Our History
From a rented hut on Addison Street to a lasting community institution.
Founded
21 March 1981
Founding Chairperson
Linda Villareal-Jenkins
Registered
NSW Fair Trading
The Filipino Community Co-operative is a Filipino civic and non-profit organisation in Sydney, Australia, established to respond to the needs of a growing Filipino migrant community. It is registered under the Department of Fair Trading.
The organisation was officially established on 21 March 1981 under the leadership of its Founding Chairperson, Linda Villareal-Jenkins, one of the early Filipino migrants, who arrived in Australia in 1962.
The dismantling of the White Australia Policy in 1973 saw the Filipino migrant population significantly increase to 15,435, with many Filipinos arriving through the family reunion program and partnership sponsorship schemes. There was also a steady influx of skilled professionals. The sudden surge of new migrants created a growing need for support, guidance and community services for newly arrived migrants.
Recognising this need and to assist in a migrant's assimilation process, Linda Villareal-Jenkins took on the challenge of building an organisation that would serve and support the community. She was joined by Vice Chairperson Raffy Duarte, who arrived in Australia in 1970, along with a dedicated group of community volunteers.
“From its modest beginnings in 1981, the Co-operative has continued to grow and adapt, while remaining true to its altruistic spirit of service to the community.”
With the assistance of government grants and through fundraising initiatives, the Co-operative established its first premises at “The Hut” on Addison Street, Marrickville, NSW. From this humble beginning, it began providing much-needed migrant welfare services, helping newcomers navigate life in a new country and fostering a sense of belonging within the Filipino community.
As the needs of the community evolved, so too did the Cooperative's role. On 23 May 1983, responding to the needs of Filipino families and working parents, the organisation diversified and established a Child Care Centre.
From its modest beginnings in 1981, the Filipino Community Co-operative has continued to grow and adapt while remaining true to its altruistic spirit of service to the community.
Today the Filipino Community Co-operative exists under the management and direction of Atty. Kate Roc-Andres since 2002, along with a Board of Directors. It continues to be actively involved in community initiatives and philanthropic endeavours, carrying forward a proud legacy built by the pioneers and volunteers who gave their time, energy and hearts to serve the Filipino community in Australia.
Leadership
Former Presidents.
Others who served in various capacities and at various times include Lolita Farmer, Lucy Saladar, Agnes Crame, Tey Valencia, Albert M.G. Garcia, Ampy Natividad, Mena Santos, Gloria Gumban, Jess Diaz, Father Paras.
Years as recorded in Co-operative records supplied for this site; please let us know if any dates need correcting.
Objectives
What we stand for.
To promote and advance the cultural, educational, recreational, social and moral interests, and the health, welfare and relief of poverty of the Filipino and other people of ethnic origin, thereby assisting their integration into the Australian community.
To promote joint action and co-operation between the Filipino, Australian and other ethnic communities on issues of common concern.
To initiate, establish, operate and/or manage community based early childhood and youth centres, hostels for the elderly and other community services for Filipino families and others in need, and to encourage active decision making by participants in such services to ensure the fulfilment of the Co-operative's objectives.
To help safeguard the rights of the Filipino and other ethnic communities and participate in consultations on government policy formulations which affect ethnic communities and the sharing of community resources.
To do such acts and functions necessary for the implementation and furtherance of its objectives.
Powers of the Co-operative (from the registered Rules)
- 1.Provide and carry on any community service, including transport and the supply of water, gas and electricity; provide and install plant, fittings and requisites in connection with any community service, and do anything necessary or convenient for that purpose.
- 2.Erect dwellings and buildings either on behalf of, or for sale or letting to, its members.
- 3.Acquire land on which dwellings or buildings are being or have been erected and sell or let the same to its members.
- 4.Sell or let land to its members or any other Co-operative.
- 5.Subdivide land, make and maintain private ways, bridges, culverts and drains, and make, open and dedicate roads.
- 6.Provide and maintain buildings and grounds for education, recreation and other community purposes, or operate, maintain or carry on any club, or promote or assist clubs for any such purpose.
- 7.Promote and carry out any charitable project or undertaking.
- 8.Raise money on loan for any object of the Co-operative, subject to the provisions of the Act.
- 9.Receive money on deposit.
- 10.Acquire, by purchase or otherwise, shares in any other Co-operative.
- 11.Contract or otherwise make arrangements for any guarantee of the payment of money by the Co-operative, or the performance of its obligations, and give security over its assets for such purposes.
- 12.Enter into guarantees, indemnities and agreements for recourse, purchase and repurchase with an owner in relation to hire purchase agreements made between such owner and members of the society in respect of goods, plant, machinery or equipment.
Summarised from the Co-operative's registered Rules. The Co-operative's powers to obtain financial accommodation and give security for the repayment of money are exercised subject to the Co-operatives Act.