During the recent Sydney training camp of Filipinas, the Philippine National Football team, I met Fil-Aussies who provided great support to the team.  They attended the friendly games held at the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Park and cheered on the team regardless of heavy rain and cold weather.  It was surprising to see normally soft-spoken community leaders getting involved in the game and making a lot of noise to spur on the team.

One of them is Elizabeth Policarpio Amper who is the Treasurer of the Filipino Sports, Arts and Recreation Club ( FILSPARC).  She showed warm hospitality to the team by organising for them a big box of fruits.

It was also a pleasant surprise to know that this 44-year old petite woman is the Blacktown Rotary Club 2022-23 President when she recently invited us to the Rotary Club Annual Changeover Dinner.  Elizabeth is the 57th President of the club.  She advised that she is the second Fil-Aus to occupy the President position, with the first one being Tess Sayas who held the position in 2015-2016.

Elizabeth was born in Antipolo, Rizal where her mother hails from, with her father being from Taytay.  She is the first born child, with two younger brothers.   Her family migrated to Sydney in May 1990 when she was 12 years old.  She got married to Eduardo Amper in 2003.  They have been blessed with three children:  Ella 14 years, Elena 9 years old and Eddie 8 years old.

The Australian Filipina is glad to share the Q&A interview below to gain an insight into Elizabeth’s persona and outlook for her role in the Rotary Club.


*What achievements do you hold fondly in your heart?

After I finished my year 12 High School certificate, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an accountant. I did my Advance Diploma in TAFE for two years full-time. After TAFE I was sure that an accounting job is a career that I wanted to pursue. I continued my studies into university, doing the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting for another 2 years full-time in University of Western Sydney, Nirimba.

During university, I started working at an accounting firm at St. Marys – M Krajancic & Associates as a tax preparer. I also worked at other accounting firms at the city CBD, Sutherland and Parramatta, which are all public practice firms. I had about 10 years public practice experience, before moving on to commercial accounting for 5 years, before starting my own business.

In 2007 I decided to do the CPA Program part-time on the year my daughter was born. I received my CPA certificate in 2010.

In 2011, I decided to apply for my Tax Agent Certificate. I wanted to own my own business so I founded Amper & Policarpio on the same year.

I’m glad that I decided to run my own business so that I can work my own hours, while helping my husband to raise our three kids.


*On the flip side, what challenges have you faced and overcome?

There are always going to be challenges in life but one particular one is when my second born child Elena was diagnosed with severe eczema when she was just 6 months old. I had to stop working to look after her full-time as she was constantly itchy and scratching to the point that her whole body was red including her face. A friend told us to go to Dr. James Ly, he is skin specialist at Cabramatta, he saw Elena and prescribed medication to take, lotions to apply and Elena went from severe to mild case of eczema.

*If there is something you experienced or done in the past, what would they be?

Maybe, I could have travelled more before settling down. I would like to have travelled around rural England. I love the 19th century movies like the Pride and Prejudice. I like their clothing style at the time. I hope one day I can travel the world.

*What motivated you to join the Rotary Club and what projects have you been involved in?

My motivation to joining Rotary Club in August 2019 was to help the local community that I do business in, meet and network with like-minded business owners and established long life friendship with our club members.

This aligns with its mission which is to provide service to others, promote integrity, advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

I am also encouraged by its vision statement which is “together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.”

I have participated in the fundraising for various projects by helping out in events such as Annual Pet Festival; Bunnings BBQs; Blacktown Horse Show; Christmas Gift Wrapping; Annual Blacktown City Show; Eastern Creek Dragway BBQ; Nurrangingy Miniature Railway; Mel’s Variety Fundraising Night; Anita Corby Charity Fundraising.

*What are your priorities to do as President? 

I will be guided by the Club’s vision and mission statement.  I aim to run engaging and fun club meetings, board meetings and club assemblies. I will promote projects or activities that will continue to illustrate how the club is making difference in our local and international communities.

*What is your message to our kababayans in the Blacktown area?

The Rotary Club of Blacktown City Inc members is a group of ordinary men and women, professional and retired who act to give something back to the community. Our contributions may seem small, but we’ve made a difference in thousands of lives, and you can too!

Blacktown City Rotary is where neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change.

Please come and visit our club and find out more about us and the opportunities we offer to get involved. We meet on Tuesday nights at the Blacktown Workers Club at 6pm for 6:30pm start and conclude at 8pm.

Also, please let me know if you can join us at the Club’s Annual Changeover Dinner to be held on 21 June at the Blacktown Workers Club.  My email:   [email protected]
Mobile: 0435 519 268


The Australian Filipina wishes Elizabeth all the best on what she undertakes for the community.

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