Elsa Ringor Collado

Elsa Rimgor Collado is a Dentist by profession and have worked as Palace Dentist at the Office of the President Malacanang Clinic Manila Philippines for 15 years prior to her migration to Australia in 1993. With her young family of four then, she managed to take courses related to her field in Oral Health. She entered Australian workforce as a Dental Nurse at Northern Sydney Local Health District Royal North Shore Hospital up to present for 28 years now, As a driven Senior Dental Nurse, she's recognized for her exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and a positive attitude. Demonstrates unparalleled customer service and problem-solving skills, ensuring high-quality care and efficiency. Proven adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement highlight a track record of dependable and results-driven performance. In between her family and work duties, Elsa is very passionate in serving the community not only for the Filipino Australian community but the mainstream multicultural diverse community Australia. She is currently the President (Founding) of Lakas Filipina Incorporated, a non-for-profit women's organisation with a strong advocacy of promoting leadership and growth of women as individuals. She is a dedicated advocate for the Filipino community having been elected twice to the peak umbrella body of the Filipino Australian community organisations in New South Wales, the Philippine Community Council of NSW Inc- in 2010 and 2013 respectively. She was a President of Ilocano Association of Australia Inc as well as Timek iti La Union Association Inc for both consecutive five years. She is also affiliated with several organisations in NSW such as: Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown Inc, Filipino Community Cooperative Ltd, Campbelltown & Region Filipino Community Council Inc, Sto Nino Association of Campbelltown and Macarthur Inc, San Pedro Calungsod Association Inc, Filipino Artistic and Cultural Endeavour Society Inc and University of the East Alumni Association Inc. Moving forward and counting years, her heart dictates to continue of her passion in serving and giving back to the community and to the people she loves most: her Family, Filipino community and the mainstream Multicultural Australia. Indeed a Filipino with a Big Heart.

• Leadership Award in October 2018

Awarded by FILCCA (Filipino Communities Council of

Australia

• Inspiring Women Award in March 2018

Awarded by Adhika Inc

• Leadership Award in August 2015

Awarded by Ilocano Association of Australia Inc

• Established stronger links with the Australian Government officials to open lines of communications and maintain rapport for the Filipino community, to include:

- Blacktown City Council

- Campbelltown City Council

- Liverpool City Council

- Penrith City Council

- NSW Premier's office (then Premier Kristina

Kenneally)

• Strengthened stronger ties withe Philippine Government Agencies:

- Philippine Consulate General Sydney

- Philippine Embassy of the Philippines ACT

- Department of Philippine Tourism Sydney

- Department of Philippine Trade & Industry Sydney

- Department of Labor and Employment ACT

• Established stronger ties with the Ethnic Communities Council (ECC)
• Strengthened ties with the media:

- Print Media through the local Philippine newspaper,

The Philippine Community Herald Newspaper

- Pinoy Radio 98.5 FM - regular PCCNSW broadcast

every first Monday of the month with PCC PRO and

member affiliates in promoting events anddiscussing

community issues with listeners live on air

participation

• Charitable activities under PCC PADER Project:

- Shine for Queensland Disaster Relief Apeal

- Typhoon Haiyan

• Philippine Community Council of NSW
• Lakas Filipina Incorporated
• Ilocano Association of Australia
• Rizal Park Movement of Campbelltown
• Campbelltown & Region Filipino Community Council
• Filipino Community Cooperative Ltd
• Timek iti La Union Association
• Sto Nino Association of Campbelltown and Macarthur
• San Pedro Calungsod Association
• Filipino Australian Artistic and Cultural Endeavour Society
• University of the East Alumni Association

• Dental Assisting Certificate IV
• Dental Assisting in Dental Radiography

Elsa Ringor Collado arrived in Australia with young children hoping to achieve her dreams as a dental professional. Being foreign - trained she had to upgrade her qualifications to Australian standard. She had to combine working, studying and looking after her family. Since her line of work involves intimate contact with her dental clients, she gained insights on community and cultural activities. Her professional career and family priorities did not deter her from getting involved in the community.

Elsa played an important role in the community as a leader and in facilitating and promoting social cohesion, understanding and acceptance between members of different cultural or faith communities in NSW.

When an opportunity to provide humanitarian assistance to Juriel Amora (the Filipino boy from Bohol who was given prosthetic limbs in Australia), she did not hesitate. While the refitting and re-adjustments of his prosthetic limbs was being organised she offered to adopt the family by providing temporary accommodation in their house. She also made representations for visa approval at the Dept. of Immigration. And so for the next several years she became deeply involved in community issues and was recognised by the community and got elected to lead various organisations and got involved in several civic organisations.

Elsa is well-loved in the community. She is known as a dentist with a big heart. Her demeanour is endearing to people around her. People rely on her leadership when faced with challenging situations that require diplomacy.

She has promoted negotiations with disparate groups by focussing on the primary objectives and outcomes rather than the politics of tribalism.

Elsa has been intimately involved in community services across cultural divide for over twenty five years or so. Due to her leadership quality, she has been able to implement community projects usually at senior management levels. She could also be a good follower especially in cases where her role demands hands on involvement. She is extraordinarily good in soliciting sponsorships for charitable causes and cultural shows.