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.
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Australian South Sea Islanders United Council Independent Rockhampton & District Inc.
Photos courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
Cultural Education
The development of ASSI Cultural and Historic resources for use in information sessions at community events. ASSI recognition events and educational institutions, Pre-prep through to secondary school.
Research Family History for Better Pathways
Assisting families to research, reconnect and/or make connections to their families and cultural roots.
Warren (Joe) OAM and Monica Leo returned to their villages on a few occasions to reconnect with their South Sea Islander families.
Photo courtesy of Kerri Dorman
Cultural History
Recording our ASSI Elders oral history in print and documentary form.
Photos courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D and Raeleen Willie
Record Significant Australian South Sea Islander Sites
This project is in partnership between ASSIUCIR&D Inc., Rockhampton City Council and the "Elders of The Flat" Committee.
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They will be working together to recognise the many South Sea Islanders (who were blackbirded) and ASSI families that settled in the area which is known as "Kanaka Town".
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The "Kanaka Town" area is encompassed by Pine, Simpson, Leamington and Creek Streets in North Rockhampton. The project will be undertaken on Council parkland located in Creek Street fondly known amongst the SSI community as "The Flat" and will be developed in stages. Our "Elders of The Flat" committee are very excited to see "The Flat" being developed into a place of reflection, remembrance and knowledge sharing - depicting the history of the local SSI families that settled in the area.
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"A place to sit and remember".
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Working with ASSI families to identify unmarked graves at Southside
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and Northside cemeteries.
Photos courtesy of ASSIUC IR&D Inc.
Bringing Community Together
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Celebration of Australian South Sea Islander State and Federal Recognition each year.
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Continue our annual events: ASSI Recognition Church Service, ASSI Recognition Flag Raising Ceremony and ASSI Elders Morning Tea.
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Organising ASSI Recognition Gala Ball.
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Screening of ASSI films and documentaries e.g Sugar Slaves.
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