PR-34-2024
The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne conducted its 2024 Team Building Activity (TBA) from 30 November 2024 to 01 December 2024 in three regional cities after an overnight stay in Bendigo, Victoria, some 154.2 kms from Melbourne CBD.
Arrival in Bendigo and welcome from City of Bendigo officials
On 30 November 2024, Saturday, upon arrival in Bendigo, the participants were met by Bendigo Mayor Cr ANDREA METCALF and City of Greater Bendigo CEO ANDREW COONEY.
Both CEO COONEY and Mayor METCALF briefed the group on the history of Bendigo and its heritage from the gold rush of the 1850s. They also discussed the strengths of Bendigo’s economy in gastronomy and tourism, agriculture, defence industry and in particular, healthcare, which is one of the sectors that has drawn in the Filipino community. They also highlighted Bendigo’s multiculturalism, and the great contributions of the Filipino community to Bendigo as the city’s population and economy grows.
CEO ANDREW COONEY (seventh standing) at the Central Deborah Gold Mine after the briefing.
After the briefing, the group was divided into two groups to experience the Central Deborah Gold Mine, which was previously a working mine. Some descended 61 meters underground to learn first-hand what it was like to be a miner as well as get acquainted with the tools they used for mining. The other group, on the other hand, jumped aboard Bendigo Tramways Vintage Talking Tram to see the key landmarks and monuments around the City of Bendigo. Both attractions were provided to Post at no cost courtesy of the City of Bendigo.
Teambuilding sessions
After the tour, the group proceeded to Quest Hotel, the venue of the team building activity proper, where the participants were also billeted. The workshop focused on the following topics:
Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao discussed the core competencies expected of all personnel of the Department as well as a snapshot of leadership competencies and functional / technical competencies.
A deep dive into one of the core competencies, Consul General Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo discussed adaptability and resilience by introducing the concept of ‘VUCA world.’ Since most diplomats live in an environment of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complex and Ambiguity, the skills set to allow one to cope with changes and bounce back from challenges is truly important.
Consul Ralph Vincent C. Abarquez, also gave the participants an overview of social media usage in the Philippines, Australia and other countries with comparative statistics. He presented the different forms of social media platforms that are popular at home and in the host country. He also asked the group on the effectiveness of Post’s existing platforms and reach. During this part of the session, it was agreed that public reach through social media has greatly improved and that Post can continue to effectively promote its mandate on social media through the addition of another platform, namely LinkedIn. A workshop on taking effective photos proved enjoyable and instructive.
As part of effective communication, one of the DFA’s core competencies, a quick guide with essential best practices for writing press releases was shared by Consul General Salcedo.
Post-session activities en route to Melbourne
On 01 December 2024 (Sunday), the participants, on their way back to Melbourne, passed by Ballarat, Victoria where the first Rizal landmark in Australia was established in 1996. The Rizal Park had its much-needed renovation and reopened to the public on 19 June 2024 during the 163rd birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero.
Ms. Sherlita Hart, Founder and Consultant of Filipino-Australian Association of Ballarat, Inc. (FAABI) and Ms. Gersen Wardlaw, President of FAABI welcomed the team. Thereafter, Melbourne PCG personnel had a quick stop over at Ballarat Botanical Garden before proceeding to Geelong, the second largest city in Victoria, to attend a Filipino community event called Pasko sa Geelong. Consul General Salcedo gave a speech during the program and met members of the Filipino community in attendance led by the President of the Filipino Australian Friendship Group, Mila Cichello.
The participants then visited the National Wool Museum in Geelong, which was complemented by its director Padric Fisher. Participants learned that the building is part of Geelong Woolstores Historic Area, its collection includes textiles, images, objects and records about the wool industry, which used to be the biggest export earner of Australia, with Geelong playing a substantive role. The National Wool Museum manages over 25,000 objects across the City of Geelong.
