The Philippine Embassy in Canberra honoured 20 individuals and organisations deemed to have made extraordinary contributions to the enhancement of bilateral relations between The Philippines and Australia. The awarding ceremony was held at the residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Australia on the 21st of May 2017, on the eve of Philippines-Australia Friendship Day 2017, in conjunction with National Heritage Month in the Philippines, and as part of the observance and celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines Australia Diplomatic Relations (1946-2016).
The 70th Anniversary Awards was initiated by Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Minda Calaguian-Cruz, “to give recognition to Filipinos and Australians whose dedicated service in their respective advocacies have uplifted people’s lives, promoted Philippine culture and heritage, supported economic linkages, and raised awareness on the historic relations between the Philippines and Australia.”
The Ambassador was joined by First Assistant Secretary Allaster Cox and Ms. Elizabeth Kikkert MLA of the ACT Legislative Assembly in presenting to each awardee a 70th Anniversary Certificate of Recognition. Mrs Rosie Norriss, grand old lady of the WA Filipino Australian migrant community, was among the awardees, recognised for Community Service. The nonagenarian was unable to personally attend the ceremonies in Canberra.
The complete list of awardees:
Defense and Security Cooperation
Major Paul A. Rosenzweig, Ret.
Economic Diplomacy
Australia-Philippines Business Council (APBC)
Mr. Arturo Landrito Sta. Barbara
Cultural Diplomacy
Dr. Merlinda Bobis
Atty. Lolita Farmer OAM
Mr. Trevor Hogan
Mr. Renato Perdon
Mr. Christian Ramilo
Dr. Deborah Ruiz-Wall OAM
Community Service
Ms. Miriam Cocking
Mr. Alastair Douglas
Dr. Darryl J. Hodgkinson and Ms. Katherine Hodgkinson
Illawarra Filipino and Multicultural Women’s Group Inc.
Mr. Rob and Jean Johnston
Mr. Robert Murray
Mrs. Rosie Lavadia Norriss
Rev. Fr. Renato Paras
Mr. Maurice Schokman
Mrs. Perlita Swinbank
Mrs. Elvira Tolentino
First row: Consul General Anne Jalando- on Louis, Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, First Assistant Secretary Allaster Cox of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, H.E. Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Atty. Lolita Far OAM (awardee), Dr. Deborah Ruiz Wall OAM (awardee), Mr. Chris Swinbank (husband of posthumous awardee Perlita Swinbank).
Second row: Mr. Alastair Douglas (awardee), Mr. Maurice Schokman (awardee), Mr. Nonoy Perdon (brother of awardee Mr. Renato Perdon), Dr. Trevor Hoagn (awardee), Ms. Remi Macina (President of organization awardee Illawara Filipino & Multicultural Women’s Group; Mrs. Elvira Tolentia (awardee and representative of awardee Christian Ramilo; Mr. Rob and Jean Johnston (awardee); Dr. Merlinda Bobis (awardee); Dr. Daryl Hodgkinson (awardee) Mr. Miguel Castro (guest artist); Minister and Consul General Nina Cainglet, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Nicole de Castro, Ms Kathleen Tudio and Ms Sheila Tu of the Philippine Embassy; Third row: Major Paul A. Rosenzweig MA JP (awardee) and Ms. Katherine Hodgkinson (awardee)
