Mackay meeting next step to form SSI representative body

Leaders and elders meet to form base of group

South Sea Islander leader Marion Healy is passioante about her culture and community. Pictured with Rosaline Bourne on Naidoc Day. Picture: Stuart Quinn

SOUTH SEA Islander elders and community representatives from across the state gathered in Mackay at the weekend to take the next step towards establishing a state representative body for their community.

The group worked to identify issues facing their community and establish the priorities for the body, which has been named the Queensland United Australian South Sea Islander Council. The idea to form a representative group was proposed after a meeting with former Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace, which took place in Mackay in September 2017.

Last April, the ongoing push had been stalled by bureaucratic red tape, with elders unable to continue their work until a temporary council position was filled. Mackay South Sea Islander community leader Marion Healy took the position and got the ball rolling again.

Since then, a working group of 12 elders and community representatives has been brought together to identify and complete the groundwork required prior to the establishment of a new state body.

Ms Healy, a member of this group, said the working group was working to create the base of the organisation which she hopes will unite the South Sea Islander community.

"What we have found in our community, is that we have too many (independent groups),” she said.

"The government does not have the chance or time to hear all those little individual groups; but as a stronger body, as a group, as the united council we can do that and have a voice that the government can listen to.

"Governance has really got to be tied up. Our communities, for them to be better engaged and look after their own determination they need to be strong in their governance.”

Ms Healy said the united council would also eliminate the internal "disharmony” within these groups. A strong focus for the working group will be teaching history to all community members, engaging with the wider community, caring for elders and ensuring youth remain connected to their culture.

"When we talk about history, our own people need to learn it themselves first. Then we need to engage the wider community,” she said.

Seeing an understanding of the South Sea Islander culture in education was an important step Ms Healy said.

Originally published as Mackay meeting next step to form SSI representative body