FAWAA Awards

Written by Volet Carolan

The three (3) Filipino Australian Women Achievers awards were presented to Socorro Cue, Liz Garrett and I on 2 November 2007. The Philippine Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Ernesto H de Leon said that these awards 'give witness to the lives of outstanding Filipino women migrants in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Monaro region and that FAWAA has provided a valuable lens through which we can all view the unfolding life stories of Filipina migrants in Australian society, the sacrifices and struggles that come with their every triumph.'

The dinner held at the University House of the Australian National University was attended by around 100 guests including friends of the nominees, politicians, academics and 2001 FAWAA awardees some of whom formed the organising committee: Noonee Doronila, Len Xyrakis, Becky Coggan, and Lydia Pattugalan. Otchie Cariaso from the Philippine Embassy and Lettie Thompson were also in the committee.

The panel of judges composed of Coral Fleming, Harriet Elvin, Craig Cormick, Liz Lang and Peter Camilleri said that their advice is that future nominees should ensure that they list all their achievements and qualifications to enable the panel of judges to assess each nominee's qualifications against all of the selection criteria. They also thanked the referees for writing referee reports at high standard to support their respected nominee. These year's awardees will form the task force for the next FAWAA awards in 5 years.

Socorro has a doctorate degree in Dentistry from the University of the Philippines, a degree in Computing from the University of Canberra and a diploma in Project Management from the University of New England. She could not work as a dentist when she came to Australia as she was required to sit and pass the dentistry exams. She worked as a sales lady then a dental nurse until she became an Australian citizen at which time she was able to get a job in the public service. She is currently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in one of the agencies of the Department of Defence.

Socorro held various leadership position in Filipino community and multicultural organisations in the ACT and has received the ACT Government Achievement award and the ACT Multicultural Council Achievement award. She wants to help fellow migrants settle successfully in Australia and show the beauty of the Filipino culture to the wider Australian community.

Mrs Elizabeth Remonde-Garrett

Liz has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce major in Accounting from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. She has worked in the Australian Public Service for almost 20 years now. Currently she arranges all the overseas travel of officers in the Australian Taxation Office.

Liz enjoys working in the Filipino community. As a member of ACTFA, she shows her passion in promoting the Filipino culture through the beautiful and graceful Filipino dances. She also teaches both children and adults Latin ballroom and other modern dance. She believes that dancing gives one a sense of pride, identity and connection to one's culture and people. She is currently the Secretary of the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT) - the umbrella organisation of a number of Filipino organisations in the ACT. She received the Filipino Community Council of Australia (FILCCA) Community Leadership award in October 2006 during the National FILCCA Convention in Adelaide.

Mrs Volet Carolan (the writer)

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce major in Accounting from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board exams in Manila. My university degree is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor's degree - UST being one of the only four (4) educational institutions recognised in Australia when I arrived in 1986. I am now a Certified Practising Accountant. I worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Immigration and currently an accountant in the Australian Taxation Office.

My award is for my academic and professional achievements and outstanding contribution in broad cultural, artistic, religious and sporting activities specific to the Filipino community, thus raising public awareness of Australia's multicultural society. I enjoy promoting camaraderie among Filipinos and uplifting the Filipino's image when I attend conventions, write about community activities in newspapers such as the Philippine Community Herald and through my membership in Toastmaster International and the Commission for Women.