The Filipino community in Newman, Western Australia, celebrated Philippine Independence Day in 2023. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/Facebook
Annual celebrations like Christmas and Independence Day are the only times Filipinos come together. The journey from Newman to Perth takes almost thirteen hours, yet why do so many Filipinos continue to live in the area?
Annual celebrations like Christmas and Independence Day are the only times Filipinos come together. The journey from Newman to Perth takes almost thirteen hours, yet why do so many Filipinos continue to live in the area?
Key Points
Emely Barbato is currently organising the celebrations with Filipinos in Newman and is promoting The Filipino Association of Newman.
Welders, mechanics, drivers, chefs and other hospitality jobs are just some of the in-demand jobs in the area.
To stay connected, the women created a chat group, where they also sell Filipino food and provide updates for gatherings.
According to Emely Barbato, the overseer of The Filipino Association of Newman, there are just under 300 Filipinos living in Newman.
This number increases every year, especially as the mining industry in the area continues to grow.
According to the report, Australia is the largest producer of iron ore in the world, reaching 944.1 million tons in 2022.
Western Australia is the primary source, contributing 98.9% of the total iron ore production, thus adding billions of dollars to Australia's economy.
Emely Barbato and the truck used in the mining operations in Newman, Western Australia. Credit: Emely Barbato/FacebookEmely Barbato, together with her relatives, toured several sites in the mining area in Newman. Credit: Emely Barbato/Facebook
According to a statement from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, mining has the highest wages of all industries in Australia—reaching 61% higher than the average income in the country.
"I won't say there's a lot of money here, I won't say there's no money here, but it's all about how you handle your money. If you know how to manage it, you can save a lot," said Emely Barbato, the overseer of The Filipino Association of Newman.
Filipinos in Newman are celebrating the Philippine Independence Day. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/FacebookFilipinos in Newman sharing a feast during the celebrations. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/FacebookFilipinos are introducing the national dance of the Philippines, called Tinikling, to the younger generation. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/ Facebook
In addition to the annual gatherings of Filipinos in the area, the elders also introduce some traditional games and dances to the younger generation.
Filipinos are introducing larong Pinoy called chinese garter to the younger generation. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/FacebookFilipinos are introducing larong Pinoy called Karera sa Sako to the younger generation. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/FacebooFilipinos in Newman sharing a feast during the celebrations. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/FacebookFilipinos in Newman sharing a feast during the celebrations. Credit: The Filipino Association of Newman/Facebook
