General News
24 June, 2025
Filipino Fiesta
THE Filipino community of Ararat came together at Ararat’s Catholic Church last weekend for a joyful celebration in honour of the Philippines' Independence Day, combining culture and community spirit.
Aris Mallari, President of the Filipino Australian Community of Ararat, said the event was about more than marking the occasion.
“While we celebrate it every June 12th, we picked a day where everyone could gather, meet other Filipinos from the area, and open it up to our non-Filipino friends,” he said.
Over 50 people attended the afternoon celebration, which featured a shared meal and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A strong sense of belonging and faith also ties the community together, with many regularly attending the Catholic church in the region.
“It was a great opportunity for many to sit and enjoy something a little different after Mass.
“We do this to connect with others and also share a bit of our culture to let (Filipinos) experience something from home,” he said.
Mr Mallari said inclusivity and community involvement were key to the group’s goals.
“It’s essential to have inclusivity and to be part of the town itself.” he said.
Beyond Independence Day, the group organises monthly events like its annual Christmas gathering.
The group found that the gatherings help locals, especially seniors, stay engaged.
“We try to do events every month to keep people connected and also reach out to a lot of seniors who might otherwise just be at home,” Mr Mallari said.
Read More: Ararat