PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

13 August 2025, DARWIN – The Philippine Embassy in Canberra, led by Ambassador H.E. Antonio A. Morales, held a townhall meeting with members of the Filipino community in the Northern Territory on 13 August 2025. The event was attended by Hon Luke Gosling MP, Federal Member for Solomon and Chair of the Philippines-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and brought together over 60 Filipino-Australian entrepreneurs and professionals representing various industries across Darwin and nearby areas.

In his remarks, Ambassador Morales commended the Filipino community for being the largest migrant group in the Northern Territory and recognized their role in enriching the region’s diverse cultural and economic landscape.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the long-standing and historic presence of Filipinos in the Territory. He stated that for more than a century, Filipino migrants have come to the Northern Territory to fill gaps in local industries. The first wave began in 1895 when a small group of Filipinos became pearl divers.

The second wave came in the 1970s with the arrival of many schoolteachers. The 1980s saw another wave through the Family Reunion and Marriage Visa Scheme, which enabled Filipinos to reunite with their families and settle in Australia. Today, a fourth wave continues with the growing presence of international students and skilled workers in vital industries such as construction, aged care, and childcare.

Ambassador Morales also paid tribute to the Filipinos who assisted in Australian military efforts during the bombing of Darwin in 1942.

The Ambassador also thanked the overseas Filipinos and dual citizens who participated in the recent Philippine national elections.

Consul General Januario John Rivas, Philippine Honorary Consul to the Northern Territory, discussed the services of the Consulate and provided updates on the programs and projects to strengthen trade and investment between the Philippines and the Territory.

Vice Consul Angela Kristel Laurente of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra provided an overview of the Strategic Partnership of the Philippines and Australia, including the close collaboration in the defense, security, trade and investment sectors and the strong people-to-people connections.

The Filipino community remains one of the Northern Territory’s strongest and most active diaspora groups, with their legacy deeply rooted in its history. There are more than 8,000 Filipinos and Australians of Filipino descent in the Northern Territory. -END