Artists Envision Health Inc. an Advocate for Artists launches their organization.The non profit organisation Artists Envision Health Inc. launched Its brand on Saturday, November 29th to an enthusiastic crowd. Even though the committee members are all Samoan AEHI plans to help Queensland Artists from all cultures and all artistic genres in the pursuit of their artistic goals.
Seeing the lack of job opportunities in specific arts fields in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for the majority of artists led the Founders to offer a Program that will help change the status quo. "We provide a variety of services to all Arts members who want to pursue their goals in their particular art form," commented AEHI's President. One important service is the Sports Programs it runs in the community of Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Committee member, Emma Soloai read out their mission statement which talks about the sports and arts programs the Incorporation provides for its arts membership and the local communities. Some of the audience were not quite clear as to what the organisation was about when listening to some of the committee members speak. Liberal National Party candidate, Steve Viliamu stated in his speech that he still wasn't sure what the organisation was about but that the abbreviations 'AEHI' reminded him of a Samoan word which denotes a emphatic "a'e" expression. "However, I do look forward to hearing more about what they plan to do in our Community and I do want to offer my support," he went on to say.
One thing is clear is the amount of professional talent there is in Queensland. One by one, a diverse group of professional artists ranging from a Magician (Sean Mergard), Pacific Dance group (Havaiki) to Pop Singer aShra, and Jazz Musician Frazer Goodman shared their musical skills which enthralled the crowd. "He was sooo cool and the way he worked in Stevie Wonder to the number was genius," commented Margie Hancox. "Wow a Samoan jazz musician." Carol Tomuli-Fong commented.
"Gosh aShra and Mark Lowndes are song writers. It was awesome to see them perform their songs. You could feel their passion, Mamoe Lauaki says. The Headliner, Mark Lowndes finished the night with two of his original songs. Australian born-Samoan Lowndes known as a cross between Jack Johnson and Bob Marley wowed the crowd with his cool sounds.
The reasoning behind the name relates to one visualising one's dream to be a; singer/songwriter, screenwriter, filmmaker, painter, graphic artist, visual artist, sculptor, graffiti artist, musician and any other type of arts' genre. "You name it we want to help them all. And we maybe Samoan but this organisation is inclusive and we're multi-cultural," comments Helen Lauaki, the current President. AEHI stated that their aims are to help support Artists in their endeavours to pursue their arts goals. In reference to "Health" committee member, Bryan Hano talked about how the organisation wants to promote healthy alternatives. "We want to provide sports programs for our Arts members and the communities we live in because living healthy and exercising helps people's physical and mental capacity. Their minds are clear and they're more productive." Bryan who comes from a business management career background is also a musician. He performed with his brother, Luke who is a professional musician recently moved from New Zealand in the hopes of pursuing his music career here.
AEHI are now registering Members. They are an incorporated society and want to grow their membership which would include artists and sports members. The reasoning behind the name relates to one visualising one's dream to be a; singer/songwriter, screenwriter, filmmaker, painter, graphic artist, visual artist, sculptor, graffitti artist and musician. AEHI stated that their aims are to help support Artists in their endeavours to pursue their arts goals.
In reference to "Health" committee member, Bryan Hano talked about how the organisation wants to promote healthy alternatives. "We want to provide sports programs for our Arts members and the communities we live in because living healthy and exercising helps people's physical and mental capacity. Their minds are clear and they're more productive." Committee member, Ieti Lauaki explained that artists' contributions to society and the community is very important. Artists give enjoyment and help cultivate and preserve cultural identity as well as add meaning to life. "Finding a way to achieve economic stability for Artists is difficult in itself, but we hope to help support and initiate pathways for them that lead to paid art work. We have our Arts Training Program in March 2015 and the outcomes of that is to create work opportunities for them," he says. The organisation is now registering Arts & Sports members to its organisation as well as signing up people to their Arts Training Program. Look at their website, aehiqld.com to find out how one can register or sign up to the Arts Training Program next year.
Except for Mark Lowndes, the professional artists that performed Saturday night are now members of AEHI. Havaiki, one of the only Multi-cultural dance groups in Queensland are excited to be working with the organisation and will be helping out with the Arts Training Program. Watch out for this group because in the near future they're projects and brand of Good, Healthy Living will spread throughout the Arts World. The Four Nations has come to Brisbane. It will be broadcast internationally and we have coverage here on Samoans in Brisbane.Our Samoans in Brisbane team of Helen Lauaki and crew were able to secure media accreditation to cover this weekends games between Samoa and England and New Zealand and Australia. She will be there to cover the two games in Brisbane and the game between Samoa and Australia on November 9, 2014. Please go to our Four Nations page for up to date coverage.
More than 46,000 fans as well as an international TV audience will see the Four Nations kick off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium tonight with a blockbuster Double Header involving all four competing nations. All seven matches of the Four Nations tournament – starting with England v Samoa and Australia v New Zealand tonight - will be shown live across Australia on Channel 9 and Gem and internationally, via both live and delayed broadcast, in the following countries and territories: New Zealand (Sky Sport), Malaysia (Astro), France (beIN Sport), Canada (Rogers Sportsnet), United States (Fox Soccer Plus), United Kingdom (BBC Radio Five & Premier Sports), Ireland (Premier Sports), South East Asia – Ex Malaysia and South Korea (Setanta Sport) and Samoans in Brisbane for the Le Malae Media Network, The Middle East: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, West Bank (Orbit Showtime) “With close to 50,000 fans attending tonight’s double header the atmosphere will be electric and it will set the scene for a fantastic month of international rugby league,” NRL Head of Commercial Paul Kind said. “This is a chance for fans to witness the world’s best Rugby league teams and players in action and I encourage fans to attend the Four Nations matches held in both Australia and New Zealand. “Those fans who are unable to attend matches live will not miss out with the entire tournament to be broadcast across the world via our broadcast partner Channel 9 and international broadcasters." 2014 Four Nations Schedule (all times local) England v Samoa: Saturday, October 25 at 4pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Australia v New Zealand: Saturday, October 25 at 6.45pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. New Zealand v Samoa: Saturday, November 1 at 4pm, Toll Stadium, Whangarei. Australia v England: Sunday, November 2 at 4pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne. New Zealand v England: Saturday, November 8 at 8pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Australia v Samoa: Sunday, November 9 at 4pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong. Final: Saturday, November 15 at 8.45pm Westpac Stadium, Wellington. Samoa Sevens Rugby is Alive and KickingBy Helen Lauaki
Samoans living in Australia and New Zealand attending the Gold Coast Sevens Tournament witnessed a re-born Samoan Seven’s side whom not only almost stole the show, but won the respect of many in the crowd and also delighted their Samoan fans and TV viewers around the world. Like a Simple Minds come back, no one is going to "forget about" this Samoan team. Their's was an impressive ray of gut determination, team brilliance and strategic manoeuvres implemented by Coach Fuimaono Dickie Tafua. Fuimaono was brought back to coach the National sevens side after their dismal performance throughout the 2012-13 World Cup Series. A normally stoic and reserved coach, Fuimaono had much to smile and be happy about with the success of his Squad as they won their first three games on Saturday and came back from a loss against New Zealand to beat Argentina and South Africa in the Quarter and Semi Finals on Sunday. For the crowd and Samoans worldwide whom received first hand news from global media network, Lemalae.com via 'Samoans in Brisbane', it was hats off to the trademark cap-wearing Dickie for selecting the right players and formulating strategic plays that culminated in tries. The top Samoan scorer for the 2014 Season, Samoa Toloa didn’t disappoint their supporters. When he wasn’t scoring he was also setting up tries.
In the Final against Fiji, Samoa had a slow start but in the second half dominated - scoring consecutively 3 tries with only one conversion. The momentum of play came to a sudden halt when Tofa (shortened) Solia was concussed in a head high tackle by his opposing Fijian number. He was taken off on a stretcher. No yellow card was given and when play resumed, some speculate, without their other set-play expert, Samoa lost the ball which gave Fiji a chance to score again. And in true great Fijian-Sevens-fashion, score they did. A somewhat disappointed, Coach Tafua may not have seen his squad win the 'glittering prize' in this tournament, but there is no doubt he believes in the players he has picked. He knows he has a winning formula to see his team win the World Cup series and also qualify for the 2016 Olympics. According to the International Rugby Board standings, Samoa is coming second to Fiji and is currently on 19 points. Third is England followed by South Africa and then New Zealand.
Fiji is most definitely one of the stronger squads in the Sevens tournament. They were consistent throughout 2012-13 and have won top of the tables in the first round of the 2014 Series. They are an enthralling side to watch. Theirs was an explosive attack in the first half which culminated in a succession of tries that put them ahead, convincingly. The next Sevens Tournament or Round Two will be in Dubai on December 5-6 weekend. Coach Fuimaono and his band of Samoan brothers are taking a short rest break before getting back to training. They no doubt want to be ready in December. It would be a mistake for them or any of the dominant teams to underestimate the less experienced ones judging from the way these minnow teams played in the Gold Coast. The calibre of skill and playing performance has improved immensely. England beat NZ in the qualifying round and Argentina beat Australia. The United States did well to win a Plate prize and Canada almost took out South Africa. Argentina has shown in this first Round that they are a force to be reckoned with. The reason for this is definitely because the International Rugby Board have implemented a grass roots development program called “Get in to Rugby” in a number of these countries to help them improve and train them to a world class level of competition. Countries like Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand have dominated rugby for decades and Sevens is a new style of rugby that caters for the Fijian style of play and has put them on top right with these nations. The IRB not only provide resources in expertise training and coaching but they also give financial assistance. Sevens squads, Samoa and Fiji are two countries that Avan Lee, the General Manager of the Rugby Sevens, stated have received financial assistance from the IRB. He was delighted to see both island nations doing well in this round. He said, “It’s wonderful to see these Teams perform well. Samoa are doing fantastically well. It’s a really competitive Tournament.” Avan mentions that there is a selection process. “We have a qualifier tournament in Hong Kong where the Team who wins that Tournament goes directly in to the HSBC (Hongkong and Shangai Banking) Sevens World Series. Japan did that last year.”
Japan and Brazil played in the Gold Coast Round. Brazil is a country that did well and the IRB have been helping them prepare over two years to coincide with the Olympics. Brazil will be hosting the 2016 Olympics. He also mentioned that this year they chose American Samoa to be the sixteenth Team in this Round. "American Samoa was a Team the crowd rallied around because it was their debut Sevens tournament." It was a tough competition for them and Captain Kamelio Sio stated that he has learned a lot and hopes next time they will be better. “We feel happy. It’s our first time and we try our best.” When asked by reporter, Emma Soloai what will they do to get ready for the next round, Kamelio said jokingly, “We need to gain more muscle." He also said, "We will prepare and lift our performance.” Avan Lee also stated that the IRB are running their “Get in to Rugby” Program in AMSAM. With the IRB’s help, we would expect AMSAM to exceed expectations as their fellow Island Brothers, Samoa have done over the past few years.
The Draw for the Dubai Round has been released. Samoa are in Pool B with NZ, Scotland and Japan. They’re in a fairly good first line up, but remember, in Sevens anything can happen. The Samoan Captain commented in an interview after playing against Japan that they are a very tough side. The Scottish well known for their great rock bands have also become a formidable opponent. Sevens is a gruelling tournament and it does take its toll on the players. By Sunday they were exhausted and playing on instinct and what looked like an adrenalin rush of 'the possible' at times. It is a game that teams must prepare mentally for as well as physically because things can change in an instant. How do teams win? If i could take a punt, from my lack-of-rugby-knowledge point of view, it seemed to come down to the bounce of the ball and those Teams that attacked early and quickly and whom had more than one strategy. Come December 5-6th, it will be interesting to see how Coach Fuimaono works his Samoan squad and how the players perform. And will they remain consistent in what they've shown has been an awesome start to the 2014/15 World Sevens Series for them?
Editor's Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Steve Stammers, the ARU Sevens Communications Advisor, Patrick Foulkes, Communications Coordinator and Millie, (Players' and Ground Coordinator) for their expert customer service-Media liaisons and for their professionalism in dealing with all the challenges we posed to them while still helping us deliver back to back, up to the minute action reports of the Samoan and AMSAM Teams. |
EMBRACING THE UNCOMFORTABLE. AEHI starts awareness programs.By Helen Lauaki
Thursday, December 3rd is the birthday of Disabilities in Australia. To celebrate the Birthday, Artists Envision Health Inc organised an Expo to create an awareness and understanding of mental health and depression. The city of Logan has the largest population of mental health sufferers in Queensland. Some causes are due to excessive drug taking but there are also other causes which relate to childhood traumas, emotional loss and genetics. These are not the only causes to why people suffer from depression or mental illness but they are the most prevalent causes. There were a cross range of professional counsellors and psychiatrists on board to shed light on why people experience these illnesses and debilitating challenges. Payna Smith, a Social Worker and Councillor conducted a workshop for Polynesians. The workshop focused on families and parents. He addressed the issues facing Polynesian parents bringing their children up in Western cultures - specifically Australia. He talked about the importance of understanding when parents communicate with their children. He also spoke about the important role of parents in their childrens' education process.
Suzanne Utai from Grow Support Inc. ran a booth and gave out information pertaining to Pacific Island men and the challenges they face. The difficulty of sharing feelings and opening up when something tragic occurs in their life. Even though this is something that men from all cultures deal with Suzanne's innovative Cultural Appropriate Debrief designed for multi-cultural groups has been successful with Polyneisian and other ethnic males in relating and allowing her to give them strategies to deal with depression and other forms of mental health. Frazer Goodman, who conducted a music workshop at the Expo took time to sit in one of the workshops and talk to Suzanne. When he's not performing with his band he works as a carer with children and adolescents suffering from disabilities. A parent himself, he stated that it is very important for all of us as Pacific Island parents to communicate better with our children so they know it's okay to talk about their feelings. "Payna spoke about the need for us to understand our children's needs and where they're coming from. That when we're speaking to them, we are even tempered and we explain the reasons why." In his line of work there are troubled children from all cultures and he states that these problems come from the lack of good parenting. In reference to Pacific Island families he says, "Polynesian parents need this. To know there's a better way to communicate with their children."
Justin O'Brien and his colleague Rachel are from Queensland Mental Health. For them it was unfortunate that not many people took advantage of the help that was offered tonight but one man in particular was grateful to speak to them and to know how he might help out his wife who suffers from depression. The man, who will remain nameless said, "Im so grateful that you and your organisation have put this together. Today you have helped me understand where people who suffer from this are coming from and now I know how I might help my wife better." Justin O'Brien is a psychologist who works tirelessly at different locations in Logan and Brisbane with patients and people severely suffering from mental illness. His colleague Rachel comments, "People are generally embarrassed to let others know they are sufferers. There's still a stigma attach to it and we try to get the information and the resources out there in an environment that is less obvious and open." AEHI had Lui Lepolu-Lauaki give a Zumba class to those present to illustrate the importance of exercise as a major coping mechanism. Exercise is the best way to deal with stress and alleviate pressure and one can also lose weight.
The event was proudly supported by the Lord Mayor's Suburban Initiative Fund and Councillor of the Karawatha Ward, Kim Marx. Kim did attend the Event and was happy to see people taking advantage of the Event's workshop programs and info packs the professional health workers were giving out. If you know anyone who is suffering from depression or feeling suicidal have them call Logan's Grow Support Inc weekdays or the National Lifeline Hotline which is 24/7. PH 131114 Crisis Centre. Click on link for Grow Support Inc. contact details:http://www.growsupport.net.au/contact/ Samoan Minister comes to Brisbane for the G20 Interfaith SummitBy Helen Lauaki and Emma Soloai
The G20 Interfaith Summit organised by Dr. Brian Adams, the Director for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue for Griffith University Nathan Campus, Queensland played host to an international group of Religious and political leaders from around the world. Dr. Adams, PHD envisioned a conference whereby leaders from different faiths could meet and discuss openly and without criticism their ideology and perspectives on life. He said, "It has been rewarding to have about 180 people from North America, Egypt, United Emirates, Europe to Asia and South America to the Pacific come to this. From Muslims, Bhuddists, Bahai, Hindu, Seik, and many different Christians Is a dream for someone like me who is at the Centre of Faith and Intercultural Dialogue. When we work together for a common goal we have a working dialogue. There is so much everyone brings to the table." Ideas one never would have thought of if one stuck to their own religious and cultural beliefs are presented in this open forum. Dr. Adams explains, "Having this type of open dialogue helps us to find solutions better to the world's problems. And we can find solutions faster and get things done quicker." He stated that one of his aims was to help build Economic structures in the Pacific. The Minister of Aborigines & Torres Strait Islanders and Multi-Cultural Affairs, Glenn Elmes supported this summit and got behind Dr. Adams and his Team. The conference was well represented by Ministers from the host nation, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa. The Samoan Minister of Public Enterprises, Public Service Commission & Samoa Bureau of Statistics, Hon. Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell stated that for Samoa the topic of the summit is relevant to Samoan political affairs. He said, "What we have learned from this conference Samoa can use going forward." He agreed that there is an important correlation with the relationship between religious freedom and economic development, which is the Theme of the G20 Interfaith Summit. "Religion is an integral part of Samoa." And when asked does religion clash with Fa'a Samoa, he replied, "No. The two integrate into each other and merge together creating 'Samoanised' Christianity." He further mentioned, "The freedom of religion is stated in the Constitution and maintained by all." When questioned about sports in Samoa and about the payment of players versus 'love of country,' he talked about how the Government leaders put on a dinner for the Toa Samoa Rugby League team. He stated that it was great to see that even though there were some not born in Samoa they were loyal to the land of their heritage more than the money. And it was more the pride of their island nation. "The potential for next year is looking at increasing sponsorship." When it came to questions about the other sports code, he chose not to respond to the allegations of mismanagement of funds by the Samoan Rugby Union. He said, "that's not my portfolio but I'm sure the Prime Minister will act accordingly." He did admit that the International Rugby Union has given money to help develop the game in Samoa. He said personally, "they would have preferred to handle things internally than make it public and involve the IRB." A final question regarding the Samoan economy was about the new Casino and its impact on the Samoan people and their progressive economy was answered emphatically by the Hon. Lautafi. "It's mainly for the Tourists and to bring money in to the economy -it's a money maker for Samoa." When prompted, he said, "jobs have been created for the people." On a positive note, Tourism is growing. Canine control has been put in to place because of all the stray dogs, fishing deals have been negotiated and taro is being exported to the U.S. and New Zealand. They're currently trying to work with the Australian ministry of agriculture to import the two new varieties here. Ipswich students shine in production on Samoa occupation, Mau and the VisitorTHE story of Samoa's fight for independence is being brought to life and Ipswich's Pacific Islander students are playing a starring role.
Although the critically acclaimed production, The Mau and the Visitor, is an outside production that has played across Australia and NZ, its arrival at Redbank Plains State High School this month has given writer/director Canada McCarthy the opportunity to cast 14 of the school's performing arts students. The Certificate II Creative Industries students - all of Pacific Island heritage - started rehearsals on November 11, for the one-off performance at their school's new performing arts centre on November 22. They will join members of the regular cast for the public performance. Mr McCarthy said The Mau and the Visitor told the story of NZ's occupation of Samoa from the 1920s to 1962, when the island nation finally achieved independence. "This is both a traditional and historic play, which I started writing in 2010-2011 while I was at university," he said. "I did research in NZ and Samoa, speaking to the families involved." Samoa's time under NZ administration was marked by discontent and violence, culminating in the shooting murder of Chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III during what was intended to be a peaceful march. The Mau and the Visitor will be performed at Redbank Plains State High School on November 22, from 8pm. To purchase tickets contact Pulotu Canada on 0406 981 966, email [email protected] or visit Sina World Travel in Goodna. Pacific Island canoe flotilla sails into Sydney Harbour for IUCN World Parks CongressNew South Wales' Environment Minister Rob Stokes has welcomed Pacific Island leaders into Sydney Harbour, as the World Parks Congress begins with more than 5,000 delegates gathering in the city to participate in this once-in-a-decade event.
A flotilla of canoes from the Pacific Islands has reached Darling Harbour marking the end of a voyage to highlight the need for more action to tackle climate change, with their final destination being the International Union for Conservation of Nature Sixth World Parks Congress (IUCN). The Vaka canoes of the Mua Voyage sailed across the harbour this morning with Pacific Island leaders from Kiribati, Cook Islands and Palau on board. They sailed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge before arriving at the Australian National Maritime Museum for the official welcoming ceremony. It is the first time a fleet of traditional voyaging canoes has sailed to Australia, with crews embarking on a 6,000 nautical mile journey. The Mua voyaging canoes have navigated by the stars on the voyage from the Cook Islands, Samoa and Fiji to Coffs Harbour - and finally Sydney. The Logan Samoa Advisory Council begins their Learner License Programby Uo Alaalatoa Brown
Last Friday Oct 31st, Logan Samoa Advisory Council commenced it’s first ever Learner’s License project for the Samoan community in Brisbane. We pushed long and hard for this program until we achieved a successful result. A driver’s license is integral to employment. Without a driver’s license, many young Samoan people risk their lives and those of others in the community by driving improperly trained and unauthorised. Samoans have been identified as being high risk of driving unlicensed as they often do not have assistance that is offered to other immigrant groups. Obtaining a driver’s license will give them independence, a means to being gainfully employed and be able to provide for themselves and family, often reducing the reliance on the social welfare system. Logan is a low socio economic area and a high proportion of people supported in this program definitely need some extra assistance. This program also helps others struggling with other issues of language and confidence, having difficulty passing driving tests through Traffic customer service centre.
This program is supported by the Dept of Main Roads and Traffic, QPS Samoan Liaison officers and Ethnic Council of Logan with the help of trained assistants - Lesa Changwai and Uo Alaalatoa Brown. We believe this project will be successful as it will lead to less unlicensed driving. Class and Test will be conducted monthly.
No doubt there is a long list of other countries wanting same project but for us we are thankful we got the recognition and acceptance, and we will endeavour to make the best of this wonderful opportunity. Alex Leapai has a Lion heart but was let down by a calf.By Helen Lauaki, photos by Shaun Purcell and Dean Purcell
Alex the 'Lion Heart' Leapai fighting with an injured calf muscle gave it his all in a bout that for the most part, went the American's way. He said in the after press conference interview, "Hey I'm the Lionheart. It doesn't matter if it's my calf muscle, a black eye or a busted earlobe, Ill give it my all." The Philadelphia-born and raised, Malik Scott won unanimously on points. (100-90, 99-91, 98-92). His strategy from ring side seemed to be to hold Alex in closely and then fire off a flurry of jabs and landing uppercuts that more often than not we're right on target. He played his game well using everything as well as actual boxing techniques to gain the advantage and the overall win. Alex stated that Malik seemed to know his game plan. "He knew what I was going to do and I couldn't connect the big hits." Alex may not have hit his target as often as his opponent, but Scott did feel the fury of a Lion heart right-hand cross to the face a few times. The crowd exploded in an uproar of cheers when Scott's head rocked back and forwards from those punches but the veteran fighter knew how to hold on stopping Alex from finishing off his blows and knocking him out. After getting knocked hard Scott was left in a daze and leaning on Alex for support.
The Lion Heart with a busted ear drum and bloodied pushed through and pressured Malik throughout the entire fight but in the end the African-American who is one of the best fighters in the boxing world dominated most of the rounds. Alex said, "I was trying to slow him down and I did a few times. But he's a slick fighter and I just couldn't get him." With the win Scott's record is now 37-2-1. He is a few months younger than Alex and I believe he will continue fighting as well since he vowed to quit if he lost the bout.
Alex thanked the Logan community and all his supporters. One of his big supporters, the Logan city Mayor, Pam Parker was also at the bout cheering him on. The almost 400 audience chanted Alex's name throughout the fight. It was as deafening a chant as when the German audience chanted Klitschko's name at the April bout in Oberhausen, Germany. What will Alex Leapai do next? And will he continue to fight especially with the recurring injuries? This bout had to be postponed a week because of his calf injury. His friend and trainer, Noel Thornberry stated that he is happy to leave the decision up to Alex. "Whether he wants to quit or continue fighting Ill be there for him." Alex Leapai's record is 30-6-3. Thirty-five-year old Leapai comments that he still has a lot of fight in him and that he will be back. "I know that Shannon Briggs is a fight that everyone wants to see and so we are looking in to it." There is a possibility this will happen in the near future and he also stated he'd like a rematch with Malik Scott.
Queensland University of Technology offers Scholarships for PACIFIC ISLAND Students
By Helen Lauaki
The ethos of the Queensland University of Technology is to offer “…high quality learning, teaching and research spaces to better meet the needs of students, academics and researchers.” One way it has met the needs of its students is by providing some scholarships for students who come from low socio economic groups. At present, a good proportion of Pacific Island families living in Queensland cities fall under this category. QUT has been a longstanding supporter of students from diverse backgrounds and they have established programs and projects to help disadvantaged youth to enrol at their university. QUT’s Equity Scholarships Scheme provides a range of scholarships for students in financial need. Mary Kelly, Equity Director who is responsible for this program has said “students can thrive if they are able to lessen the impact of financial hardship." One of the financial barriers in terms of accessing tertiary education, facing Polynesians living here is eligibility for study support. Pacific Islanders and New Zealanders who are not Australian citizens have limited access to study support options such as HECS-HELP or Commonwealth Scholarships. New Zealand citizens must pay their tuition fees up-front at the start of each Semester. As a consequence, generally Polynesian school-leavers may be deterred from considering tertiary study. According to research done by Judith Kearney and Matthew Glen, “PI young people with NZ citizenship are 7 times less likely to progress to higher education. PI young people with Australian citizenship are 4 times less likely to progress to higher education. (Griffith University education academics) Judith Kearny is the Director of Community Partnerships and the EPS Executive of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University, Queensland. She stated that the Research Study was conducted at the end of 2013 and there were almost five hundred surveyed (18 – 30 year olds). The median age was 20 years. Judith has been campaigning for a change since 2010. “Since we have been made aware of this, it has been on my agenda for about four years,” she commented. One of QUT’s aims is to ensure that students are aware that there are pathways to higher education and with some advanced planning, lessen the financial pressure. QUT utilises current Maori and Pasifika students studying at QUT to share their stories with school students from similar backgrounds. This initiative is part of a 12 month pilot program QUT has been undertaking with three schools in the Moreton Bay area – Deception Bay State High School, Clontarf Beach SHS and Pine Rivers SHS The growing population of Polynesians from NZ and the South Pacific has increased dramatically in the North Brisbane and Sunshine Coast Region. The aim is to encourage Maori and Pacifika students living within the region to consider tertiary study as a post-school option. A good proportion of young Samoan High School students have benefitted from this program. There are about 500 QUT students of Polynesian decent. The largest ethnicity currently studying QUT courses of this group are Samoan. Program Coordinator, Gabrielle O’Brien said, “students have benefitted from interacting with student ambassadors from the same cultural heritage who have overcome financial challenges and who balance their family life and study to be successful QUT students”. Peni Tukuaoga wants to be a Teacher and stated that he always believed he could be a high achiever and accomplish his dream. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Education Degree at the Caboolture QUT Campus. He says, “As a NZ citizen I don’t qualify for HECS-HELP. I get a QUT Equity Scholarship which helps towards my fees and my Dad also helps out financially.” As part of the QUT Engagement with the Moreton Bay Pacific Island Community for Enhanced Educational Outcomes, an on-campus cultural family event was held on 25 June at the Caboolture Campus for families where students from each school performed speeches and dances which reflected their heritage. There were speeches and dances from students from Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands and New Zealand and the event ended with a traditional Pacifica feast. It was well attended by at least 300 people who included Maori, Samoan and Local Government leaders from the Moreton Bay area. One of the high school students chosen to speak, Emeline Nanai from Deception Bay State High School spoke about how she is grateful there is funding, like the Equity Scholarship available for her to apply for. She stated that if she is a recipient, it would help her achieve her dreams. “I’m a young, proud Samoan with places to go.” QUT will continue to outreach to students from Maori and Pacifika backgrounds to encourage them to consider university. Once enrolled, QUT has a range of supports in place including the QUT Pasifika Student Association, learning support and scholarships. For more information about QUT’s Equity Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, please click on the link: http://www.qut.edu.au/equity-scholarships For more information about the QUT Learning Potential Fund, see the link below: https://www.qut.edu.au/giving/make-a-real-impact/change-a-life/learning-potential-fund All other information about what QUT offers for Samoan and other PIs can be found on their website here: https://www.qut.edu.au |
Advertising, faasalalauga mo pisinisiCalendar/Up coming eventsIPSWITCH Samoan Community going for the Healthy Gusto with dove Sports Group .By Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown
Dove Sports Group providing a Family and Community fun night 2 Fridays a month for everyone at the Just Sports and Fitness Gymn in Redbank Plains, Ipswich City. From 6.30PM to 11PM. The Samoan not for profit group has organised this sports night for children, Youth, married couples singles and the Elderly. Committee members and Spokespersons for Dove Sports, Vanu Maoate and Lanu Schuster talked about why it was important to have a sports program for their community in Ipswich. One of the reasons they have organised this is to give local teenagers a place to meet and participate in positive activities and socialise. "Since there is no daylight savings in Queensland the kids now have a place to meet at instead of playing in the dark stated Vanu. "It's also important that people exercise as being healthy adds to the quality of our lives," she explains. They have zumba to start with run by fitness instructor Ava Oti. All ages participate and enjoy Zumba. It is popular with everyone. "It's great to see the Elderly dancing and smiling with the children," exclaims Lanu. They also provide jumping castles and other types of recreational facilities for Youth and Adults. Though they receive some funding the organisers contribute their time and provide things at their own expense.
There is a large population of Samoans that live in Ipswich but as Lanu states this sports night is something for all cultures in their community. "That includes those living outside of Ipswich. They are welcome to join with us too." She says. FRANK FROST: THE COACH OF CHAMPIONS
by Helen Lauaki and Uo Alaalatoa Brown Frank Frost is the Queensland Taekwondo Sparring Head Coach and a Fifth Dan Black Belt Master. He is respected by parents in Queensland and his fraternity Australia-wide for his contributions to the Sport here. He is also well received by the International Taekwondo Organisation and he has been awarded numerous certificates from them. When he was a competitor he won gold medals and trophies. However, what Master Frost is well-known for internationally, is his ability to produce champions. He has been training and producing national champions throughout the South Pacific for the past ten years, and he hopes to continue that success in Samoa as well as in Australia. On Saturday, March 8th, his Acacia Ridge Team competed in the Queensland State Championships. All eight members of the squad, placed. The New Zealand and Australian National Champion, Alamataia Fonoti won Gold in the Heavy Weight Senior Black Belt Division and was selected to represent QLD State at the Australian National Championships later this year. Gary Nielson won Gold in the Red Belt Open division. Mia Gunning, the Under 14 National Champion, won the Under-15’s Black Belt Silver Medal and was also selected in to the QLD State Team. Frank’s grandson, Justus Frost-Lowndes won Gold in the Blue Belt Under-8-yr-old division. Frank works full-time and coaches the Acacia Team twice a week. He may do this part time, but it is his passion. His dream is to give young Samoans in Samoa world class training and coaching in Taekwondo, because he knows they are fitted well for the Sport and are world champions in the making. “But what is most important is it’ll give them confidence and build their self-esteem as well as teach them respect like it’s done for me,” Frank says. In 2007, he was selected by the Samoan President of Taekwondo to help train the Samoan team. He would coach one half of the squad and fellow Samoan Taekwondo Master, Casey O’Neil, would coach the other. He and Master O’neil trained together in New Zealand once upon a time. It was while he trained the young Samoans that Master Frost saw their potential. He coached Kaino Thomsen-Fuataga who won the gold medal for Samoa at the South Pacific Games. Under Master Frost’s guidance and coaching, Kaino won 2 NZ Championships and a gold medal at the NZ Open. In 2010, Frank took him to Turkey for the Junior World Competition where he did well. In 2011, they went to France where Kaino competed in the French Taekwondo Open. Again he did really well. He won 2 gold medals at the Australian Championships in Melbourne. Frank also brought him to Queensland where he won 2 QLD titles. Kaino also competed at the last Olympics for Samoa. In 2012, Master Frost was training him when he won Gold for Samoa at the Oceania Championships in the Gold Coast. The lack of financial support from Taekwondo Samoa did not stop Kaino from participating in those events. His parents, the late Fuataga Tasimani and Shan, paid for all his travel expenses with Frank’s assistance. Unfortunately, he has quit the sport and is now playing rugby for the National Manu Samoa, A team. This allows him to earn money for himself. One could ask the question, should Samoa financially support other Sports and programs that Samoans excel in at a world class level? At present, the Samoan Taekwondo Organisation is having leadership challenges and lacks the legal structure and accountability to function in a national and international arena. The Oceania Taekwondo Championship was scheduled to be in Samoa this year, but due to the Organisation’s woes it has now been moved to Papua New Guinea.
In 1988, Frank began training in taekwondo when he was living in New Zealand. He was twenty eight years old and did that to build his confidence and to gain self-empowerment. He also loved to watch Bruce Lee movies and still has a poster of Bruce Lee in his home. He did very well when he competed in tournaments and now his focus and expertise is in Coaching. He moved to Australia and began training at the local Police-Citizen Youth Centre. In 2011, he started his own club and registered under his own name ̶̶ FRANK TAEKWONDO AUSTRALIA. The Club is a member of Taekwondo Australia and the World Taekwondo Federation. He was a Coach for the Queensland State Team for eight years and the Taekwondo Tournament Director. He resigned from that position because he prefers to be involved with the athletes as a Trainer. He is now the current Queensland Head Technical Coach. He has passed on his love and skills for Taekwondo to his children. Three of his children are also training and helping him Coach his Acacia Ridge Squad. They are Yvonne (2nd Dan), Alfred (3rd Dan) and Alexander (2nd Dan). Alimataia Fonoti, a senior student and Second Dan Black Belt also helps Frank run the club. After winning Gold at the 2014 QLD Championships in March, Taia (shortened) will be competing at the NZ Taekwondo Open Championships in Auckland - the first weekend of May. The club membership age ranges from 5 years and older. It is a mixture of different cultures and nationalities. His club’s motto is ‘Respect’. It is paramount in being an FTA member that one has respect for one’s parents and elders as well as for themselves. Master Frost explains to them, “Respect and Discipline are the most important rules of our club. It doesn’t matter how good you are in Martial Arts if you don’t show respect for us or your parents. These things reflect your attitude and will help build your confidence.” If you would like to help Frank achieve his goal in establishing the Samoan Taekwondo Organisation financially or by other means, please contact the Editor and Chief in Brisbane. Click on the “Contact Us” page of Lemalae, Brisbane and send us an email. We would appreciate your help. Seiuli "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson coming to the Gold Coast to shoot San Andreas Burbank, CA, April 16, 2014 – Principal photography begins Tuesday, April 22, on location in Australia for “San Andreas,” starring Dwayne Johnson. The action thriller from New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures reunites Johnson with director Brad Peyton and producer Beau Flynn, following their collaboration on the global hit “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot (Johnson) and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning, and when they think the worst may be over…it’s just getting started. The film also stars Carla Gugino (“Night at the Museum,” TV’s “Entourage”), Alexandra Daddario (“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” TV’s “True Detective”) and Archie Panjabi (TV’s “The Good Wife”), as well as Hugo Johnstone-Burt (Australian TV’s “Home and Away”) and Art Parkinson (TV’s “Game of Thrones”). “San Andreas” is being produced by Beau Flynn (“Hercules,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”). Tripp Vinson (“Red Dawn”) will also serve as producer. Richard Brener, Samuel J. Brown, Michael Disco, Rob Cowan and Bruce Berman are the executive producers, and Hiram Garcia is co-producer. The screenplay is by Carlton Cuse and Chad Hayes & Carey Hayes, story by Jeremy Passmore & Andre Fabrizio. The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Steve Yedlin (“Looper”), production designer Barry Chusid (“The Day After Tomorrow”), editor Bob Ducsay (upcoming “Godzilla”), VFX producer Randall Starr (upcoming “Into the Storm”), VFX supervisor Colin Strause (“The Avengers”), and costume designer Wendy Chuck (“Twilight”). “San Andreas” is slated to open in theatres on Friday, June 5, 2015. The film will be shot on location in The Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. A New Line Cinema presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, “San Andreas” is a FlynnPictureCo. Production. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. Australia must make strong start at Gold Coast Sevens as they chase automatic Olympic berthGold Coast Sevens Captains were on show today at Skypoint in Surfers Paradise. After climbing the tower a few took a whisk to get their nerves. American Samoa Captain, didn't like it at all but is happy to represent his Island this weekend. It is the first time AMSAM are competing in the Sevens tournament. Today they'll be having a practise game against Fiji. The NZ Captain, DJ Forbes is the nephew of the late Peter Fatialofa.
IT seems like a long time ago since Rugby Sevens was confirmed as one of the new Olympic sports being introduced in Rio 2016, but now the time has finally arrived for the best teams in the world to try to qualify.
The IRB World Series kicks off at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast this weekend and by the time the series ends in London on May 11 next year we’ll know which four teams will join host nation Brazil as automatic qualifiers. Unlike the nine events in the IRB World Series which has 16 teams at each of the nine events, the Olympic Games draw only consists of 12 teams, so there’ll be a mad scramble for places and that’ll make this the most interesting series ever. Teams not in the top four on the overall points table after London will then have to qualify via six regional tournaments and then there’ll be one final spot up for grabs via a repechage. The Aussies finished fifth in the last series so if they don’t improve on that they’ll find themselves playing in a tricky Oceania event. Just like the Wallabies, our Men’s Sevens team has lacked consistency. After reaching the Final at the Gold Coast last year they slipped up in Dubai and Port Elizabeth and were never able to close the gap on the top four despite some promising performances at the back end of the World Series.
So to be sure of gaining an automatic qualification for Rio, teams really need to contest semi-finals at every event. Australia only managed to do that three times in the last series. They finished strongly with a spot in the London Final and backed it up with a Bronze Medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The majority of that squad are lining up again this Series, but with Liam Gill and Sean McMahon back with their Super Rugby franchises, the pressure will be on the forwards to deliver at the breakdown which is now a crucial part of the abbreviated game. Australia Coach Geraint John has named a strong squad for the Gold Coast including the experienced trio of Ed Jenkins, Jesse Parahi and James Stannard. They’re backing up from the Glasgow along with Con Foley, Tom Cusack, Tom Lucas, Pama Fou, Sam Myers and Cameron Clark who was selected in last season’s World Series Dream Team.
Lewis Holland is returning from injury and newcomer Michael Wells is hoping to make his debut after impressing for North Harbour Rays in the NRC. Australia has a tough pool which also includes Fiji, Scotland and Portugal. |