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Australian Philippine Association Illawarra

August 21, 2018

Christine Racar, Policy and Project Officer, recently attended the Filipino social group at Figtree Community Hall to talk about My Aged Care. After group discussion and many questions a wonderful lunch was served.

In 1988, Rebecca Hansen, along with two others who were all Officers of the Australian Philippine Association Illawarra Inc. (APA) started a social group. The group started meeting at the old office of Illawarra Migrant Resource Centre at Rawson Street, Wollongong. Fifteen people attended the first meeting and one of the males from this group is now ninety three and still attends. 

These days the group meets at Figtree Community Hall and has grown to 35-40 financial members with approximately 20-25 in attendance on monthly meetings. The social aspect continues (including bus trips) along with information sessions and for new immigrants how to settle into the community. Everyone brings a plate of food to share for lunch. As there is no government funding the group also undertake fundraising at different times of the year.

Members of the senior group APA Golden Group of Illawarra pictured above from the left, Agapita Dorninger, Assistant Coordinator, Cora Ibasco, original member and present treasurer of APA, Rebecca Hansen, Coordinator.