Blacktown mayor lauds Pinoys in Australia

Mayor Alan Pendleton of Blacktown City in Australia lauded the city's Filipino community, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.  Pendleton praised Filipinos during a reception he hosted for Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen Anota on Jan. 17. Those who attended the reception included councilors of the Blacktown City Council, the youth Ambassadors of Blacktown City, the members of Blacktown City's sister-city committee, Filipino community leaders, and representatives from both local and Philippine media.   "(Pendleton) warmly welcomed the Ambassador and cited the various contributions of the Filipino-Australian community to the multicultural fabric of the city," the DFA said in a news release. Blacktown City, home to about 26,000 Filipinos, is located 35 kilometers west of Sydney, and has 48 suburbs.   "Filipinos comprise the largest migrant community in the city, contributing to its cultural and linguistic diversity. Blacktown City has the highest population of Filipinos in New South Wales," the DFA said.   During the reception, the mayor also cited the Blacktown City Council's relations with the League of Cities of the Philippines which was formally established in 2010.   On the other hand, Anota thanked Pendleton and the other officials of the Blacktown City Council for the support that they continue to extend to the Filipino community.   She also mentioned the Council of the Philippines' strong interest to pursue activities that will enhance Philippine-Australia economic relations. - VVP, GMA News