Turnover of Prehistoric Philippine Earthenware Highlights Shared Heritage and Deepening Philippines-Australia Ties

Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil (left) and Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines (right), witness the ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation for the Kevin Weldon Earthenware Pottery Collection by Director-General Jeremy Barns of the National Museum of the Philippines (second from right), Ms. Cecille Diane Weldon (center), and Ms. Leonie May Weldon AO (second from left), representing the Weldon family. (Photo by Sydney PCG)

SYDNEY 04 June 2025 — In celebration of Philippine National Heritage Month and the 79th anniversary of bilateral ties between Philippines and Australia, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted the Turnover of the Kevin Weldon Earthenware Pottery Collection on 30 May 2025 at the Bulwagang Rizal of the Consulate. The event honored a shared commitment to cultural preservation and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the Philippines and Australia.

The pottery collection was generously donated by the family of the late Mr. Kevin Weldon AO, a respected Australian publisher and businessman who developed a keen interest in Southeast Asian history and culture in the 1970s. His family’s donation of archaeological artifacts from the Philippines is a lasting tribute to his appreciation of Philippine heritage and to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil emphasized the importance of the turnover in the context of both National Heritage Month and Friendship Day. “Steeped in history and culture, this collection is a tangible echo of our intertwined past and the shared values that continue to bind our two nations,” said the Consul General. “To the Weldon family, your act of generosity honors not only the spirit of preserving heritage but also the ideals of friendship and cultural understanding.”

Representing the Weldon family, Ms. Cecille Diane Weldon delivered a heartfelt tribute to her father’s legacy and his deep connection with the Philippines. She spoke of his enduring love for history and storytelling, sharing how his vivid tales and the artifacts he collected sparked her own sense of wonder and curiosity as a child. Ms. Weldon reflected on how the collection not only shaped her family's appreciation for Filipino heritage, but also became a cherished part of their personal history. She expressed their hope that, through this donation, they too have become part of the collection’s continuing story. Ms. Weldon was joined at the ceremony by Ms. Leonie May Weldon AO and other members of the Weldon family.

Director-General Jeremy R. Barns of the National Museum of the Philippines delivered a Message of Acceptance, calling it a gift to the nation. He thanked the Weldon family for entrusting the collection to the Filipino people and reaffirmed the museum’s role in its preservation and public education.

Following the messages, the signing of the Deeds of Donation and Acceptance took place, with Ms. Cecille Diane Weldon and Ms. Leonie May Weldon AO representing the family, and Director-General Barns signing on behalf of the National Museum. Consul General Aviquivil served as witness to the historic handover.

The program concluded with a lecture by Dr. Mary Jane Louise Bolunia, Curator of Archaeology at the National Museum of the Philippines, titled “The History and Development of Philippine Ceramics: Focus on Earthenware Pottery.” The presentation provided guests with deeper insights into the evolution and cultural value of Philippine ceramics.

This event, held during National Heritage Month and as part of Philippine-Australia Friendship Day celebrations, reflects the Philippines’ ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while deepening ties with longstanding partners like Australia. The Consulate remains dedicated to fostering people-to-people exchanges that enrich mutual understanding and honor the histories that connect both nations. END

Members of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Weldon Family pose with the Weldon Earthenware Collection. (Photo by Sydney PCG)

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