'The award is not mine alone, it belongs to the community': Lawyer Lolita Farmer, first Filipino OAM recipient

"The award is not mine, it belongs to the Filipino community," so describes lawyer Lolita Farmer, who was awarded with a Medal for the Order of Australia in 1981 - being the first Filipino who ever received it in Australia. Image:

Lolita Farmer OAM, left, with former Governor-General of Australia Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO Source: The Filipino Austalian

Key Points

• The late Filipino Australian community leader Lolita Farmer received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1981.
• She was the first Filipino recipient of such award.
• Recognised for her service to the community including migrants.

Recognised for her service to the migrants, Atty Farmer was actively involved in the community particularly concerning women's issues, issues concerning migrants, childcare, broadcasting and services to the community.

She looks back at all of her involvement in the community.