MELBA CABATO WAUGH
Passionate Community Leader and Advocate
Award-Winning Enterprenuer and Licence of Australia Post
Wyndham Citizen of the Year 2024
Victorian Senior Achiever of the Year 2022
MY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Co-Founder and Past President – Australian Council of Multicultural Entrepreneurs, Inc. (ACME)
- President – Bridge Builders for Australia, Inc. (BBFA)
- Member – Committee for Wyndham
- Chair – Australian Barbeque Festival and Competition held at Werribee Park
- Chair – Wyndhamvision Singing Competition – Held at Wyndham Cultural Centre
- Chair – Phillipine Australian Foundation Princess Committee
- Chair – Melbourne International FOlkfest – Philippine Cultural Display Pavilion
- West City Christian Church – Member of Church Council and Director of Missions
Legacy
With over 30 years of residency in Hoppers Crossing, Melba has witnessed Wyndham’s remarkable transformation. “Hoppers Crossing is an older suburb of Wyndham. With Wyndham being one of the fastest growing cities in Victoria, most of the infrastructure developments are geared towards the new estates. When it comes to infrastructure budgets, Hoppers Crossing seems to have been left out,” Melba explains, highlighting the need for more balanced investment in established neighborhoods.
Melba’s entrepreneurial journey mirrors that of many migrants who arrive in Australia with little but their hopes and dreams. Through sheer determination, she and her core family built a successful chain of post offices across Melbourne and Geelong, which not only cemented their business acumen but also allowed Melba to devote herself to community service. Her story is one of resilience, a testament to the Filipino spirit of “Kaya ng Pinoy“—the ability of Filipinos to overcome and succeed.
Aiming to Be the Best
Melba’s council candidacy for Wyndham’s Grange Ward
Melba Cabato Waugh, an accomplished businesswoman and dedicated community leader, is stepping up for her beloved Wyndham community in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs. As a long-time resident of Hoppers Crossing, Melba is running for a council seat representing the Grange Ward, driven by her commitment to serve and represent one of the fastest-growing and most diverse communities in Victoria.
Leadership
Throughout her career, Melba has remained a steadfast advocate for multiculturalism and community empowerment. As President of Bridge Builders for Australasia, Inc. (BBFA) and a leader in the Australian Council for Multicultural Entrepreneurs (ACME), Melba has consistently provided platforms for aspiring entrepreneurs and the elderly. “We have a lot of programs to keep the elderly mentally, physically and socially active,” she shares, reflecting on her work with BBFA. Melba also spearheaded the popular Australian BBQ Festival and Competition, a collaborative effort involving various community organisations that resonated strongly with many Australians. This event not only celebrated multicultural flavours but also brought together diverse groups, leaving a lasting impression and generating calls for its return. Projects like the Wyndham Vision Singing Contest, which evolved from her FIL-OZ IDOLS initiative, further demonstrate her commitment to fostering talent and community connection.
In recognition of her efforts, Melba was named Wyndham Citizen of the Year in 2024, an accolade that she humbly attributes to the collective support of her community and her faith. “Receiving those awards gives me the platform to bring about social change by amplifying marginalised voices and supporting initiatives,” she says in an interview with The Philippine Times.
Community Testimonials
“Melba’s dedication to our community is truly inspiring. She has made a significant impact on our lives.”
“Her initiatives have brought about positive changes in our community. We fully support her candidacy.”
Facebook Review
Get in Touch with the Campaigns
Our team is here to answer your questions and provide information on how you can support Melba’s campaigns.