Australian South Sea Islanders United Council Independant Rockhampton & District Inc.
On 25 August, 2025 we acknowledge 31 years of Australian South Sea Islanders' recognition by the Commonwealth Government and on 7th September 2025, we acknowledge 25 years ASSI recognition by the Queensland State Government.
2025 EVENTS
We started our 2025 Australian South Sea Islander Recognition events with a spirit-lifting church service at St John's Church, Ford Street, and an awsome breakfast afterwards. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who assisted with preparations, catering, and cleanup.
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Photo credits: Rae Willie, Jo Warkill, Emerson and Tracy
Join us as we commemorated 31 years of Commonwealth Government recognition on August 25, 2025, and 25 years of State Government recognition on September 7, 2025, of Australian South Sea Islanders. Our celebrations kicked off with a Flag Ceremony at the Rockhampton Regional Council Town, marking this significant milestone that honours our achievements and paves the way for a prosperous future together.
Following the ceremony, our Elders enjoyed an amazing lunch prepared by Emerson Godwell, Larson Daley-Doyle, Rae Willie and Karneesha Warkill.
Thank you Tracy for capturing these moments on video, and to the Rockhampton Regional Council for the photos.
 ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 - Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |
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 ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 - Geraldine Yow Yeh with daughter, Briony Jackson |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |
 ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 - ASSIUC President Danessa Willie-White with Mayor and Councillors |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Flag Raising eventASSI Recognition 2025 |
 ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |
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 ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |
 ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |
 ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |  ASSIUC Elders LuncheonASSI Recognition 2025 |
Join us in reflecting on the wonderful time shared at ASSIUC's Lost at Sea Remembrance held at Bell Park, Emu Park. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the preparations, including Troy for his delicious food, and those who helped with setup and cleanup, continuing our cherished traditions. We extend our deep appreciation to Jessy Johnson for her beautiful musical contribution.
Don’t miss the videos of Sharon Vea Vea and the cutting of the remembrance cake available under ASSIUC Recognition Events 2025 Videos, along with photos below by Jo, Zelda, and Tracy.
It was an early start to the day on Sunday, 21 September 2025 for the 2nd ASSI Recognition Golf Day at Emu Park Golf Club, kicking off at 7.30am. This year saw twelve teams, 11 made up of 4 players and Tanna Fire consisting of two players Daniel Yasso and Wayne ‘Afro’ Richards. Forty-Six players out on the golf course playing four (4) person Ambrose.
The twelve teams were:
Iamsouthsea – Kerry Warkill, Alf McDonough, Joel McDonough and Brett.
Long Beach Links – Adrian Warcon, Tracy Leo-Warcon, Nicole Leo and Ian Butler
OUSSSS – Dujon Dorman, Eldine Dorman, Karl Vea Vea and Justin Miller.
Cane Cutters – Bailey Querro, Charlie Querro, Rezon Youse and Jayden Roberts
Lethal Weapons - John Curran, Clayton Bickey, Perry Smith and Ben Curran
Cookies & Cream - Jasiah Dorman, Jackson Harris, Tasmin White, Ji Stanley
Island Dreamers - Anthony Quakawoot, Zeb Quakawoot, Emarson Youse, Murphy Boland
Eagle Express - Karneesha Warkill, Cadence Lee, Theo Dwyer, Caleb Dorman
Par Out South Sea Boys - Fred Power, Israel Power, Cayless Motto, Blayton Vea Vea
Kanaka Cutters - Steve Wallace, Tatisa Wallace, Kalen Barrett, Boniface Umba
Tanna Fire – Daniel Yasso and Wayne ‘Afro’ Richards
Blue Demons – Rodney Leis and team.
Teams started to come back into the golf club around 2.00pm with Bue Demons being first off the course and coming away winners with a score of 61. They were closely followed by Lethal Weapons on 63 and Kanaka Cutters on 65.
Other winners on the day were:
Best Dressed Team – Par Out South Sea Boys
Longest Drive (Female) – Karneesha Warkill
Longest Drive (Male) – Jayden Roberts
Closest to the Pin - Boniface Umba
Youngest Player on the Course – Zeb Quakawoot
Thank you to everyone for coming out and celebrating ASSI Recognition out on the Emu Park Golf Course, it turned out to be a ripper of a day, weatherwise. Thank you also to the team members who travelled from Mackay.
A big thank you to Emu Park Golf Club for allowing ASSIUC Inc. to host their 2nd ASSI Recognition Golf Day. The BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all the players and supporters.
Finally, thanks you to Steve Wallace for assisting me to make the 2nd ASSI Recognition Golf Day a success. See you all next year in September 2026.
Kerry Warkill
Event Organiser
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Photos: Rae Willie
