from different fields for their significant contribution to the society of Victoria.  The Awards took place at Government House, Victoria, on 15th December 2008; being awarded by the Victorian Governor and State Premier. 

The Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong (FAFAG), Inc. received the VMC Meritorious Service to the Community Award in the Organisation category.
Established in 1981, the organisation was recognised for providing a healthy social environment for migrant Filipinos and their families, for promoting the Filipino culture and fostering multicultural harmony in Victoria.

Another Filo organisation was awarded with the VMC Meritorious Service to the Community Award, namely the Filipino Silayan Dance Academy, for their tireless pursuit of cultural education in Victoria.

The group has been promoting, teaching and performing Filipino cultural dance in Australia since its foundation in 1968.
The Centre for Philippine Concerns Australia, Inc. received the Award for Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria in the Community Services Organisation category.
The group has been providing service to families, ageing Filipinos and newly arrived migrants in the South Eastern region of Melbourne.

Meanwhile, two Filo individuals were also honoured during the ceremony.
Mila Abenoja Cichello was honoured with the Award for Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria in the Community Services Individual category.
Cichello works as a volunteer for migrant health for many years now, and she has been leading research partnerships for the wellbeing of Filipino elderly.
She also initiates government aged care programs and other grants to the Filipino community.

Teddy Tuason received the Meritorious Service to the Community Award in the Individual Category for his voluntary contributions to the Philippine community of Laverton.
VMC Awards are given out as a way of honouring the outstanding individuals and organisation across Victoria whose dedication to their chosen field and the spirit of cultural diversity has made a positive impact in their local community, according to Premier of Victoria Hon. John Brumby.
He said that the awards are a way of showing appreciation to individuals and organisations who work selflessly for the benefit of others.

Click here for a detailed listing of the awards