23-24 November 2024

Philippine Community Centre, 1 Thomas St. Laverton

Welcome to Philippine Fiesta!

The Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Incorporated (PFVI) began its journey in 1982 with vision of bringing a beloved Filipino tradition to Australia. This fiesta celebration started humbly, with a small group of Filipinos dedicated to preserving their heritage in their new homeland.

A major milestone came in 1994, with PFVI’s acquisition of the former Laverton Park Primary School at 1 Thomas Street, Laverton, Victoria. This marked the beginning of an ambitious dream: establishing a Philippine Community Centre. This vision brought immense challenges, and the path ahead was daunting.

In 2006, two core principles-pride and ownership- formed the foundation for the Community Centre’s design. These ideals guided the conceptual planning of a centre intended to serve the Filipino-Australian community in Victoria. The goal was to create a versatile space for cultural, sports, educational, and entertainment activities for PFVI and other Filipino-Australian and multicultural groups across the region.

Building this centre has been a journey filled with hurdles, but thanks to the perseverance of the PFVI Management Committee, unwavering support from members, and dedication from the Filipino-Australian community, the vision is steadily becoming a reality. All necessary paperwork, designs and permits were finalised, leading to the groundbreaking in early 2021.

Construction began in 2021, though progress was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and unforeseen challenges, including supply chain issues and rising labor costs. Despite these setbacks, PFVI remains committed to achieving this dream of a community centre for future generations.

The establishment of our very own community centre marks a historic achievement for Filipinos in Australia. It symbolises the fulfilment of a long-held dream and stands as the first and largest Philippine Community Centre in Australia.