
In 2024, Australia will mark the 30th anniversary of the national recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders. This recognition was granted on August 25th, 1994, and will be celebrated on the same date in 2024. It is an important milestone for the community and a time to reflect on their history and contributions to Australian society.
Australian South Sea Islanders United Council Independent Rockhampton & District Inc.
2023 EVENTS
The serious Grocery Bingo faces last night
Lucky Door prize was won by Shannon Muggeridge.
Money Board was won by Neil & Aloha Vea Vea all the way from Darwin.
Thank you all so much for your support for this event. We continue to bring all sorts of different events to you throughout each year & can only do this from your wonderful & welcome presence & support. Your presence in the flesh, as well as here on our ASSIUC & KPC pages, both local & those that live distances... we appreciate very much. Your sharing with us both face to face or through comments here including feedback is also appreciated.
Last but not least just thought I'd throw in some bingo snippets;
Legs 11
No 8 Garden Gate
No 5 Man Alive
No 4 Knock at the Door
No 13 Baker's Dozen
Apparently most numbers called are 6, 4, 42, 47, 62 & 72
Did you know, not just famous for spaghetti, Bingo originated in Italy!
Sharon Vea Vea
Publicity Officer














Photos Courtesy of ASSIUC, Raeleen Willie & Tracy Leo-Warcon

Saturday, 02 September 2023
Father's Day Luncheon
Today was another busy day for the ASSIUC Committee hosting a Father's Day Lunch and training session with Kanaka Proud Cup U18's Boys and Girls teams.
On that note a very Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers.
Hope your day was a happy and full one.


























Photos Courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
Lost At Sea Remembrance 2023
I would often think about our Ancestors who didn't make it to land & perished out at sea.
I would try to imagine how precious & young they were... their deep aching & ever so lonely hearts... their lost & heavy-laden souls... their complete & utter despair...
I sometimes would look as far as I could out to the ocean... and my heart would feel a deep hurt...
About 3 years ago I thought how we can honour them & remember them... something like we do when we think back to our Ancestors in the sugar cane fields.
And so Lost At Sea came to the ache in my heart.
This year is the 3rd year ASSIUC have presented such a Remembrance to our Ancestors who never made it to land.
We also honour you, though you were lost at sea & one glorious day I pray & hope that God will reunite us forever.
Thank you to the following: -
ASSIUC Committee & Volunteers
Pawanka Funding
Aunty Sally Vea Vea - Open In Prayer & Welcome To Country
Danessa W (presenting & sharing on the mic)
Jovita C & her Pacific Pikininis Dance crew from Gladstone
Sharalee (songs) & Kenny & Klen (BBQ cooks) from Gladstone
Emerson G (food prep & cleaning up)
Enneth from Vanuatu (sharing culture)
All those who shared of updates in the ASSI community.
And to those who attended.
Publicity Officer: Sharon Vea Vea (Please visit our ASSIUC Facebook page for more...)















































Photos Courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
Flag Raising
at RRC Town Hall
25 August 2023
The flag raising ceremony was opened in prayer by Pastor Len Yasso. Speakers included Uncle Darryl (Tunna) Vea Vea and Aunty Roslyn Wallace. The event was closed in prayer by Aunty Betty Mae Mann.
Photos Courtesy of Elese Leo and ASSIUC IR&D Inc
Combined Church Service
20 August, 2023
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY
Something about starting off any day & every day in the Lord God Almighty.
I sometimes imagine at times of our parents & grandparents & ancestors before us... when they had nothing else or anyone else but God to rely on...
I sometimes imagine that they prayed for their families behind them & with them & even after them...
160 years later... their prayers & perseverance... their strength... their faith... their willpower... their everything...
Publicity Officer: Sharon Vea Vea
The Screening of Sugar Slaves
The month of August is not only a Celebration for Australian South Sea Islanders, it's also about Remembering and paying our Respects to our Elders and those who came before us.
August 2023 (National Australian South Sea Islanders Recognition) began with a screening of 'Sugar Slaves'.

NASARA BUILDING - 'THE FLAT'
Construction commenced on the erecting of the Nasara building at 'The Flat'. The ground was marked out and fences erected during the week of 24 April 2023 and construction commenced thereafter.
June 29, 2023 was the official opening day of the Nasara which is a signficant and memorable place for South Sea Islanders' families who resided and grew up, and some still reside at 'The Flat' today. 'The Flat' was once affectionately known as 'Kanaka Town'.
We were blessed to have some of our traditional food namely Laplap Chicken, Laplap fish, Waetboon and Kaofis Stew.
Thank you to the following:-
🌺 ASSIUC ELDERS SUB COMMITTEE
🌺 ASSIUC COMMITTEE & ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL COLLABORATION
🌺 EARL AND LATOYA HARBIN
🌺 PASTOR UNCLE ROB MANN
🌺 THE VILLAGE
Officials and ASSIUC Executives present at the opening: Cr Grant Mathers, Cr Donna Kirkland, Cr Cherie Rutherford, Rosie Jeffery (Supervisor Community Projects), Raeleen Willie (ASSIUC Secretary), Alicia Cutler (GM Community Services), Cr Ellen Smith, Kerry Warkill (ASSUIC President), Christine Evans (ASSIUC Vice-President), Rockhampton Regional Council's Mayor Tony Williams, Damon Richardson (Acting Manager Community Assets & Facilities), Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Fisher, Cr Shane Latcham.
(see photo)
Below are progressive photos of the Nasara building up to completion.
Publicity Officer: Sharon Vea Vea