Copy of ASSIUCBI

we acknowledge the traditional owners,

The TURRBUL AnD JAGERA PEOPLES OF MEEANJIN

ASSIUC Brisbane Inc.

Australian South Sea Islanders

Legacy, Heritage, and History

Australian South Sea Islanders are the descendants of approximately 62,000 Pacific Islanders who were brought to Australia between 1863 and 1901 to build the sugarcane industry of QLD and later northern NSW. The majority of the pacific islanders were brought from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, under the indentured labour scheme. This period in Australian history, known as blackbirding remains a grim reminder of exploitation and injustice and was nothing shorter than a slave trade along the east coast of Australia. In 2020 government sources stated that there was no slavery in Australia however that was quickly amended.

Image right: Docker, E. W. (1970). The blackbirders : the recruiting of south seas labour for Queensland, 1863-1907 / Edward Wybergh Docker. Angus and Robertson.

The ASSI Flag

Black Column: Represents strength and resilience of 62,000 ancestors.

Horizontal Black Band: Symbolizes community continuity into the future.

Bright Blue: Evokes the South Pacific origins, sea, and sky.

Brilliant Green: Signifies the land, contributions to agriculture, and hope for the future.

Deep Gold: Represents sunshine and the homeland's sands.

Southern Cross: Connects to the South Pacific and emphasizes Australian identity.

The ASSIUC Brisbane Inc Logo

The black lines symbolize the strength and resilience of our community, while the diamonds represent the Southern Cross stars watching over the Pacific.

ASSIUC Brisbane Inc Executive

EXEcutive

Welcome to the ASSIUC Brisbane Inc. website. As we celebrate 30 years of national recognition on 25th August, 2024, we honour our ancestors' resilience and contributions. Join us in building a future where Australian South Sea islanders are respected and empowered.

president’s message

I invite you to explore our initiatives, participate in our events, and join us in our ongoing journey toward justice and recognition. Thank you for your support and interest in ASSIUC Brisbane Inc.

ASSIUC Brisbane Inc. President

Nasuven Enares

(Pictured right).

Join Us

get involved

Become a member of ASSIUC Brisbane Inc. and be part of a supportive community. Contact us for any membership-related inquiries, at assiucbrisbaneinc@gmail.com

membership

Become a member of ASSIUC Brisbane Inc. and be part of a supportive community. Contact us for any membership-related inquiries, at assiucbrisbaneinc@gmail.com

fee

Individual Membership: $30 per year

Family Membership: $50 per year

Student Membership: $20 per year

Corporate Membership: $100 per year

National Recognition

National Australian south sea islander day

In 2024, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Commonwealth government’s official recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct ethnic group in Australia with its own history and culture.

ASSIUCBI Events

Slave Trade & Blackbirding History Collection

Date: August 24, 2024

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: Level 4, John Oxley Library,

State Library of Queensland (SLQ)

Your opportunity to meet with descendants.

Sponsored by the State Library of Queensland.

Pictured below: Nasuven Enares at SLQ.

‘Light Up’ of Bridges

Date: 25th August, 2024

See Brisbanes’s landmarks lit up at night in the ASSI flag colours: green, blue, yellow, black and white: See the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Breakfast Creek Bridge lit up.