by:Tracy Su'a Nelson

by: Tracy Su'a Nelson

by: Riamoana Pasifika

Sunday 16th May will always be a memorable day for over 150 thousand people who decided to be amongst the first in history to walk the 1.6km long bridge before it opens up to public traffic. The height of the twin bridge offered magnificent views and the sea of people that came to witness the day seemed to be enjoying every bit of the views and the colourful paintings that aligned both sides of the bridge.

This was a great Community day that family could enjoy. Walking alongside so many excited Australians from all cultures was a great experience as is showed just how many people from around the world have made Australia their home.

by: Riamoana Pasifika

Having never been to a live concert like this before, I was excited! Expecting a fantastic line up of Pasifika entertainers, who wouldn't be pumped to be there. Last Thursday (13th May) night at the hi-fi bar, West End, Brisbane a continuous colour of music burst from the electrified stage and had over 1000 people applauding the event. Guaranteed, nobody was disappointed.

The live bands were expecting a promised appearance from legendary artist 'Fiji aka George Veikoso' but because of unexpected circumstances Veikoso was unable to be there on the night. By the time you read this article though 'Fiji' would have already ripped up the stage at the hi-fi bar 17th May 2010. It was announced on Thursday night that all who had tickets would be welcomed back on the following Monday to pound the dance floor yet again with another ultimate 'Live event by no other  - Fiji aka George Veikoso'.

Organiser and creator of the event, Rolando Pisia of Global Kool was overwhelmed with the amount of people that showed up to support our Pasifika talent on the night, " the turnout was absolutely beyond my expectations, this was a real example of the community coming together to support and push local talent". He continues with, " Global Kool is here to create a platform for all talent to showcase their work and also to provide a wider fan-base for beginner and established artists both locally and internationally".

More information on GlobalKool - http://www.globalkool.tv

On the 1st of October in Brisbane at Radio 4EB Station, Savea Levale Lio, Joyita Stanley-Slade, Tauiliili Pepe Patu and a few others brainstormed and focused on an idea, four days later all Brisbane Community Leaders and Members of the Community met in an overflowing 4EB conference room at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. The idea "was to run a Radiothon jointly with all Samoan Community Associations and groups with Brisbane radio stations, but "we needed a special committee which included one member from each Association and Radio Station to form this Committee," explained Savea Lio, Convener for Radio 4EB. 

"On this day there were around 80 people, the new Queensland (Qld) Tsunami Appeal 2009 committee was elected and formed up of 12 members from different associations, businesses," said Elizabeth Hunt, member of the newly elected committee. The role of this new Qld Committee was "each project or idea that was formed by any member of the Community or Associations was taken by there representative to the Qld Tsunami Committee for discussions, feedback was reported by the elected member to their individual associations and brought back to the Qld Tsunami Committee for further discussions before any final decisions were made," said Faimalo Pale, President of 'Voice of Samoa Association' Brisbane. According to Mrs Sara Brunt, Secretary for the special committee, "this was not discussed at the meeting". It was discovered by this reporter that the secretary for the committee did not attend this particular meeting. 

"Radio 4EB was pushed out of this Qld Committee and in the end we had no representation which was not very good because without Brisbane Radio stations there would be no Radiothon," stated Savea Lio. He added that the Queensland Tsunami Committee 2009 in the end was not under Radio 4EB, they became an individual Committee separated from the radio stations. In answer to this, Secretary for the Committee Sara Brunt explained that "Radio 4EB had an opportunity like all Associations and Radios stations present to put forth a representative but they did not on the day, Radio 4EB pushed the committee out and we became separated." Although there seems to be confusion or unhappiness in some community's response to the current decisions on whether this aid should go to the Samoan Government or other Aid bodies in Samoa, according to Mrs Sara Brunt " there is no division in the Samoan Community here in Brisbane, everybody is unanimous in this decision and there are just a few people who are making trouble." 

A meeting that was held on the 24th of October was announced by the Secretary on 4EB Radio station on Wednesday 21st of October. "Because this meeting was only announced that one time, many people didn't know about it," said Joyita Slade. "We, the Qld Tsunami Samoa Appeal 2009 came to this meeting with a Plan which outlined a possible decision that 500 kits be bought for affected areas. These kits include everyday items such as knives; bowls; towels; tea towels; pots and this plan was unanimously agreed upon," said the Secretary. She added that around 80 percent of the Samoan Community in Brisbane agreed with the committee's idea to use the $68,000 dollars to purchase everyday items and the committee to take it personally to the most affected victims in Samoa. "To the best of my knowledge there was no consensus, the meeting was told what was going to happen," said Seinafo Peter Virtue, General Manager for Radio Pasefika. "There are proper ways to do things and make decisions" said Faimalo Pale. He added, "There were only around 30 people in attendance at this meeting, most of the key decision makers were not there because they didn't know about it. I had just finished a meeting with 179 members of my Association 'Voice of Samoa' and we had decided that the money should go to the Government of Samoa as they know where the help is needed most, but when I got to the meeting a decision had already been made." said Faimalo Pale. This observation was agreed upon by Savea Lio who said, "This committee that we elected to help the community just came to the meeting on the day with their own final decision, they did not ask the Community." 

According to the Secretary, " The Government of Samoa is busy working on the rebuilding and infrastructure in Samoa and None Government Organisations (NGO) and Red Cross have been doing a lot of work already, we thought it was a great decision to take these gifts as a 'Community to Community' project. "We are going to Samoa on our own expense and in addition to these 500 kits, we are taking 5 Containers loaded with all sorts of items like clothing; utensils; mattresses; pots; to sort out and give to the same areas. These containers are full because of the enormous generosity of the local community including Samoans and non Samoans here in Brisbane," she added. 

According to another member of the Qld Tsunami Committee, Elizabeth Hunt " each kit will cost around AUS$150 dollars and they will be of very good and useful items that will cater to peoples everyday needs." She added that "everything was happening so fast and like anything else we learn over time but at the end of the day, every Leader and Community member was given the opportunity to voice their opinions at the meetings and the committee did do their own research via contacts in Samoa to find out what the needs are locally." 

According to Mrs Sara Brunt, "the 5 containers will leave Brisbane on the 9th of November, some members of the committee will be going to Samoa to help sort out and distribute these materials to those that need them, the Committee will be documenting the trip which begins in Brisbane and throughout the trip to Samoa." She added that upon return to Brisbane, the committee will call a community meeting and report all expenses going toward the trip, each community member will receive a free documentary style DVD of the trip. At the end of the day whatever is happening here, the most important thing and focus of the Committee is for the families in the worst affected areas in Samoa to get this help." 

"We don't want to be different, like everything the Committee has done so far, this trip is open to any member of the community to come with us, we are going to take this help to the Samoan Community back home from our Brisbane Community, explained Elizabeth Hunt. 

This reporter called the President (Chair person) Afamasaga Feleti Mu'a of the Queensland Tsunami Appeal Committee 2009 and Treasurer, Ianeta Hadfield for comment but was told to talk with the Liaison officer, Patricia Slade-Sevele. From the beginning of the elected committee there has been no news release or update information for media from the Committee Liaison Officer.

The Queensland Government, along with the federal government and other states, is providing help to Samoa, Tonga and the Indonesia Island of Sumatra following the recent earthquakes and tsunami.

There is so much devastation in Samoa, more than we first thought, it's unbelievable what has happened to our beautiful Samoa. Please donate via phone: Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal 1800021884 OR visit any Commonwealth or Westpac Bank to donate OR donate directly into the account with westpac

ACCOUNT NAME: Premier's ...Disaster Relief Appeal BSB: 064013 Account: 10006800.

If unsure please visit: http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/initiatives/disaster_recovery/tsunami_09.aspx

God Bless

Norths St Joseph's has their sign on for 2010 Rugby League and Netball season Sunday 31st January and Sunday 7th February at 'Joeys' grounds, Wellington Street, Virginia. Families are encouraged to bring their children from 9am to midday to the grounds on these days, to get to know the club and members. The club has great incentives and activities planned for players and families throughout the year. One of the highlights for this new season is that past players like Blair Connor (Qld Reds) and Rohan Ahern (Broncos) and others will be invited to be more involved in the sport by spending time with future superstars in the club and share their experiences and techniques with young members. 'This is a real family orientated club and we encourage involvement of parents and the whole family," explains President of the club, Brendan Ryan. Rugby League teams start from age 9 and over and the Netball teams begin from age 5 and over. Past players who started quite young with Joey's are, Rohan Ahern and Blair Connor. Ahern started with the club at age 4. At his current age of 21 he has proven that  having fun and building great game skills is a great place to start young with a club that understands the importance of family involvement and players enjoying the sport they choose. Ahern is a former player for Sydney Roosters and currently has just signed up to play with the Broncos. "I remember at a young age i couldn't wait to finish school at 3pm so I can train for footy at the club, we used to get prizes like 'a bottle of coke and hot chips' for 'man of the match', said Ahern.Qld Reds player Blair Connor also 21 years old started at a young age with the club " St Joey's is a big family club, it was almost like a second home to me, I always felt accepted and welcomed by everyone. I would encourage anyone to have a go because not only is North's St Josephs a great place to begin a career in the sport but there are plenty of opportunities to have fun, learn great skills and make some great friends. When asked what his advice was for anyone wanting to succeed in the sport, Connor said "Success comes to those who work hard."Queensland Rugby Union Samoan Association President, Vagana Pili Vagana and members, who are also members of North's St Josephs, will also be present on the day to assist in the sign up  for this year. According to North's St Josephs President and owner of Rhino Finance, Brendan Ryan, "this is a Family Club, we have a committee that works very hard to make sure that members of our club get the best. We pride ourselves as having a strong focus on family and we continue to promote this by putting on activities that involves not only the players but also their families. Everyone and anyone is always welcome at North's St Josephs continues  the president. For more information contact: Brett Gallagher 0401214190

by: Tracy Su'a Nelson

A Multicultural Memorial Service was held yesterday Sunday 10th October for those that were lost in the Tsunami in Samoa and also for the losses in Indonesia, Philippines and Tonga. There was a great array of colour with over a thousand people attending the service in the Holy Cross Cathedral at Rothwell, Redcliff. The different flags and cultures highlighted the significance of people of different races sharing a common sorrow and moving toward healing together.According to main organiser and President of South Pacific Youth Justice, Theresa Tevaga Butler, " I received a call from Queensland Ministers requesting that there was a need for a healing service last week and I, with the help of the Aiga Samoa worked quickly together to make it so." Ministers that were present on Sunday included, Member for Redcliff, Lillian van Litsenburg; Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan; Member for Longman, Jon Sullivan and Member for Murrumba, Dean Wells.Reverend Michael McCarthy welcomed local leaders followed by a heartfelt welcome by President of Pan Pacific Oceania, Samatau'a Hanamen Hunt. People who attended this beautiful display of togetherness and sharing of deep emotion felt the connection that could was described by Rev.McCarthy as 'Love'. The three choirs sang a collection of different songs which although had different words, carried the same spirit of  the loss and beginning of healing for people affected by tragedy. Honorable Lillian van Litsenburg gave an emotional speech ," We need to pray for our communities that they have the courage and strength of conviction to move forward as there is hope for our loved ones for a better future." One of our Aboriginal Community Leaders, Uncle Bird also offered, "You have suffered loss of family, relatives, kin and friends. We are Aboriginal People and we share in your pain, agony and disasters and we are very sorry for the loss that you have suffered."The service also performed an Ifoga which a large fine mat was used to cover community leaders for a minute of silence to pray and reflect upon all that has happened in affected parts of the Pacific and the World.  President of the South Pacific Youth Justice, Theresa Tevaga Butler commented that, " this day was very,very special to some people, it was an opportunity to bring the community together, because the suffering is affecting not only us Samoans but also the Philippines Community, the Tongan and Indonesian Communities." 

"I was amazed that so many people cared for us", exclaimed an excited and emotional LaTanya Lemuelu, Liaison Officer for Queensland Police Services Solicitors in Brisbane. An idea floated by Jane Piliae, captured by Triple M's Greg Martin. A question was formed "What can we do to help?" This resulted in the formation of the Fiafia (Happy) Footy Club and the hosting of a fun for all, friendly day of Footy at Ballymore Stadium last Saturday.

The momentum had begun and in two weeks, this amazing group brought in sponsors, premier players, actors and approximately 13,000 spectators and the collection of AUD$75,000 in donations going through the Australian Red Cross to help tsunami victims in the South Pacific. Triple M began it's Live Broadcast at 3PM and Logan City Seven Day Adventist Youth Group performed a magical harmony, this was followed by the Nga Puawai Hou (Four Wind's) Maori Dance Group, The Asi Sisters serenaded the stadium audience with some lovely Samoan tunes. Lay Preacher Frank Brunt Sinapati thanked the Lord in prayer before the National Anthem was sung and a moment of silence was  shared in remembrance of those lost in the disaster followed.Other highlights of the day was a friendly Celebrity Touch Footy Match which had player like, Lagi Setu, Antonio Winterstein and Ashton Sims from the Broncos, Ben Aiken from the Titans and a few of the Queensland Reds and Golden Oldies from the Wallabies and not forgetting Triple M - The Cage Crew.  There was also a mixed footy game between Savaii and Upolu which was enjoyed by spectators. The real match was between Queensland Samoa hitting up against the mighty Queensland Premier Barbarians. Ultimately the days Fiafia Trophy was accepted by Queensland Samoa 38, while Queensland Barbarians came in second best 28.Young performers of the Samoan traditional dance, Manu, Christina, Karisma and Frankie Sinapati felt "nervous but excited to be doing something great to help the people of Samoa." Peni Toia (Tonga) who played for the Savaii team commented that," it could have been my family that was lost in the tsunami, i feel very grateful that I am here and doing my part to help with the cause." Prime Minister of Samoa PM Tuilaepa, sent a thank you letter which assured people that donations were being used to restore water supplies, electricity and communications networks as quickly as possible.There was talk that the 'Fiafia Footy Club' may be an annual event. 

by: www.riamoanapasifika.com

Queensland Rugby Union Samoa Association (QRUSA) President Vagana Pi Vagana opened up the QRUSA Village Competition on Saturday with a prayer and moment of silence for the victims of the tsunami in Samoa.This competition runs for seven weeks and is the lead up to the Interstate Competition to be held in Sydney on the 23rd and 24th of November.  Teams from Melbourne; Sydney; Newcastle and Queensland are currently counting down and taking out teams in their regions searching for the best of the best to compete in Sydney next month.Saturday's matches kicked off at 12pm and culminated with a head on collision by Marist St Joseph and North Star. Although Marist delivered some hard hits and break away runs for the try line, in the end the victory went to the still undefeated North Star team with a final score of 14/15 to the Norths.According to President Vagana, " Many of our players have family members who remain missing or who have passed away in the tsunami, this was a day that was dedicated to all those in Samoa."  The President also said a great fa'amalo and thank you to the Brisbane community for the great turn up on the day. 

Ray Pogi a self funded elite sportsman has yet again taken another go at Gold at the World Triathlon Championships held last week in the Gold Coast, Brisbane. He was the only Samoan representative in the sport which was watched by over 20 thousand people. On the day Pogi was placed 47th out of 80 competitors. Pogi represented Samoa in the South Pacific Games 2007.This is a sport of endurance and Pogi has endured a lot. The championships are held at different countries every year. Last year it was held in Canada and 2010 takes the meet to Budapest. " This sport is addictive, there are not many Samoans or Pacific Islanders involved but I would encourage people to enter as it is fun and offers a healthy lifestyle," commented Pogi. The division that Pogi took part in is called a 'Sprint Distance'. This involves a 750meter swim; 20kilometer bike race and a 5kilometer run.Throughout the year there are approximately 20 races around Australia alone. The Triathlon season begins in October until March 2010. Pogi works at a Warehouse for a Logistics company in Brisbane which helps fund his dream of becoming an Samoan Iron Man. This higher level would need continuous training for 18months. Competition at this level requires participation in a longer distances which covers; 3.8 kilometer swim; 180kilometer bike race and a 42 kilometer run. Pogi's training regime involves a 5:30am before work training session and a 6:00pm after work training session, seven days a week. To ensure that he is fit and prepared for all competitions Pogi joined a club of triathlon competitors which is a $150.00 per month expense. Triathlon meets coming soon will be in Noosa on the 1st November and end of season in Maloolaba in March 2010." At the start I only took up this sport because I wanted to go to the South Pacific Games in 2007 and Samoa had no representation for it, but now I'm addicted, I love the sport and although it is hard I'm planning on becoming the first ever Samoan Iron Man," Pogi said.