Pinay named one of '12 People of Australia ambassadors'

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard named a Filipino community leader as named one of the “people ambassadors” of Australia on Wednesday.   According to the news site The Filipino Australian, Dr. Cen Amores—founding president of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organizations (APCO)—was hailed one of the 12 “People of Australia Ambassadors” from the New South Wales area.   The honorary title was given to 40 “local champions” from eight states in Australia. They were selected from “hundreds of nominations from the public,” the report said.    “Australians were encouraged to nominate inspirational people who have helped build bridges, promote inclusion, and strengthen ties in their communities,” it added.   Among the ambassadors named on Wednesday was football champion Harry O’Brien, who is also involved in a variety of community projects.   A separate media release on the site of Kate Lundy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, noted that the people ambassadors are expected to share their ideas with the Gillard administration to aid in making its multicultural policy stronger.    According to the Australian government’s website, Amores “has 13 years of teaching experience” in several institutions and private training providers, including the South Western Sydney Institute of Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and the Metropolitan Business College.   She also holds “leadership positions” in groups like the Filipino Community Cooperative and the Sydney Alliance. - with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, VVP, GMA News