Australian South Sea Islanders United Council Independant Rockhampton & District Inc.
September 07, 2025, we acknowledge 25 years of Australian South Sea Islanders' recognition by the Queensland State Government.
Australian South Sea Islanders United Council Independant Rockhampton & District Inc.
September 07, 2025, we acknowledge 25 years of Australian South Sea Islanders' recognition by the Queensland State Government.
About Us
We promote Australian born descendants of Australian South Sea Islanders to foster the mutual understanding and respect between South Sea Islanders and other Australians. We also work to promote the educational, employment, housing, medical, legal and cultural needs of the Australian South Sea Islander people.
Photo courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
Photo courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
ASSIUC'S President
Danessa Willie-White
Photo courtesy of Danessa Willie-White
President's Welcome to 2025
Hi everyone!
There's been a change of Guard!
2025 - Celebrating 25 years of State Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders.
​
My name is Danessa Willie-White, and I’m honoured to be serving as President of the Australian South Sea Islander United Council Inc – Rockhampton and District (ASSIUC INC.)
​
I'm joined by Kimberlee Lawton-Upkett (Vice-President) Raeleen Willie (Secretary), Sharon Vea Vea (Treasurer) Latoya Harbin (Registrar) and Tracy Leo-Warcon (Publicity Officer).
​
I’m excited to share that we’ve got some amazing Recognition Events happening this August in Rockhampton – all celebrating our Australian South Sea Islander Cultural Heritage, Our People, and our 25 years of State Recognition as a distinct cultural group. Further information will be on our website in the coming weeks.
​
We’ll be wrapping up these celebrations with a Gala Ball on the 6th of September – a night of culture, connection, and community spirit. You won’t want to miss it! Tickets will be on sale soon. Watch this space!
​
And don’t forget – the 2025 Kanaka Proud Cup is happening on Saturday 8th November at Fitzroy’s Rugby League Grounds. This is our annual friendly showdown between Rockhampton and Mackay. If you’re keen to play, check out the Rockhampton KPC page for further information or contact kpcr@assiuc.com for an EOI form.
​
We’re also inviting all Australian South Sea Islanders to join ASSIUC as a member and help us keep the fire burning!
​
Membership is just $5 per person or $10 for a family (2 adults & 2+ children). Friends and Family members who are Non- Australian South Sea Islanders are welcome too.
​
Our committee meetings are held every month, and we welcome anyone who wants to contribute, share their experience, skills, or passion for moving our people forward.
​
Our Elders have set the pace – now it’s our time to carry the baton and put the vision into action.
​
Let me know your thoughts in the comments – and feel free to reach out if you’re interested in becoming a member. We’d love to have you involved.
​
Further information will be shared on the following platforms:
Website: assiuc.com.au
​
Facebook: Australian South Sea Islander United Council
You can contact me directly on this Email: president@assiuc.com.au or inbox me via Facebook messenger.
​
We proudly acknowledge and stand in solidarity with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia as we walk together in strength and unity.
​
We stand united in our commitment to justice, truth, and recognition. Many among us are proud descendants as well, carrying forward the legacy of strength and survival.
#ASSIRecognition #ASSIUC #KanakaProud #StrongerTogether #RockhamptonASSI #CommunityInAction
Aunty Monica Leo
Photo courtesy of Joanne Warkill
Monica Nora Leo (née Malamoo) is the youngest of 8 children of Charles And Nora Malamoo.
Monica is a first descendant of ‘blackbirded’ Charles Malamoo who was taken from Laone Beach North Pentecost as a young boy. Charles landed in the Pialba area during the slave trade and worked the cane fields. Eventually making his way to Rockhampton later in life he met and Married Nora Milbury-Cora. Settling in the South Sea Islander community of Joskeleigh they raised their family of 4 boys and 4 girls.
Charles also worked on the construction of the first Fitzroy Bridge (previous bridge to current one). Charles would also preach at gospel meetings in Joskeleigh with members of the Creek Street North Rockhampton south sea Islander community making the trip down to hear him preach.
He became great friends with Monica’s Husband’s Grandfather Louis Leo (Mahava Aru) blackbirded from the same beach on North Pentecost. Actually Joe and Monica would discover in 1993 that her father and his grandfather’s villages were in close proximity to each other. Monica’s fathers Village is Ogatoa North Pentecost and Joe’s Grandfather’s is Lagatava.
It all made sense to them only then why the two men were always together at Joskeleigh.
​
Monica and Joe raised 7 children (Carmen, Tracy, Joanne, Andrew, Kerri, Amanda and Nicole), presently have 14 Grandchildren,23 Great Granchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.
​
Donations
​
Thank you for your Donation.
​
We appreciate your contribution. Tanku tumas.
​
Please deposit your donation to the following bank account and put your surname as the reference.
​
Name of Bank: Bank of Queensland
​
Account Name: ASSIUC Inc. Donations Account
​
BSB: 124-051
​
Account Number: 23112047
Quick Links
The Australian South Sea Islander United Council Independent Rockhampton & District Inc. acknowledge the Darambul people on which land our organisation operates. We acknowledge our Elders, past, present and emerging of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations.
​
We also acknowledge our Australian South Sea Islander Elders both past, present and future.
Australian South Sea Islander United Council Independent Rockhampton & District Inc.
​
​
Subscribe to our ASSIUC IR&D Inc. Newsletter by clicking on the link below.
​
ASSIUC IR&D inc. would like to advise all Australian South Sea Islanders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that all content on our website may contain images and sounds of deceased persons. ASSIUC IR&D Inc. tries to ensure cultural protocols are followed and respected.
Email: assiucrockhampton@gmail.com
Phone: 0473 594 154
ABN: 99 190 427 419
Registered Charity: 1A 12184