Since arriving in Western Australia from the Philippines in 1988 with his wife and family, Dante Maribbay has been a powerhouse in Australia’s Filipino community.
From assisting newly arrived migrants as they settle, to helping set up and lead associations, chairing committees, volunteering and raising funds for worthy causes, Dante has worked ceaselessly for migrants, refugees and overseas students.
As a Grant-in-Aid Welfare Officer, Dante has advocated with other welfare officers to ensure Centrelink gives equal benefits to husbands and wives. He’s also helped exploited skilled workers approach the Fair Work Ombudsman to receive unpaid salaries from ruthless employers.
Dante was a foundation member of the Western Australian Multicultural Association Inc, and a board member of the Australian Asian Association and the Ethnic Communities Council of Western Australia. As president of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia from 2016 to 2018, he represented 300,000 Filipino migrants.
Always caring of others, Dante has even opened his home to those in need.