PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

13 August 2025, DARWIN - Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales met with former Darwin Lord Mayor Hon. Kon Vatskalis to advocate support for the Filipino community in Darwin and to celebrate their historic and continuing contributions to Darwin’s multicultural society.

Hon Vatskalis shared his experiences on his recent visits to the Philippines to promote TAFE opportunities and revitalize trade links. He recalled that during the construction of LNG plants in Darwin, thousands of Filipino welders, nurses, teachers, and hospitality professionals moved to the Territory which reflects the high demand for Filipino expertise. Hon Vatskalis also expressed interest in boosting two-way tourism and proposed exploring sister city agreements with Davao and Bacolod.

Ambassador Morales underscored the long-standing people-to-people connections between the Philippines and the NT, tracing back to the arrival of the first Filipinos in the 1860s as pearl divers. These pioneering Manilamen played a critical role in shaping the Territory’s pearling industry and establishing enduring cultural and community links that continue to this day.

Today, Filipinos and Australians of Filipino descent form the largest migrant community in the NT, numbering more than 8,000. They contribute across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, trades, professional services, education, hospitality, and community services. Filipinos also represent the fourth-largest international student community in the Territory, with nearly 400 students enrolled as of April 2025.

Ambassador Morales and Hon Vatskalis discussed opportunities to strengthen community partnerships, educational exchanges, and people-to-people linkages that recognize the enduring role of Filipinos in the NT. The meeting also reaffirmed continued support for Filipino community initiatives, including cultural events such as the Barrio Fiesta, celebrated annually since 1996, which showcases traditional Filipino music, dance, and cuisine. - END