MELBOURNE, Australia -- It is springtime here and everyone is gearing up for the 30th anniversary of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc. (PFVI) which will be held on November 24-25, 2012 at the Pavillion Exhibition Hall, Melbourne Showgrounds just before summertime begins. The annual celebration has brought countless excitement, happiness and joy to the Filipino-Australian Community since its formal inception in 1982.  This year's theme is Bukas –Bisig (Open arms or Welcome!)

From its humble beginnings at the Carribean Gardens in Knox City, the Fiesta has grown into a bigger proportion and becomes the much-awaited event of the year. Though it has changed its venues over the years, the Fiesta has been attended by thousands of people from all walks of life sharing its amicable and vibrant atmosphere.

NEW SOUTH WALES (June 7) -- After waiting for 20 years, a Rizal Park in Australia, situated in 2.2-hectare property in the city of Campbelltown, New South Wales, will be developed, Consul General Eva G. Betita announced.

In a report report to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, Betita said the property used be an empty reserve owned by the city government that was being preserved for future use.

CANBERRA --   Cotabato Rep. Emmy Lou Talino's complaint, as reported in the Philippine Daily Mirror on February 24, might have bear fruit.  The Australian government, through its agency, Biosecurity Australia, has decided that it is safe to import Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.

This opens up a market that Filipino growers have sought to enter since 1995.

The government's decision is based on a 600-page biosecurity report released on Nov. 12 last year, which cited 21 pests and diseases in the Philippines of quarantine concern to Australia, but which concluded the risk could be reduced to "acceptable levels" by proposed risk-management measures.