Filipino Community Council of Victoria raises housing insecurity among older migrants at FECCA 2026 in Canberra

Roxanne Sarthou, CEO of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVi), raised concerns about housing insecurity among older multicultural Australians at the FECCA National Conference in Canberra, with FCCVi citing one woman who had waited five years for social housing.

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Filipino-Australian community leaders highlighted housing challenges facing older migrants at the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) National Conference, held in Canberra from 14 to 16 October 2026, The Philippine Times reported on 21 October.

Among the participants was Roxanne Sarthou, chief executive officer of the Filipino Community Council of Victoria Inc. (FCCVi), who raised concerns about housing insecurity among older Australians from multicultural backgrounds. Sarthou is also national president of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia Inc. (FILCCA).

FCCVi shared examples of older migrants facing prolonged waits for social housing, including one woman who had waited five years. Others were described as relying on relatives or facing uncertainty while seeking suitable accommodation.

The organisation argued that housing policy must better recognise the circumstances of culturally and linguistically diverse older Australians, including language barriers, family arrangements and the need for culturally appropriate services. Established in 1988, FCCVi provides aged care and community support services in Victoria.

The conference, themed "Navigating Change, Shaping Australia. Many Stories, One Future", was held at venues including Australian Parliament House, Old Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia, according to the FECCA 2026 conference site. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the gathering, The Philippine Times reported.