Cecilia Flores is a civic-minded leader with always the community interests at heart as her utmost mission. She had been a long-time, active community leader in Canberra and is the current State President of the Filipino Community Council of the ACT Inc. (FCCACT), the umbrella body of different Filipino organisations in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

On a national level, Cecilia regards herself as a humble servant of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia Inc. (FILCCA). She has been associated with FILCCA for several years and is a staunch supporter and community advocate. Her earlier roles were that of Public Relations Officer for two terms, in 2016-2018 and 2018-2021, before becoming the National President in October 2021.

In appreciation and recognition of her community achievements, Cecilia was a recipient of the Philippine Embassy Recognition Award for Community Service and Achievements 2016 (by Ambassador Minda Calaguian-Cruz); State Leadership Award (FILCCA 2016); PRO Appreciation Award (FILCCA 2018); ADHIKA Inspiring Woman Award (International Women’s Day 2020). She also received the FILCCA Recognition Award for the First FILCCA Youth Summit 2015.

Cecilia is an alumna of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines. She was educated at all levels in the university with the highest attainment of Bachelor of Arts Degree, major in Communication Arts (Mass Communications).

In terms of employment experience, Cecilia had accumulated diverse work skills - ranging from administrative, policy, managerial, ministerial and parliamentary roles, which were acquired through more than 30 years of experience in both the Australian Public Service (APS) and the private sectors. APS, Canberra ACT: Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet; Attorney General’s; Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development; Department of Social Services; Australian Transaction Reports & Analysis Centre; Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts & Sport; Department of Transport and Regional Services; Australian Parliament House; National Office of Local Government; Department of Urban Housing & Regional Development; Murray Darling Basin Authority; and Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation.

Private sector: Bruce Tart Media Research Sydney, NSW; and newspaper industry experience at The Border Mail and Twin Cities Post, Albury-Wodonga, NSW. Since leaving the Australian Public Service with over 30 years experience, she has delved into pursuing other interests. Of paramount importance to her is the ability to devote her time to the different communities she serves. Her other hats include Vice President, ACT Chapter of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Australia and Vice President of Kababaihang Rizalista Incorporated (KRI), Canberra Chapter. She is also a committee member of the United Nations Women Australia (UNWA) International Women’s Day Canberra. She also serves as a lector at St Christopher’s Cathedral Canberra. Whenever the opportunity exists, Cecilia loves doing event planning and management, a welcome diversion from her community commitments.

APS, Canberra ACT: Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet; Attorney General’s; Department of Infrastructure & Regional Development; Department of Social Services; Australian Transaction Reports & Analysis Centre; Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts & Sport; Department of Transport and Regional Services; Australian Parliament House; National Office of Local Government; Department of Urban Housing & Regional Development; Murray Darling Basin Authority; and Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation.

Since leaving the Australian Public Service with over 30 years experience, she has delved into pursuing other interests. Of paramount importance to her is the ability to devote her time to the different communities she serves. Her other hats include Vice President, ACT Chapter of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Australia and Vice President of Kababaihang Rizalista Incorporated (KRI), Canberra Chapter. She is also a committee member of the United Nations Women Australia (UNWA) International Women’s Day Canberra. She also serves as a lector at St Christopher’s Cathedral Canberra. Whenever the opportunity exists, Cecilia loves doing event planning and management, a welcome diversion from her community commitments.

One of her words to live by: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” (John Wesley)