PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

27 June 2026, ALICE SPRINGS – Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, met with members of the Filipino community in Alice Springs during his first official visit to the town. The visit sought to recognize the community’s contributions to Central Australia as the Philippines and Australia celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations this year.

During his visit, Ambassador Morales joined the Filipino community at Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, where he had the opportunity to greet community leaders, families and Filipino residents.

Ambassador Morales also visited Filipino businesses, including MJ Asian Pinoy Store, which provides Filipino goods and products to the community and serves as a gathering place for Filipinos living in Alice Springs.

From around 12 Filipino families in 1989, the Alice Springs Filipino community has grown into a close-knit and thriving community today. According to the 2021 Census, 589 residents in Alice Springs were born in the Philippines, with Filipinos among the more visible migrant communities contributing to the town’s multicultural fabric.

Like many Filipino communities across Australia, Filipinos in Alice Springs have built strong networks of support while preserving cultural traditions and maintaining links to the Catholic faith. Filipinos have also become an important part of essential sectors in Central Australia including healthcare, aged care, hospitality, education and community services.

The Filipino population in the Northern Territory is now estimated to be over 8,000, making it the largest overseas-born group in the Territory. - END

#PHAU80YEARS 🇵🇭🇭🇲