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.
Photo courtesy of Danessa Willie-White
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.)
Photo courtesy of Rae Willie
Secretary: Raeleen Willie
Thank you to ASSIUC members for giving me another opportunity to continue on as the secretary for our organisation. I enjoy working with our Australian South Sea Islander community here in the Central Queensland region and organising events to celebrate our history and culture.
My family connections are, I am the daughter of Royce Willie and Leslie Gabey (nee Leo), my maternal grandparents are Simon Leo and Phyllis Leo (nee Malayta), and my paternal grandparents are Emil Willie and Florence Willie (nee Vea Vea). My Grandad Leo’s parents were Elizabeth (Metalileilevusi) Obah, blackbirded from Ambae Island, she married Louie Leo, blackbirded from Pentecost Island. My Nan Leo’s parents were Jack Meredith blackbirded from Malaita Island, Solomon Islands and he married Amy Meredith/Malayta (nee Wathaken).
Nan Willie (Florence) is the daughter of Edward (Bong) Vea Vea and Constance Vea Vea (nee Wolfer). Edwards parents were SamSam Ambrym, blackbirded from Ambrym Island and Lily Rataromon/Booka, blackbirded from the south sea islands. Constance’s parents were Henry/Billy Wolfer, blackbirded from Gaua Island and Olivia Wolfer (nee Witwit) also blackbirded from Gaua Island. Grandad Willie is the son of Papa Sam Willie, blackbirded from Gaua Island and Minnie Willie (nee Choppy). Nan Minnie’s parents were Harry Choppy, blackbirded from Lifou, New Caledonia and Runhoa – AKA Annie Runhoa. Runhoa was blackbirded from the Banks Islands, Vanuatu.
This year is another milestone year for our community where we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of recognition as a distinct cultural group by the Queensland Government. I’m looking forward to celebrating with community at our ASSIUC events in August and September this year.
Treasurer: Sharon Vea Vea
My name is Sharon Kaye Vea Vea, and I am an Australian born South Sea Islander woman.
My family roots stem back to the beautiful South Pacific Vanuatu islands.
I live in Rockhampton in Central Queensland, and I have both immensely loved and have always been around our big families here.
My parents were Leonard & Grace Vea Vea (nee Willie-Dorman).
I also proudly acknowledge the surnames of my greater grandparents known to me, and they are Ambrym and Rataramon, Tamatura, Wolfa/Wolfer, Witwit and Edmund / Johnny.My soul knows very well that I would not be here in Australia as well as all my families, living abundant and blessed lives here, if it were not for the daily struggles and sacrifices of our Elders before us and here today with us.
I really enjoy being a part of ASSIUC. Why?
Because at the end of each day, what I do in this ASSI space and for this organisation is what allows me to pay respectful and due homage to my families, my people, and my island home Vanuatu.
Involvement with ASSIUC keeps me connected with those gone before me, those here beside me, for our younger generations coming behind me and for those who will no doubt be born into our continued lineage.
Yours always in aelen ways
Sharon🌺
Photo courtesy of Sharon Vea Vea
Photo courtesy of latoya Harbin
Registrar: Latoya Harbin
My name is Latoya Harbin (nee Smith). I am a proud Kaanju, Nywaigi and woman blo Bankis with ties to Ambrym and Pentecost islands.
The passion that I have for family history and culture started at a young age, researching and tracing family records.
Learning about my family history and culture inspires me to teach my children, family and community about the hardships our families endured, which I am truly thankful.
My husband Earl, and I have three beautiful son's Izayah, Ezra and Lavassa and they also love being on this journey of lifelong learning with us.
Photo courtesy of T. Leo-Warcon
Publicity Officer: Tracy Leo-Warcon
My South Sea Islander heritage includes connections to Pentecost and Ambae Islands. I am a fourth-generation descendant of Warren (Joe) Leo OAM and a second-generation descendant of Monica Leo (Malamoo).
My involvement with ASSIUC dates back to the 1980s when both of my parents were actively involved in the organization. My father served as President for several years. During that period, both parents dedicated a lot of their time to volunteering and also taking care of our family, which included seven children.
I returned to the organisation and became the Registrar of ASSIUC in 2022. Since 2023, I have been part of the Kanaka Proud Cup Sub-Committee in Rockhampton. In 2025, I was appointed as the Publicity Officer, where I aimed to support the organisation's dedication to promoting our initiatives and values. I look forward to collaborating with everyone to enhance our visibility and engagement within the community.