Community Marks Australian South Sea Islander Recognition

The Mackay community gathered on Monday 7th September to honour the history, resilience and ongoing contributions of Australian South Sea Islander people, marking 26 years since their formal recognition in Queensland. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council  

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Members of Mackay’s Australian South Sea Islander community joined Traditional Owners, Elders, local leaders and community members on Monday 7th September 2026 to commemorate the anniversary of Australian South Sea Islanders being formally recognised as a distinct cultural group.

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Held at the Mackay Regional Council Civil Precinct, the community was invited to gather for the raising of the Australian South Sea Islander Flag in recognition of the Australian South Sea Islander people by both the Federal and Queensland Governments.

The gathering brought the community together in a ceremony acknowledging the history, resilience and ongoing contribution of Australian South Sea Islander people, with traditional dances and a special performance by Fitzgerald Primary School forming part of the occasion.

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The event marked 26 years since the Queensland Government formally recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group in 2000.

Local Elder Marion Healy, who was part of the group involved in drafting and finalising the statement adopted by the Queensland Government, reflected on the significance of the anniversary.

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“Today we stand together in visibility, with remembrance and pride. We acknowledge our ancestors, the strength of our journey and the legacy that continues through each of us,” Ms Healy said.

Fourth-generation Australian South Sea Islander Runhoa Fatnowna also addressed the gathering, sharing her family's history and acknowledging the experiences of many within the wider community.

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“My great grandfather was kidnapped from the Soloman Islands to work in the emerging sugar plantations in Queensland. His story and my story are like so many others – stories of resilience.

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“Our ancestors were unwelcome – excluded from land ownership and civic life. Behind every statistic is a family and I stand here today as one of those with a lost heritage.”

Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the significant contribution Australian South Sea Islanders have made to the Mackay community.

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“We need to remember our origins and that as a community we ensure we don’t leave anybody behind,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There’s no one here that can change the past, but we can change the future.”

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The commemoration served as an opportunity to honour those who came before, reflect on the journey towards recognition and celebrate the strong and continuing presence of Australian South Sea Islander culture within the Mackay region.

“My grandad used to say a man with no history is a man with no future. Today, our future stands strong because of our history,” Ms Fatnowna said.  

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Queensland is home to 75 per cent of the nation’s ASSI, with the majority living in the Mackay region.

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