Emerging leaders from the Philippines have met with Blacktown City's elected representatives and shared insights on community leadership during a visit to Sydney.
Philippines Congresswoman for Calamba City Charisse Anne Hernandez led the delegation which Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting and Councillors welcomed last month.
The hosts gave an overview of Blacktown City, its Filipino community and youth programs, and heard about the delegates' experiences.
Filipinos are the second largest expat community (25,292 people, 2021 Census) in Blacktown City after Indians and Mayor Bunting was grateful for the cross-cultural learning opportunity.
"Blacktown City has one of the largest Filipino communities in Sydney," he said.
"People from the Philippines have contributed so much to our community, including their culture, food and values.
"Sharing this special bond with our visitors is a great way of promoting Blacktown City to emerging leaders of the Philippines, as well as sharing ideas on building better communities."
Blacktown City has three Councillors of Filipino heritage: Cr Dorothy Del Villar, Cr Jess Diaz and Deputy Mayor Cr Carol Israel.
The Philippines delegates were Ms Hernandez, Iloilo Province Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Formacion Debuque, Talavera Mayor Aries Vincent Patrick G.Lim, Albay Province Board Member Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz, Basilan Province Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv T.Hataman and San Juan Councillor Lorenzo Francisco Tanada-Yam.
The federal government's Australian Political Exchange Council coordinated the visit as part of educating emerging foreign leaders about Australia.
