Opening the night in prayer was Talatala Seremaia Tamanisau, who is also our Vice President. The opening speech was delivered by Steve McGhie MP Member for Melton and the night included speeches from founding presidents Mr Eroni Lewaqai, Mr Von Driu and the current President Ms. Sylvia Coombe.

In attendance were also members of United Pasifika Council of Victoria , Australian Integrated Fijian Association of Victoria Incorporated , Australian Integrated Care Services Pty Ltd , Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) and Polaron Language Services .

Congratulations also to the nominees and the winners of our community awards which will be in a seperate post.

An impromptu moving haka performed by Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc. Closed formal proceedings.

We would like to thank all who attended or contributed to the event and look forward to continuing working with the Fijian and broader community.

Almost 10 years ago, the Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc. was founded. It was established by a few like-minded volunteers who had the Passion and Purpose driven initiatives to explore opportunities whilst preserving our proud and rich Fijian culture and establish a community organisation with an aim that it will become the peak body of providing community support services that will enhance and empower the quality of life of Fijians in Melbourne and across Victoria through community welfare support, spiritual and holistic approach, family and youth support, language & culture and sports.

10 years on, we are thankful and grateful to God for guiding us, leading us and providing us with the necessary resources that have all shared a helping hand in transforming these great ideas into reality.

This year is a very important year for FCAV as we celebrate a milestone in reaching our 10th year anniversary and the committee is excited to host a 10th year anniversary ball on Saturday 23rd November 2024, at the Melton Entertainment Park, Melton.

We are inviting all members and their families to come and support this event.

Tickets are now available online for only $100 and all proceeds from this event goes to the venue costs including a 3 course meal, live entertainment and other fun and exciting activities planned for the evening.

The theme this year is “FORMAL WITH A TOUCH OF SPARKLE - SERAU”

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1266833...

Vinaka to all who attended our Celebration of Life Event in Ashwood, an info session which informed participants about preparing for the arrangements of loved ones when they depart from this world.

Speakers included Talatala Eseta Meneilly, Bale Sigabalavu, FCAV chair of Women, Robert Nelson, Funeral Director, Paresa Spanos, Deputy State Coroner from the Coroner's Court, Nellie Tinga , President of the Bougainville Community and Anarieta Fox from the Fijian community.

Also in attendance was Mohammed Mohideen, Senior Multifaith, Multicultural coordinator from the Coroner's Court and VMC Commissioner.

Special thanks to newest board member Jacob Sigabalavu for stepping up and MC'ing this women's event.

Thank to all who contributed to the success of the event and see you at the next one.

We are excited to announce that Fiji Day Multicultural Festival 2024 will be celebrated this year in a new venue, Dandenong Park. And even better, its close to public transport.

• VENUE: Dandenong Park, 174 Lonsdale St, Dandenong, Victoria 3175

• TIME: 10am - 5pm

This is a FREE event and is supported by the Victorian State Government and Polaron Language Services.

An event not to be missed with food stalls, craft stalls, live DJ, cultural performances and so much more.

So make sure you mark the date in your calenders, bring your kids and families, invite your friends and we will see you there!

EXCITING UPDATE!!!

Kids of all ages, we will have some special action superhero characters attending our event ...

Optimus Prime , Commander of the Autobots, 10am to 11am

Bumblebee, fun loving Autobot 11am to 12pm

Hulk, Marvel superhero, aka Dr Bruce Banner, 1pm to 2pm

Iron Man , aka Tony Stark, 2pm to 3pm

This event aims to inspire and uplift our young women from the ages of 16 to 25 years old, to come together and listen to young successful women who will share their success journey and also provide an insight to these young women on a variety of pathways that could guide them to achieve their purpose and become Strong, Independent and Success young women.

Willows Historical Park
3A Reserve Road, Melton VIC 3337

Vinaka vakalevu to the young Pasifika women who attended the Young Women with a Purpose event hosted by FCAV and coordinated by our Youth Chair, Esther Ledua and her team of volunteers.

Vinaka also to the facilitator our well qualified Katarina Driu with Guest speakers Jeanne Tupuola-Mailo Sapolu, Iliseva Sovau and Etta Sua who shared their success stories and ways they overcame obstacles.

Grateful to Scanlon Foundation Research Institute for funding this small initiative towards empowerment.

Vinaka vakalevu to all who attended and participated in our inaugral Victoria Hibiscus Festival 2024 at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday 29th June 2024.

Thank you to speakers Wurundjeri elder Aunty Julieanne Axford, Talatala Tepola Raicebe, Sylvia Coombe , Steve McGhie MP, John Pesutto, Viv Nguyen - Victorian Multicultural Commissioner , UPCOV Board representative Temese Leilua and our MCs Lette and Miva Nabalarua.

The night would not be possible without the support of our local designers, models and their families , DJ, AV, photographers, MCs, front of stage crew and back stage and the management and staff of the venue.

Thank you also to our sponsers and supporters

Department of Multicultural Affairs

Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)

Diversity Network Australia

Fiji Airways

Oceania Institute, University of Melbourne

Scanlon Foundation

Polaron Language Services

Steve McGhie MP

Melbourne Storm

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation

JEVIK Island taste Foodtruck & Catering

Te Avatea Performing Arts

BULA MEKE GROUP-Melbourne

LetTeine Polynesian Dance

SOLA Creations

United Pasifika Council of Victoria

Victoria Samoan Advisory Council Incorporated - VICSAC

Victorian Multicultural Commission

Nauru Community Australia Inc.

Niue Community Council of Victoria Inc

PNG Wantoks

Papua New Guinea Australia Association Victoria (PNGAAV)

Ngā Mātai Pūrua Inc.

Victoria Maori Wardens

Australian Integrated Fijian Association of Victoria Incorporated

Australian Integrated Care Services Pty Ltd

PICAA Inc.

Lewa's Creations

VAKZ

Faithfully Mine

Melton Entertainment

Kulaz Apparel

Holden family from Bendigo

Danahvina Island Styles

Manava By Nia

Totoka Collections

Anora's Scented Candles By Jeanne

Professional photos will be put up in the coming week , please enjoy below photos taken by various attendees.

#victoriahibiscusfestival

FCAV were proud to host the Biggest Morning tea to raise much needed funds for Cancer Council Victoria cancer research. Through cancer research the rate of cancer survival has increased to 71% from 49% in the 1980s.

The yellow themed day was filled with heart felt testimonials, fun trivia, raffles, scrumptious cakes, savouries and unlimited teas.

Special thanks to Bale Vitukawalu , Chair of Women for coordinating the event and the wonderful staff at Mary Eats Cake

Vinaka Vakalevu to all the Pasifika ladies and girls that attended the Safe and Strong Pasifika women event at Clayton in Saturday. The event' purpose was to:

• foster community engagement in celebrating and supporting Victorian women

• model, celebrate and promote gender equality by challenging gender stereotypes, gender roles and prejudice

• support women to achieve good physical and mental health

It was great to see women and girls from Fiji, Samoa, PNG, Nauru, Niue, NZ, West Papua, Cook Islands and India.

Thank you to the speakers Letitia Shelton, Ana Thomas from Mana Fitness Solutions and Emma Kamupala, President of Niue Community Council of Victoria Inc and owner of Umu Chef.

MC Marie Pewhairangi kept the night entertaining with an ice-breaker from Laughter Clubs Victoria Inc.

This event was supported by the Department of Women, Victorian State Government and the Scanlon Foundation.

United Pasifika Council of Victoria

#safeandstrongpasifkawomen

The 2024 Pasifika Australia Day was held at the Noble Park Community Centre yesterday where the Fijian, Samoan, Niue, PNG, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Rarotongan communities came together to celebrate the privileges of living in this beautiful country, Australia.

Thank You to our guests, Mr Anthony Sofe-UPCOV President and Mr Neil Hay-President of Rugby Victoria and Director of Melbourne Rebels. Thank You to the other community leaders who came to celebrate with us.

Thank you to our MC Apolosi Ranawai Lasei for his great influential skills that liven the energy in the room.

Thank You to all our performers for the great entertainment.

Thank You to our dedicated volunteers for the delicious BBQ lunch and desserts.

Lastly, Thank You to FCAV President Sylvia Coombe and her events team for the great and smooth program that led to the success of the event.

Vinaka Vakalevu

FCAV Committee

The Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc proudly presents its inaugural Bula Cup Festival which is supported by the Victorian State Government and the City of Cardinia.

For the very first time ever, we are combining the 2 codes of rugby union and league into a one day tournament.

Open entry to nations or clubs.

And on top of that, a family friendly festival in the middle of it all.

What more can you ask!

It will be a day to remember with something for the entire family.

From fast-paced, action-filled rugby to delicious food stalls, from kids face painters to live cultural performances.

After 3 years, we are excited to announce that this year, we are back outdoors celebrating our MARAU Fiji Day festival at the Willows Historical Park, 3A Reserve Road, Melton VIC 3337.

There will be food stalls, art and craft stalls, free face painter and candy floss for kids and many more.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Marau Fiji Day Festival

10am-4pm

The Willows Historical Park

68-74 Reserve Rd, Melton VIC 3337, Australia

AND AFTER THE PARTY IS THE AFTER- PARTY !

Join us in the South East as we dance the night away to the sweet sounds of Aggie Vakaloloma & The Sessions.

As per previous years, this will be our annual fundraiser for the funding of the event and FCAV's operational costs.

Na Corowalidi 2023 Fidi Day Night Event

6pm-11.30pm

Gaelic Park 324 Perry Rd, Keysborough, VIC 3173

$50 Tickets to the night event can be bought online and limited sales at the door.

Raffle tickets ($10each) sold on night event is for 1 adult return trip to Melbourne to Nadi, Fiji, compliments of Fiji Airways (with sale conditions).

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1093787

Vinaka Vakalevu to all the Pasifika youth, their families and our volunteers who turned up to yesterday's Bula Youth Indoor Beach Volleyball.

Thank to the Victorian State Government, Nauru Community Australia Inc. and LeMana - Empower Pasifika - Project for the sponsorship.

All glory to our Almighty Father in Heaven.

See you all at our next event.

#youthfest #YouthFest2023

Get your youth (ages 15 to 24 years) volleyball teams ready for the start of school holidays on Saturday 16th September and to celebrate YouthFest for a friendly FREE entry game of volleyball, bbq food, make new friends and have an opportunity to learn and play the game.

For registrations and forms, please contact info@fcav.org with your team details.

Numbers of players in Team: minimum size is 3 and max is 6.

If you don't have a team, no worries, we will find one for you- but you must register.

This event is supported by the Victorian Government and partnered with CMY LeMana and the Nauru Community Australia Inc.

Last year, we hosted Tauvu Day celebrations which was an event that connected newly arrived Fijians to the existing Fijian diaspora.

This year, we aim to continue to guide and strengthen the bonds between all Fijians whether you are NEC, student, diaspora etc.
On this day, we get to know each other better and build and rebuild connections so that we can work together and contribute to the wider Australian community and our families back home .

This event is to build that bridge or Virikawakawa.

Special Guest confirmed:

His excellency the Fijian High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. David Kolitagane will be attending and speaking at the Na Virikawakawa event on Saturday June 24, his first visit to Victoria. Mr Kolitagane took up the role in November last year and was the former permanent secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.

UPDATE :

Catering and Drinks Announcement for Saturday

Bula all, this year the Na Virikawakawa event will be catered by the Association for children and special guests only due to limited funding. However, for everyone else attending, there will be 3 food stalls who we are supporting to help them fundraise funds for their different causes. On the menu is palau packs, bbq, burgers , chicken curry and rice, soft drinks etc . So bring your paisa or Pay ID.

BYO grog or alcohol (responsible drinking please) however there will be security guards at the venue where drunk and disorderly attendees will be asked to leave the premises.

Invitation to interested Fijians living, studying or working in Victoria, Australia for Friday, 23rd June 2023, Dandenong , 7pm AEST details below

Vinaka vakalevu and congratulations to the 14 Fijians workers who attended the First Aid Training delivered by St John Ambulance in Dandenong.

This training certifies them for 3 years to provide first aid response to anyone who needs help.

Funding for the course was provided by the Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc from the PRMC5 grant by the Victorian State Government with catering provided by Whales Regional Workforce.

Photo Credits: Vincent Delaminati, Team Wagstaff, Melbourne, Victoria

Know your Rights at work Fijian customised session facilitated by our Chair of Spiritual and Community Welfare Mr Jotame Ratabua with Fijian Palm workers from Mooroopna, Victoria and surrounding areas. Jotame is also a certified Bicultural workers rights Ambassador from Migrant workers Centre Melbourne.

If you are a Victorian PALM worker and interested in attending future sessions, please contact Mr. Jotame Ratabua on mobile number 0424810698.

Congratulations to the 7 participants from the Fijian community in the Western suburbs who completed the one day Pasifika leadership course delivered by Bernie Goulding from Diversity Network Australia.

This training is funded by the PRMC5 grant provided to the Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc. organisation by the Victorian State Government.

Vinaka Vakalevu to the contribution of those community members who participated, volunteered and donated in our very first Biggest Morning/ Afternoon tea in Chadstone, Victoria. We raised $725 on the night which will be donated to the Cancer Council towards their research and programs for cancer. Thank you to special guest speaker Ms. Jordan Turner, ovarian cancer survivor and Ambassador for ovarian cancer research foundation. Congratulations to trivia champion the night, the Kailomas.

Child Safety Training held in Dandenong on the 25th March 2023, by ChildSafe Victoria to some of our board members and community members. Funding was provided as part of the PRMC5 grant to the Association by the Victorian State Government.

Our Pasifika Australia Day acknowledged the contribution of every Australian and allowed us to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate the things we love about this beautiful country: democracy, freedom and most importantly, the People.

We were blessed to have Pasifika community leaders come to celebrate the 2023 Pasifika Australia Day with us yesterday at the Ukrainian Hall, Ardeer, funded by the National Australia Day Council.

Our guests include our State MP for Melton, the Honorable Steve Mcghie, President of the Niue Community, Emma Kamupala, Marie Pewhairangi representing the Maori community, James Henry, President of the Cook Islands Community Victoria, Timo Anitonia, President of the Rarotongan Community Association, Sheraz Sahib, Secretary of the Fiji Islamic Community society of Victoria and elders of our Fijian community.

Performances include the BULA Meke group (Fiji), Tama Tatau (Samoa), Poe Inano (Cook Islands), Amelia Kaufana (Tonga) and the one and only Pasifika Velvet Voice, Mr Tom Aiono.

We also had the opportunity to nominate and award our dedicated volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work, for the benefit of our community.

Congratulations to our Award winners. The Community Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year award-Ms Sylvia Coombe

Community Achievement Award-Mr Jotame Ratabua.

Emerging Star-Ms Akanisi Tora

Youth of the Year award-Ms Jasmine Elder

Pasifika Top Supporter Award-Mr Timo Anitonia

There were lots of Australia Day competitions and congratulations to all our winners for sharing with us their experiences and how they have contributed to this beautiful country, Australia.

Thank You to our volunteers who went above and beyond to ensure that the event was a success.

Vinaka Vakalevu

Events Committee

This year our Fiji Day Multicultural activities starts off in Regional Victoria on Saturday 8th October 2022 in Mooroopna and finishes in Melbourne Saturday 15th October 2022.

Beginning at 5pm, we celebrate Fiji Day with guest speakers, traditional ceremony and cultural experiences, finishing with a free Fijian multicultural dinner.

From 7pm onwards at the same venue is a ticketed dance organised by the Shepparton Fijian Community Group for a night not to be missed.

Tickets to the 7pm dance event can be organised by contacting Mr. Matai Vakasisikakala (Mobile: 0474337359)

The Victoria Tauvu Festival is a first of its kind in Victoria for Fijians to reconnect to a traditional indigenous Fijian bonding event which will unite the Fijians in Victoria with Fijian community members from each of the 14 provinces of Fiji. The bonding event is a showcase of each province to perform culturally via song, acting and dance in front of the other provinces.

The main aim of TAUVU Day was to bring Fijians together and create that momentum of bonding together, create new relationships and strengthen existing relationships.

TAUVU is a relationship between two groups in Fiji, whether distrtict or sub-division of a district and symbolises the ability to create bonds despite differences, exercise mutual relations and privileges to indulge in good natured fun activities and laughter that promotes and enhances positive social values.

We were privileged to have the Honorable Mayor of the Greater City of Dandenong, Cr Jim Memeti as our guest speaker. We were also honored to have representatives from Victoria Rugby, Ms Victoria Johnson and James Liley.

We would like to thank the Greater City of Dandenong for awarding us a grant that enabled us to organise this event and we would also like to thank all our sponsors, CMY-LEMANA Empower Pasifika Project team and Sweet by Nature.

We would like to thank the leaders of all the Provinces that supported this great initiative and actively worked together with their members of their provinces to participate at this event, including their contribution in donating all the delicious variety of Fijian cuisines, for our dinner.

We would like to thank the Province of BA and Mr Netani Coriakula for the traditional welcoming ceremony "Veiqaraqaravi Vaka Vanua".

We would like to thank everyone that came to support this great event and donated their "Soli" to their respective Provinces that participated on the day. All monies collected for each Province that participated, was given back to each Province as planned.

We would like to thank all our volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that this event was a success.

Last but not least, we would like to thank the Chair of Fijian Language and Culture, Mr Apisalome Coka for this great initiative, from the initial planning stages to it's successful implementation, our President Sylvia Coombe for going above and beyond to make it happen and the rest of the FCAV committee for their endless support.

May God bless our Fijian community in Victoria and may God bless this beautiful country Australia, we now call home.

Anzac Day Kaiviti and Rarotonga Volleyball Youth and Family Day. Vinaka vakalevu to all those who participated, coordinators and Umpires.

Vinaka vakalevu to LeMana - Empower Pasifika - Project for funding the activity and providing platforms for Pasifika communities to work and play together.

#ONEPasifika

Mooroopna Pasifika Christmas Event proudly bought to you by the Fijian Community Association Victoria and Greater Shepparton City Council. Day event is 10am to 2pm.
Free entry but need to be double vaxxed or with approved exemption to attend. QR code check in required.
Light Refreshments provided.

Event followed by night event (6pm to 11pm) organised by Shepparton Fijian Community Kava Barrel, $50 entry, live entertainment and DJ, refreshments provided

Update from FCAV President: 12th December we celebrated Christmas the Pasifika way at Mooroopna, Victoria. Opening the event was the Mayor of Shepparton Cr Kim O'Keefe and special guest the State Member of Parliament for Shepparton district, Suzanna Sheed. Vinaka vakalevu to all those who contributed to the success of the event including funding from the City of Shepparton Council, the members of the Shepparton Fijian Group, the Kubuna, Tovata and Burebasaga confederacies and the FCAV committee members who travelled from Melbourne. The day was made extra special from the youth performances from the Scalan Family, the Bula Meke Group and the ladies from the Kubuna confederacy. Have a Merry Christmas this Year , God bless you all and stay safe.

***EVENT NOW CHANGED TO AN ONLINE EVENT TO BE HELD ON 4TH DECEMBER 2021***

Bula Vinaka,

Regrettably I have to announce that there will no face to face Pasifika (next Saturday) night event held next Saturday 3rd September, however it will be held Online on Saturday December 4 , 2021 and replayed the next day.

This is due to the conditions of Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown such as capped numbers at events in December and the strict conditions of the funding agreements such as proof of vaccination of patrons ,from the City of Greater Dandenong ( who is funding Pasifika Night and Fiji Day).

Everyone who has bought a ticket to the event will be refunded. Please contact us to organise payment of refund. Should you choose to donate some of your ticket refund to the Association for our running costs please let us know also.

Sincerest apologies again as i know we were all looking forward in meeting face to face in celebration, but we are doing this as Safety is our highest priority for you our members and the Fijian community. We are taking these precautions now so that we can celebrate together face to face next year 2022.