Our History

In 1996, the Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland was born with the following founding member organizations:

Kahirup Society of Qld, Inc., Pilipino Australian Sports Association, Cultural Australian Filipino Association, Radio Filipino, Brisbane, Filipino Senior Citizens of Brisbane Inc., Sampaguita Folkloric Dance Troupe, Filipino Australian Sunshine Coast Association Inc., and Logan-Fil Australian Community Ass’n Inc. The first elected President was Mr Mauro Somodio and was chronologically succeeded by Mrs. Fely Santos, Mrs. Mary Ann Boehme, and Mrs. Lolita Treasure. The current president is Mrs. Cecilia J. Somodio .

The Foundation was established to provide a venue for meetings, educational training and development, and conferences; provide room for educational resources featuring a library of Filipiniana books, magazines, articles, and pamphlets; teach Filipino language; furnish space for facilities and resources for community development, and; tap social workers to help empower the Filipino and needy communities.

On July 25, 1997, the organization became Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. (FAFQI) after its incorporation through the Queensland Association Incorporation Act of 1981 is approved with the Incorporation number: IA18301

On March 1, 2011, the lease of Council Building at Beryl Roberts Park, Coopers Plains, Qld was approved for use by the Philippine Multi-Purpose Centre. The official opening on Nov 12, 2011 was attended by Councilor Steve Griffith of Morrooka Ward, Councilor Angela Owen Taylor of Parkinson Ward, Hon. Philippine Consul General Alan Grummitt and his wife Wendy, incumbent President Cecilia J. Somodio, Bb. Pilipinas Australia 2011 Louisa Parkinson, and other Philippine community representatives.

Moreover, the FAFQ Charity Inc Scholarships Fund Endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient took effect on 2nd of December 2017. The Centre presently lives up to its reputation as "Home Away from Home" for both the old and new Filipino immigrants. It is the profound link that continues to strengthen their unity towards the common goal of becoming productive citizens of their respective communities without forsaking their rich Filipino heritage.