‘Rizal Park’ to rise soon in Australia

10Jul09

A park named after Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal will soon be constructed in New South Wales in Australia.

Balitang Australia reported that a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Campbell town to signal the start of construction to transform a 2.6 hectare property into Rizal Park.

Campbell Town Mayor Russel Matheson unveiled the plans to Philippine Consul General Eva Betita.

“It’s in recognition of a remarkable man and we have a strong Filipino Australian community in Campbell Town. We have 4,000 residents living here,” said Matheson.

Leaders of the Filipino community in New South Wales were also present to celebrate the occasion.

Since 1988, the property has been called the Rizal Park but only recently received funding from the federal government and city council. Reports added that $120,000 will go into purchasing a playground, building walk paths, streetlights, barbeque pits, shelters and toilet facilities.

Filipino community leader Lourdes Kaiser said lessons learned from Dr. Rizal is still relevant in today’s society.

“It is relevant because it will give them an insight of how lucky they are that they’re enjoying the basic rights of freedom,” said Kaiser, president of the Campbell Town and Region Filipino Community Council.

The park is expected to be completed in the next three years.

“First to get it named Rizal Park was indeed a struggle also for them because other communities would also want this named after their favorite leader or something. But this community persisted and succeeded in getting it registered of course with the approval of the council. So, that to me was already a victory,” said Betita.