2024 Events | My Site

2024 EVENTS

2023 Events

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Australian South Sea Islander community, as it commemorates 30 years of Federal Government Recognition. To kick off the celebrations, a cultural exhibition showcasing our rich history and stories is currently being held at the Rockhampton Museum of Art until 31 August. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ASSI Committee members for their invaluable collaboration with the museum in bringing this event to fruition.

The ASSI Recognition Week was inaugurated with a Combined Church Service on Sunday, 18 August at Rock Covenant Love Ministries, which was graced by the presence of esteemed Pastors Len Yasso, Rob Mann, Evan Warkill, and Ricco Yasso. The service was marked by their insightful and inspiring messages, which resonated with the attendees. The event culminated with a delightful breakfast, making it a memorable and meaningful occasion for all.

The Flag Raising Ceremony held on August 19 was a great success. We were honored to have guest speakers from Rockhampton Regional Council The Honourable Mayor, Tony Williams, Mr Laurie Atlas (on behalf of MP Michelle Landry), Ms Rena Fallon, (Director of Strategic Engagement, Dept. of Home Affairs), Pastor Evan Warkill (Kingdom Gospel Connexions Ministry), Pastor Rob Mann (Outback Evangelist Ministry), ASSIUC's Secretary, Rae Willie, Community Elder, Aunty Doris Leo, Aunty Sheryl O'Connor (Mackie), Geraldine Yow Yeh, Nicole Leo (on behalf of First Generation Elder, Monica Leo). Welcome to Country was performed by Aunty Nhaya Nicky Hatfield. The ASSI community showed up in great numbers, and we ended the ceremony with a delicious morning tea courtesy of ASSIUC. The event would not have been possible without the support of Rockhampton Regional Council.

Combined Church Service photos below.

Media Release by Rockhampton Regional Council

Australian South Sea Islander community celebrates 30-year anniversary

Published on 19 August 2024

This month the Australian South Sea Islander community celebrates its 30th anniversary of official recognition by the Australian Government with three events planned throughout August.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said Council is proud to support the local events through the Community Assistance Program (CAP) funding, contributing $2,000 through local Community Sponsorship, one of the funding categories of CAP.

“It important for communities to have the opportunity to come together and celebrate significant dates and Council is proud to be help in assisting with this,” he said.

“The first of the events was a combined church service yesterday at the Rock Covenant Love Ministries and the second event is a Flag Raising Ceremony outside of City Hall in Bolsover St this morning.

“As part of the ceremony, ASSI Elders will raise the Australian South Sea Islander flag.”

Australian South Sea Islander United Council – Independent Rockhampton & Districts Inc Secretary Raeleen Willie said the morning features guest speakers and Elders from the Australian South Sea Islander Community who were present in Canberra on 25 August 1994 when recognition of ASSI as a distinct culture group was passed in Parliament.

“The third event is a South Sea Pearl, Australian South Sea Islander Recognition Dinner on Friday 30 August at the Frenchville Sports Club,” Ms Willie said.

“Throughout the night we will showcase our achievements over the past 30 years and acknowledge the struggle and perseverance by our ancestors and ASSI Elders who worked towards fighting and gaining recognition for our people.

“We are very grateful for the funding received from the Community Assistance Program as it assists with the promotion of our events as well as venue and catering costs.

“For decades the Australian South Sea Islander community fought to be recognised as a distinct cultural group.

“This year, and every year, is an opportunity to show our respect to our ancestors and elders who fought for recognition, but also to celebrate our many achievements over the past 30 years.

“For me personally, these events gives our community the opportunity to come together and celebrate our history and culture, but also to inform the wider community of who we are and our contribution to the sugar cane industry, and locally here in Rockhampton to the meatworks, railways and council."

The Community Assistance Program (CAP) supports non-profit community-based organisations with funding for grants and sponsorships towards projects and events that enhance the region’s well-being.

Council offers assistance to eligible organisations through six categories. Each program has its own set of requirements and processes, as well as time frames for funded projects and events.

Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea photos below.

The Australian South Sea Islander Recognition Dinner took place on Friday, 30 August, with guests from the Rockhampton Regional Council including Councillor Drew Wickerson, Councillor Shane Latcham, Councillor Elliott Hilse, and Councillor Grant Mathers in attendance.

In 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the Federal Government's recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group, it is appropriate to celebrate with a cake decorated with pearls. The cake, crafted by CR Drew Wickerson, was exceptionally well-made.

Many thanks to all who attended and made it a special night.

Our Master of Ceremonies and President, Kerry Warkill, shared his reflections below:

30 Years Recognition

It gives me great enjoyment to welcome you all here to our special dinner celebration for the Recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders.

On the 25th August 1994 the Federal Government finally recognised us as a distinct cultural group living in amongst other communities throughout Australia. A community with our own identity.

Reflecting back on how this Recognition was achieved.

I can recall as a young boy growing up in the early 1970s & attending fundraising events with my parents, having no idea what they were fundraising for & no knowledge of family or who South Sea Islanders were.

It was in those 20 years prior to the Federal Government handing down the Recognition Statement that I am always thankful for and will always be grateful for, and just like their ancestors who fought and lobbied against deportation.

It was the Elders of that generation who were strong like our Ancestors to achieve this Recognition.

Sadly many of those Elders are no longer with us. But I am quite sure that they are still remembered by most of us here.

But we are very fortunate and blessed tonight that we still have the opportunity to celebrate with some Elders who were there standing alongside of them.

So to those Elders that are with us here tonight, thank you for ensuring that we become acknowledged and recognised as a distinct cultural group.

Because you also gave me my history, my heritage and my identity......An Australian South Sea Islander.

ASSI Recognition Dinner photos below.

Lost at Sea Ceremony 2024

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

The Joskeleigh Community Association organized a Family Fun Day in Joskeleigh for the Australian South Sea Islander Recognition 2024.

It was a wonderful day filled with enjoyment for all families, featuring a range of games and a delicious lunch.

Family Fun Day at Joskeleigh

2024 ASSI Recognition Golf Day

What an incredible day at the first ASSI Recognition Social Golf Day hosted by ASSIUC! The event was a fantastic success, filled with fun and excitement as eight teams took part in the thrilling four-person ambrose format. We celebrated the achievements with medals, trophies, golf ball packages and vouchers for the longest drive, closest to the pin, best theme dressed team, and of course, the Champions of the day!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated prizes for the event A special appreciation goes to our Vice President, Christine Evans, for her brilliant suggestion to host this gathering. We also want to recognize President Kerry Warkill and Steven Wallace for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event. Your contributions made this occasion a success!