04/06/2026
CANBERRA, ACT – 14 May 2026
The Embassy of the Philippines in Australia, led by Ambassador Antonio Morales, hosted a reception at Parliament House to commemorate Philippines-Australia Friendship Day and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event brought together more than 80 guests, including Members of Parliament, senior government officials, ASEAN representatives, business leaders, and members of the Filipino community. Guests of Honour included Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong - Senator for SA and Mr Luke Gosling MP, Chair of the Australia-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Queensland, Ms Sheryll Gabutero, alongside her assistant honorary consular officer, Von Santos (Snts Vn), attended the celebration at Australian Parliament House alongside consular colleagues from several Australian jurisdictions, including Consul-General AmbaGary Domingo of Melbourne, Honorary Consul Carmen Garcia of Adelaide, and Vice Consul Diana Jimenez-Leomo of Sydney. Also present were members of the Philippine Embassy and government representatives, including Consul-General Sheila Tario, Sydney-based Tourism Attaché Cassandra Sta. Maria-Camonggol, and Department of Migrant Workers Attaché Melissa Mendizabal, together with embassy staff and officials from across the Philippine foreign service network in Australia.
The event highlighted eight decades of friendship, cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties between Australia and the Philippines, bringing together dignitaries, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, and community leaders.
The Philippine Consulate in Queensland is honoured to support and advance the enduring partnership between our two nations and looks forward to even greater collaboration in the years ahead.
In photos:
Left - Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and Honorary Consul Sheryll Gabutero
Upper Right - (From left to right) Philippine Navy Representative, Honorary Consul Carmen Garcia of Adelaide, Vice Consul Diana Jimenez-Leomo, Consul General Sheila Tario of Philippine Embassy Canberra, His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Morales (Center), Consul General Gary Domingo of Philippine Consulate-General Melbourne, Honorary Consul Sheryll Gabutero of Philippine Consulate Queensland, Sydney-based Tourism Attaché Cassandra Sta. Maria-Camonggol, Department of Migrant Workers Attaché Melissa Mendizabal.
Lower Right - (From left to right) Ms Kit of Philippine Embasy Canberra, Honorary Consul Sheryll Gabutero, Ms Norain of Philippine Embassy Canberra and Honorary Officer Von Santos