The Philippine Embassy in Canberra reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Mica Alcedo, a Filipino nurse was awarded the 2011 Pride of Australia Medal under the Fair Go Category during a ceremony held at the Crocodylus Park in Darwin, Northern Territory on Friday, 19 August 2011.

Coming to Australia from the Philippines in 2004, Mica dedicated herself to working with communities in the Northern Territory. She has worked as a school nurse in Alice Springs and is now a child and maternal health nurse in Tennant Creek.

Mica commits herself to helping disadvantaged youth and has developed the Filipino community’s “Ladies of Alice Springs” group.

Now in its seventh year, the Pride of Australia Awards celebrates ordinary Australians who do extraordinary things, with nominees reflecting the core value of giving for the good of the Australian nation and people and their local communities.

Ten categories make up the awards namely, Outstanding Bravery, Courage, Heroism, Community Spirit, Child of Courage, Young Leader, Care and Compassion, Inspiration, Environment and Fair Go.

The Pride of Australia Fair Go Category is awarded to Australian permanent residents or citizens, born overseas, who have enriched Australia through their community involvement, hard work and willingness to embrace Australia as their new home.