How this local Fil-Aus community leader is championing heritage as an AFC Women’s Asian Cup volunteer

Gold Coast Filipino-Australian Cultural Ensemble President Shirley Nield trades her executive hat for a volunteer vest to lead community support and flag-bearing duties for the Philippine National Team.

Gold Coast Filipino-Australian Cultural Ensemble President Shirley Nield trades her executive hat for a volunteer vest to lead community support and flag-bearing duties for the Philippine National Team. Credit: Gold Coast Filipino-Australian Cultural Ensemble President

Key Points

• As the head of a prominent cultural group, Nield is personally volunteering throughout the tournament to demonstrate the importance of community service and "balik-suporta" (giving back support) to the homeland.
• Nield and her fellow Filipino volunteers have been selected for the prestigious task of carrying the Philippine national flag onto the field, literally waving the watawat in front of an international audience.
• Beyond the logistics of the "March to Match," Nield views her volunteer role as a way to inspire Filipino-Australian youth to embrace their heritage and see sports as a bridge back to their roots.

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