Filipino Australian Association of the NT

Welcome to the Filipino Australian Association of the Northern Territory of Australia.

FANT: The Beginning

The Filipino-Australian Association of the Northern Territory had its beginning from the original Filipino Association of the Northern Territory (FANT) formed by a small group of professional Filipino-Australians in October 1973. Under the leadership of Lino Molina as first president, the association made impressionable presence in the Darwin community through social gatherings characterized by cultural displays of dances, costumes, food and hospitality. See more.

An interim committee composed of Lino Molina, John Rivas, Sam Marquez, David Astley, Lilia Marquez, Edna Rivas, Brian Manning, Elena Ralph, Lydia Astley, NicanorPagsanjan, Joe Villanueva, worked to finalize the constitution prior to formal election of new office bearers and Executive Officer.

By its second year, a first and modest "Barrio Fiesta" was celebrated at a function in the residence of Lino and Cynthia Molina at Parer Drive, Wagaman. Featured at the celebration was the induction of the in-coming office-bearers: John Rivas (President), Nicanor Pagsanjan (Vice-President), Elena Javier (Secretary) and Lilia Marquez (Treasurer), by then Mayor Tiger Brennan, (NT News, 1974).

Cyclone Tracy disrupted the activities of the Association. Many Filipino-Australian families were relocated to other places in Australia for a considerable length of time. Upon their return to Darwin, many concentrated on rebuilding their lives as a priority. The FANT group re-gathered in 1975 to host the Philippine Independence Day celebration in a function aptly called "Filipino Night" at the St. Paul Primary School assembly. As a precedent to future celebrations, the function was aimed to promote Filipino customs and traditions to the wider community. The promotional work grew stronger through FANT participation in the multi-cultural activities in Darwin (e.g., the performance at the Amphitheatre, Government House, Civic Centre, Don Hotel Casino, Casuarina High School, Darwin High School, Parap Festival).

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Darwin Festival

Darwin Festival is an 18-day celebration of music, theatre, visual art, dance, cabaret and more in the beautiful tropical city of Darwin. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, delicious food and drink stalls, and free performances at the heart of the arts - Festival Park, and various venues across Darwin, as the Festival activates the city. For more details follow the link.

Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree

The Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree is a collaborative effort between the Northern Territory Government, Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Darwin Community Arts and the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory. For more details follow the link.

Filipino Mass

We would like to invite everyone every 2nd Sunday of the month from 10:30 - 11:30 am for a Filipino Mass to be held at the Holy Family Parish at 1 Calytix Road, Karama. The Mass is celebrated by Fr. Mon Libot CMF. For further details see pdf link.

Hiring Form
Posted February 16

Download Hiring form now! If you have questions, contact Judith Ventic, Membership Chair / mailto@faantinc.com.au.

Membership Reminder
Posted January 19

Make the Filipino Association a part of your New Year's Resolutions. We are excited to dive into the year with a calendar full of new events and activities. Let's keep our traditions alive! Join us by becoming a new member or by renewing your membership. Your valuable contribution and involvement will ensure a steady stream of supporters for all our projects.

Download membership form now! If you have questions, contact Nerissa Agudo, Membership Chair / mailto@faantinc.com.au.

Jan 23	Sinulog - Feast of Infant Jesus
Feb 13	Valentine's Day - Latino Dance & Dinner
Feb - Jul	1st Season FAANTBL
May	Soundtrip's Karaoke Night
May 28	Harmony Day Soiree
Jun 4	Philippine Independence Day
Jul	1st Season FAANTBL Grand Finals
Aug	Karaoke Night
Aug - Nov	2nd Season FAANTBL