Quezon Memorial Shrine lit up in Australia’s green and gold last Friday to celebrate Philippines–Australia Friendship Day and 80 years of formal diplomatic relations. A groundbreaking was also held for a new historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, recognizing Australia’s wartime support for President Manuel L. Quezon and his government.
In 1942, as Japanese forces advanced, Quezon and his cabinet fled Corregidor and traveled through various parts of the country before flying to Darwin and later Melbourne. They stayed in Australia for nearly a month, where they were given safe haven and backing to continue the fight for Philippine freedom. Formal ties began May 22, 1946, with the opening of Australia’s consulate in Manila.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown noted this history laid the foundation for today’s strong cooperation in defense, trade, education, and people-to-people bonds—including the over 400,000 Filipinos now living in Australia. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, NHCP, and Quezon City government joined the events, underscoring the enduring value of this long-standing partnership.
