For news and updates, remember to check out our website and Facebook group: http://asianstudies.anu.edu.au/Pasifika_Australia http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27318222578 WORKSHOP INSPIRES YOUNG PACIFIC PEOPLE High school and college students of Pacific Islander descent spent three days at ANU getting a taste of university life with a Pacific flavour as part of the Pasifika Australia outreach program October 2-4, 2009. Thirty young people from across the ACT and NSW attended the workshop. They were accompanied by Councillor Mollie Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Campbelltown, Malaemie Fruean, Chair of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities along with Ron Inu, Charlie Fruean and waka carving students from South-West Sydney. The young people attended a series of mini-lectures that introduced them to the ANU, Pacific Studies, water shortage and climate change issues in the Pacific. They had lunch at Bruce Hall before visiting the Vaka Moana exhibition at the National Museum of Australia where they discussed Pacific migration with Emeritus Professor Gerard Ward. The highlight for many of students was their time at the campus of Kioloa. They spent the weekend working together to combine their own stories with themes from the ANU lectures in a series of creative workshops and performances. Their efforts were supported by ANU undergraduate student mentors and ANU staff, through Pasifika Australia. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who generously contributed to making this event a success.
The Australian National University was presented the Outstanding Community Award for the Pasifika Australia Program by the South West Sydney Regional Advisory Council (SWSRAC) of the New South Wales Council for Pacific Communities in November 2009.
SAMOA TSUNAMI APPEAL Many of our workshop participants and members of the ANU community joined in solidarity with the Samoan Community in early October at the "raise your voice stomp your feet" tsunami appeal. The event was organised by Mary Tupa'i and the youth of Penina Ole Pasefika dance group. Deveni Temu, the ANU Pacific Librarian, led the PNG community in a number of performances, and a number of young people who were part of our workshop also performed. All proceeds from the fundraiser went toward supporting families affected by the tsunami. PASIFIKA AUSTRALIA IN 2010 We are looking forward to an action packed 2010, with even more opportunities to get involved with Pasifika Australia. We are already planning our 2010 workshop, and there are lots of opportunities for us to run other events. Ms. Josi Baba will be taking over as the Pasifika Australia co-ordinator in 2010, and Ed will work towards finishing his honours thesis. Josi and her sister Kesaya have been involved with Pasifika Australia since its beginnings in 2008, and both came to the coast as mentors for the weekend workshop in 2009. You can contact Josi on the Pasifika Australia e-mail address pasifika.australia@anu.edu.au We'd like to thank Professor Marie Carroll, Professor Ian White, Jyotishma Naicker and all the amazing young Pacific people for participating in and supporting our 2009 workshop. Pasifika Australia is funded by the office of Student Equity and Educational Enhancement, and supported by the School of Culture, History and Language, the Asia-Pacific Learning Community and Bruce Hall at the ANU. Vinaka vakalevu sara, Malo, Tanggio, Fa'afetai tele, Tenkiu, Fakaaue, Kam Rabwa and thank you for a wonderful year. Have a safe and joyful 2010! Katerina Teaiwa, Edward Boydell and the Pasifika team: Valerie Bichard, Joel Nilon, Josi Baba, Kesaya Baba, Ashoor Khan, JJ Vile, Nicole Alexander, Nicholas Mortimer, Natasha Ratuva. 
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