The $10,000 raffle draw is near. After eight months of fundraising, ticket holders have entered the final stretch of the Pamana Raffle, with the prize draws for $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 cash giveaways happening this Sunday.
With only seven days to go, community not-for-profit group NARRA Co-operative is inviting the community to take part in one of the largest cash raffles ever held by a Filipino organisation in Australia, with $10,000 in total prizes to be won.
fundraiser/volunteers at ACI Central on January 18, 2026.
More importantly, every ticket sold supports an ambitious and inspiring goal: the dream of building a permanent Philippine-Australian Arts, Culture and Innovation Centre in Sydney by 2032. At present, NARRA has raised enough funds to own and maintain a fundraising office and community meeting hub called 'ACI Central' in Campbelltown. The hub houses Filipino paintings and cultural artefacts and can host workshops for up to 50 guests. The planned cultural centre, which is slated for a 2032 opening, plans to host events for at least 500 guests.
* $5,000 for first prize
* $3,000 for second prize
* $2,000 for third prize
Raffle tickets are just $25 each and can still be purchased on the day at the Pamana Ball on Sunday, February 1, for those attending the much-anticipated event to be held at the Liverpool Catholic Club.
Winners will be announced on Sunday night via the NARRA Co-operative and the ACI Central Facebook pages, giving supporters near and far the chance to tune in and celebrate together.
For many Filipino-Australians, $5,000 can be life-changing. Converted to Philippine pesos, that first prize is worth around 185,000PHP to 190,000PHP, which is a powerful amount that reaches far beyond a single winner.
“It could pay a semester’s tuition for a family member back home, help make house repairs, or cover long-overdue medical bills for parents in the province,” said Marcus Rivera, president of NARRA Co-op. “For others here in Australia, it might mean visa fees, skills training, childcare, or the deposit on a first car. These are the quiet milestones that help migrant families move forward.”
Rivera added that in true Filipino fashion, winnings are rarely kept for oneself alone. “We share our blessings. We stretch them. We turn them into opportunity for the whole family.”
Behind the prizes is a remarkable show of generosity from community leaders and business owners who believe deeply in the cause. The $5,000 first prize was donated by Migration Australia and Settlement Services, led by business owner and cultural ambassador Edna Wacher. The $3,000 second prize comes courtesy of Jaime Lopez, founding president of NARRA, together with Carmenchu Montilla G Fashion by Carmenchu Gresham, former president of Plaza Filipino. The $2,000 third prize was donated by Lee Meekan from Kangen Water, alongside LH Real Estate by Albert Prias, former president of NARRA Co-op.
donated by the Consulate General of the Philippines in Sydney.
Beyond the excitement of winning, organisers emphasise that every ticket purchased is an investment in the community’s future. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support ACI Central’s arts and cultural programs and contribute toward the long-term goal of acquiring a dedicated Philippine Australian Arts, Culture and Innovation Centre by 2032.
“This is a vision born from the community itself,” Rivera said. “What we’re seeing now is momentum created by our own people — families, volunteers, leaders — and supportive members of the government and business sectors, all coming together and supporting this fundraising to make something lasting possible.”
Philippine Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Antonio Morales, visited the venue earlier this week and encouraged the group in its endeavours to build a cultural centre. "Please keep up the good work. I'm impressed by [ACI Central] and I hope it will be replicated in the various states and territories."
Over the past eight months, volunteers, families and community leaders have raised funds, hosted orientation events and workshops, and kept the dream alive. Now, in the final countdown, the call is simple: don’t miss your chance to be part of history.
"Support a cause close to the heart, try your luck at winning big, and help build something lasting for generations of Filipino-Australians to come," said Carmenshu Montilla Gresham.
fundraising office of NARRA Co-op, ACI Central.
To buy raffle tickets, email narracoopltd@gmail.com or purchase them at the Pamana Ball. Follow ACI Central or Narra Co-op pages on Facebook for updates and the winner announcement by 10pm, Sunday, February 1.
