General News
15 June, 2026
Filipino Club receives boost for community events
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club will use a $2500 Horsham Rural City Council grant to improve its sound equipment and support its growing calendar of community events. The club is among 25 local not-for-profit organisations sharing $99,362 through the council’s Community Development Grants Program for 2026-2027.
The HRCC received 38 applications totalling $145,062.
The grants will support projects across Horsham, Natimuk, Dooen, Arapiles, Toolondo, Laharum and Quantong, including equipment upgrades, maintenance, safety improvements and community programs.
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club president Rubylyn Mackley said the club was grateful to receive funding for its audio enhancement project.
“We are ecstatic and very grateful to receive the approval of our application from Horsham Rural City Council,” Ms Mackley said.
“Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club will benefit a lot from this project because we will be able to utilise better quality equipment to enhance our current sound system for programs, events and community engagements in the Wimmera region and surrounds.”
Ms Mackley said the club would use the grant to buy sound gear for events and open-air community activities.
“As the population of Filipino residents and CALD communities in Horsham is increasing and a lot of talented members are joining and showcasing their talents in music and dancing, this project will enhance the sound gear and equipment we have available,” she said.
“The additional gears will further aid the club in coming up with more events without the worry that we might not have enough.”
The Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club has supported Filipino and culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the region for several years.
It welcomes new Filipino residents, helps them settle in the Wimmera, and organises family-friendly events including Australia Day celebrations, Easter egg hunts, trick-or-treat activities, fundraisers, SportsFest and Christmas parties.
The club also takes part in community and multicultural events, including Steampunk, Kannamaroo, the Donald Multicultural Festival, Harmony Day events in Horsham, Stawell, and Nhill, and other cultural programs where members showcase Filipino dancing, singing, and food.
Ms Mackley said the club’s events played an important role for migrants and families living away from home.
“These events provide inclusiveness and a sense of belonging,” she said.
“Being away from the family is undeniably difficult, so hopefully these kinds of events will give new migrants comfort and connection to the Filipino culture.”
The club recently held its Community Bazaar and plans to hold it every two to three months.
It will also host a celebration for the 128th Philippine Independence Day at Horsham Neighbourhood House on June 13, as well as its annual Christmas and end-of-year event in December.
Ms Mackley said the club looked forward to creating more opportunities for Filipino residents and other migrant communities.
“We are hoping to create more activities not only for our growing Filipino community but also for other migrants and cultures as well,” she said.
“Hopefully, we work hand in hand with them in expressing our identity and uniqueness and participate more in enriching the community.”
HRCC mayor Brian Klowss said the Community Development Grants helped local groups deliver projects that improved community life.
“Council’s Community Development Grants are instrumental in supporting local projects, enhancing community facilities, and promoting safety and engagement,” Cr Klowss said.
“This year, we have given much-needed funding to organisations such as U3A Horsham, Horsham Neighbourhood House, Horsham Historical Society, Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club, Horsham Agricultural Society, and Rotary District 9780 for its Defying the Drift Program.”
Ms Mackley thanked the Council and the wider community for their ongoing support.
“Thank you so much to HRCC for the support to the club since 2017,” she said.
“Our club relies heavily on grants for funding our events and purchasing equipment and resources.
“Thank you to the community for supporting and welcoming all the Filipinos and CALD communities in the region.”
She also encouraged Filipino residents in the Wimmera to connect with the club.
“It is hard to be away from loved ones and to battle homesickness, but you all have been brave in leaving your comfort zone and trying your luck in this foreign land,” she said.
“We reassure you that you are not alone.”