Celebrating 25 years of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders

25 August 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of Nation Recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders. The State Library of Queensland joined in by hosting a special community event on Saturday 3 August 2019.

Approximately 100 people enjoyed the events on the day which included, a White Gloves Experience, a special exhibition tour of Plantation Voices: Contemporary Conversations with Australian South Sea Islanders with curator Imelda Miller followed by a thought provoking and emotive panel discussion with photographer LaVonne Bobongie and spoken word artist Joella Warkill and curator Imelda Miller. The discussion was facilitated by Olivia Robinson, Lead, Collection Engagement, State Library of Queensland. The discussions explored identity, agency and truth telling in relation to Australian South Sea Islander history, heritage and culture.

How did you celebrate 25 years of National Recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders? #ASSI25years

This special community event was photographed and you can see the images on Flickr along with the images from the opening event on 16 February 2019.

Imelda Miller - curator of Plantation Voices, State Library of Queensland