DCM > Women > Tribute > 2003 > Cynthia Molina

Cynthia Molina (b. 1932)

"As a person, she is kind, helpful and very approachable. As a friend, she is friendly, sweet and lovable.

As a citizen, she is dedicated and hardworking. And as a wife, she's ever faithful, loving and true". (Fele Mann, Philippine Balita , March 1983)

Cynthia has become an inspiration to those around her for her tireless dedication to the community.

Cynthia Molina was born in Taytay, Rizal, in the Philippines in 1932. She graduated from the University of East Manila with a degree in Business Administration and worked as an accountant prior to moving to Australia.

Cynthia came to Darwin with her husband Lino in 1972 and together they have raised six children. In 1973 she and Lino founded the first Filipino Association in Darwin. She was also the co-founder of the Asian Australian Family Association.

Cynthia worked as an accountant before starting her own nursery business and working as an on-call interpreter on for the Office of Ethnic Affairs. Along with her busy life as a working mother Cynthia has volunteered tirelessly with the YWCA, the National Council of Women, the Good Neighbour Council, the Lions Club and the Quota Club.

In 1983 Cynthia was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her dedication to community service. She was the first woman of Asian origin in the Territory to receive this award.

For at least ten years now, Cynthia has been an officer of the Filipiniana Senior Citizens Association as either Treasurer or Financial Secretary. Since 1996, Cynthia has led the musical and cultural activities of the Association. She teaches and performs with members.

Cynthia retired from paid work in 1995 and went on to assist in the establishment of the Multicural Christian Fellowship in Palmerston. 2000 saw the Filipino Community Council of the NT name her the Northern Territory Senior Citizen of the Year. In addition to this Cynthia has repeatedly won the Keep Australia Beautiful Contest for most beautiful garden in the NT.

Cynthia was awarded the Community Award in 2002 by the Filipino Australian Association for her dedication and passion for promoting the Filipino culture to the wider community.