Tag Archives: Australian South Sea Islanders

Great yarn with the women’s group today

great-yarn

Great yarn with the women’s group today about finding family – starting with the Enares (nee Innares) family.

These women are from Tanna Island – Middle Bush where my grandfather was taken from the beach at the age of 12 years old.

My grandfather gave his children a traditional name each to relink them to their homelands on Tanna. They are Phyllis Netuka, Emily Youko, Joyce Youma, Naru, Neru, Kias, William Diaho, Daniel Diking, David Nakapuai, Nasuven, James Naliene

Father-Moses Topay Enares who’s parents were listed as Tobo Enares and Netuka.

Mother-Emily May Enares born Irrawarra Plantation Dennison Far North QLD Australia to mother Bookey (Boak) Toar and father Tarre (Tarry) Sendy.

Containers set sail for Vanuatu

7-containers-bound-for-vanuatuToday 5 containers set sail for Vanuatu as we gear up for Tuff Tumas for Vanuatu 2015 to raise the much needed funds that will assist paying for the land cartage and distribution of specific needs in Vanuatu.

For those who don’t know, the word ‘Tuff‘ means Tough and ‘Tumas‘, Too Much (Strong). They come from a common language spoken in Vanuatu called Bislama.

Bislama was created in Australia during the 1800s as a means of communication for the many clans that were taken from some 80+ islands in the South Pacific including Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

As descendants of the blackbird trade (slavery), members of The Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson and it’s many supporters have banded together to fundraise for the much needed land cartage and direct distribution costs of goods to many Vanuatu families who are the victims of the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam which has all but destroyed their beautiful nation.

ASSI.PJ were moved by the graphic posted on our fb page entitled Tuff Tumas which depicted these words over the flag of Vanuatu with the cyclone imagery and used it as a cover photo for both pages without any question. The design was then used to create an event page by a thoughtful and committed volunteer.

As a common saying, TUFF TUMAS is the perfect symbol of the resilience being shown by our families in Vanuatu and the many Islands surrounding who are currently suffering.

The record label Tuff Tumas Records has been supportive and understanding of our plight during these pressing times and our adoption of the common language / wording particularly “Tuff Tumas for Vanuatu 2015” but we must advise that we are in no way related to the Tuff Tumas Record label/DJ.

We look forward to seeing those who can attend a star studded international calibre concert on the 26th April 2015 at the Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville Sydney NSW.

Emelda Davis president of ASSI.PJ & ASSI NSW State Alliance

Artworks by Foundation Board Member, Shireen Malamoo, donated to Vanuatu appeal.

Malamoo-paintings

 

Shireen Malamoo “Plantation Creek series”
As a descendant of Tongoa Vanuatu Shireen is reminiscent of the stoic people she met on her homelands in the 1970’s who have lost virtually everything. Shireen now 79 years was compelled to donate a series precious works that depict her memoirs of growing up in Ayr North Queensland which was home for many who were blackbirded from Vanuatu in the 1800’s to work relentlessly on the sugar cane fields.

“My painting is melting pot for my spiritual estate… the Aboriginal, the Kanak and the European. At the same time it sings up the women of my tribal ancestry. Their belief in culture and their ingenuity gave us the solid groundwork that allowed us to adapt to the European world without losing our self respect … my paintings are a homage to them and to the men who supported them.

My art depicts the political and spiritual experiences of my life… the figures are the spirit people of those who came before us… they’re invisible presences all around us but larger than life… some from the past are of people in trauma; some like those in the community around here… others are heroic, symbolic of courage and vision for Aboriginal and Vanuatu empowerment”.

Malamoo was the fifth child in a family of 11 children. She was born in 1936 and lived in the town camp in the Birrigubba Lands of Plantation Creek in Ayr in Queensland.

All money from sales of donated artworks goes to the Vanuatu appeal. Three paintings are available. Pricing from $3,000. One is framed with glass. postage and handling are an addition to the donation.

LINKS:
Shireen Malamoo Bio
Other works by Shireen Malamoo

NSW State Body Working Group formed

state-body-group

WANTOK 2015 – Lismore, NSW State Body Working Group formed and elected through registered organisations as a means of good governance for our ASSI communities. Thank you to ASSI organisations from Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Bundaberg and Sydney. National ASSI Assoc constitutional consultations were also a positive outcome of the 3 day forum. Shelly Nagas ‘One Voice One People’ coordinator for Wantok Lismore 2015.

CONFIRMED WORKING GROUP REPS:
LISMORE REGION – Bundjalung / ASSI Ministries – Gordon Johnson, Emmanuel Roberts.
TWEED HEADS – Tweed ASSI Association – Fiona Mount & tbc 1 more delegate.
SYDNEY – ASSI Port Jackson Ltd – Emelda Davis (Sydney City), Zac Wone (Western Sydney).
COFFS HARBOUR – ASSI delegate through registered organisation – Emmanuel Fewquandie

A strategy team will be announced in due course.

A big Congratulations to those who participated and have committed to the process in actively seeking our NSW community groups in other regions of NSW to join the developments as representatives.

The NSW working group have adopted a positive working strategy in progressing the ASSI agenda that is:
Under no circumstances will negative feedback, slander, sarcasm or otherwise be entertained. Emails containing negative feedback/comments will not be considered and deleted immediately by the new committee as we stand in solidarity of ‘One Mind, One Voice, One People’. Peace love and respect for each other and our passion for our cause will always prevail.

If you are from a ASSI registered organisation or an ASSI community group and would like to participate in supporting NSW developments please feel free to contact us via a group email using the below email addresses:

Emelda Davis – assi.pj@gmail.com
Shelly Nagas – ruthnagas_bundy@hotmail.com
Lois Johnson – loisjohnson59@yahoo.com
Zac Wone – zwone130@gmail.com

Mass Deportation

Mass deportation

Mass Deportation – Historical facts extracts from powerpoint for – INDENTURED LABOUR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, Port Louis, Mauritius compiled by Emelda Davis and Professor Clive Moore

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre launch 2014

LIVERPOOL LORD MAYOR (far right), SAMOA HIGH COMMISSIONER (far left), VANUATU HIGH COMMISSIONER (middle)

LIVERPOOL LORD MAYOR (far right), SAMOA HIGH COMMISSIONER (far left), VANUATU HIGH COMMISSIONER (middle)

Vanuatu High Commissioner Mr Kalfau Kaloris introduces WANTOK NSW at the Casula Power House Arts Centre – Pacific Gods Program acknowledging ancestors and work to date for ASSI recognition the speeches were followed by more brilliance of Pacific Cultural groups and a highlighted performance by Uncle Johnny Nicol and Aunty Shireen Malamoo. A humble thank you to the CPAC and particularly creative producer Leo Tanoi for their commitment to ASSI recognition.

National Governance Working Group

Rockhampton-consult-2014

National Governance Working Group
ROCKHAMPTON CONSTITUTION CONSULTATION with the NASSIGWG 17/10/2014. feedback…

RANDALL WARKILL –
Thought I’d take this opportunity to update on the Rockhampton ASSI National Body meeting, held Friday 17th.

The Item for discussion “The Draft Constitution” planned for that day was not approved or passed, it was discussed. I attended the meeting with no expectations other than to halt the Draft Constitution. The NASSIWG have one objective and that is to develop the constitution for a national body.

NASSIWG realise and understand that a National Body and a State Body needs to happen and to operate at full potential one cannot function without the other. NASSIWG also believe as does the guest speaker, Member for Keppel Mr Bruce Young that a National Body should be established first. It is important to note that NASSIWG has the best interests of the Australian South Sea Islanders at hand when it comes to establishing a National Body, although the processes and communication does need reviewing they do have their heart in the right place with compassion, integrity and commitment to deliver a reasonable, open minded constitution with realistic guidelines for ASSI.

Gilbert and Tobin Lawyers are experienced in establishing non for profit organisations, and it is their judgement and expert advice that is assisting in writing of the constitution. I must note it is our (the peoples) wording of that document that is being added and not that of Gilbert and Tobin. I am inclined to change my point of view as I feel a voice at a National level will be critical to our goals at a State level as we advocate for recognition and human rights issues.

I have asked myself what is in best interest for our people and I believe this is right I am committed to both and believe one cannot work without the other in terms of people ownership at the grassroots. I know there has been a lot of miscommunication that has lead to the difference of opinions and interpretations of NASSIWG and the National Body so I ask you all to consider this.

The Government continues to struggle with the difficult task of addressing the marginalisation and disadvantage peoples and maybe it is because at that level we have no representation. If we are to move forward let’s not add to the Governments struggle and band together and overcome our indifferences by attending meetings (if you are able) and support our future. This is only a brief update and my opinions after the Rockhampton meeting , I am sure the NASSIWG will send out the minutes of that meeting shortly.
Thanks

1 2 3 4