Hosted by the Filipino-Australian Community of Albury Wodonga, it was a multicultural event.

President of the group Josie Maxwell said among the 500 guests on Saturday night were also migrants from the region’s African, Spanish, Maori, Bhutanese, Serbian and Bosnian communities.

“I think for the Filipino community, its aim is to get people together from everywhere, as well as the mainstream Border community,” she said.

“It’s an important chance for people to renew or enhance their social networks.

“It’s especially important for our newly arrived families to get to know established ones, and those already here can get to know more people and make more friends.”

Ms Maxwell said there are more than 1800 Filipinos in and around Albury-Wodonga, the largest Asian community on the Border.

This year’s event, held at the St Monica’s Primary School hall, had the theme “Aloha Night”.

Guests were encouraged to wear Hawaiian attire and dance performed reflected Hawaiian and South Pacific influence on Filipino culture.

The Bhutanese community also shared a special dance.

The event, a fund-raiser for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, was sponsored by Wodonga Council, the Commercial Club Albury and Wodonga’s Sacred Heart Parish.