Back row, from left, Liam McGreevy, Rubie Ngalongalay, William Sombrero and Steven Rudd. Front, Leora Rowlands, Efrelaine Salo, Yolanda Cuizon-McGreevy, Nora McCarthy, Flor Doolan and Lea Palmer.
A new organisation, the Communities of Filipino-Australians in Shepparton, has recently emerged and is rapidly going from strength to strength.
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The non-profit organisation is dedicated to “fostering a strong and vibrant Filipino-Australian community in Shepparton and northern Victoria,” Yolanda Cuizon-McGreevy, affectionately known as Ate Yolanda (big sister), said.
The group aims to welcome new Filipino migrants and unite young families and individuals from Shepparton and northern Victoria, regardless of background, to build a vibrant community spirit.
Ms Cuizon-McGreevy, an original member of the Filipino-Australian Friendship Association with 40 years of involvement and a former president, recently saw the need for change to focus on inclusivity and family togetherness.
With her sister Nora McCarthy, CFAS was created to renew a sense of belonging and meet the needs of younger generations of Filipino-Australians and newly arrived families. Its goal is to create a space where everyone feels included and connected.
To host its first event, CFAS wanted to hire the East Shepparton Bowls Club. The cost was $450 — a sum Ms Cuizon-McGreevy did not have. However, the funds were raised within two minutes of her mentioning it in the group chat. Ms Cuizon-McGreevy was overwhelmed by the support: “I didn’t expect it!”
The inaugural CFAS event, a meet-and-greet held on August 3, was a success.
The group has attracted over 173 members in just two months, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm.
“We were overwhelmed by the support,” Ms Cuizon-McGreevy said.
For Ms Cuizon-McGreevy and Ms McCarthy, CFAS is about more than social gatherings; it’s about building a supportive network in Shepparton. CFAS plans to organise bus trips, community service events such as blood donations and other activities to strengthen community ties.
Nora McCarthy, state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe, Melissa Crosby, Yolanda Cuizon-McGreevy.
On September 22, CFAS will host an oath-taking ceremony for its newly elected officers, attended by the Philippines Consul General from Melbourne, Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo.
The event will also include dual citizenship oath-taking for Filipino-Australians wishing to reconnect with their roots.
“This brought me unexpected joy; I never imagined I’d be part of such a welcoming community,” CFAS member William Sombrero said.
With its strong start, CFAS seems to be on its way to becoming a central part of the Shepparton community.
As Ms Cuizon-McGreevy puts it, CFAS is a group where everyone is welcome regardless of age or background.
For more information or to join, you can email her at yoleecuizon@ymail.com or call 0448 911 844.
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