By Viliame Tawanakoro and Yukta Chand
The Fijian-Australian community brought in the revelry over the weekend at Sydney’s Olympic Park, in light of upcoming Fiji Day, which marks an important day in the calender of the Fijian-Australian community. Fiji Day is celebrated on 10th October to mark Fiji’s Independence from British colonial rule in 1970.
“Celebrating Fiji Day after three years feels like a sunlit embrace from home,” reflects
Seini from Newtown, Sydney.
Originally from Suva, Fiji, Ms. Seini feels that this year’s celebrations at Sydney Olympic Park
united many Fijians, especially post-COVID.
She emphasised, “It truly evokes the essence of home.”
Amit, hailing from Kadavu and running a Kava business in Sydney, was moved by the unity he witnessed,
“Today has been remarkable. Fijians, along with people from other nationalities, have
united in support of the community.”
Mr Amit said the highlight for him was to see the involvement of the Police force during the
celebrations. He also mentioned showing interest in Kava and has bought and tried it.
Ms Maraia also shared similar sentiments, “We have been blessed to spend this day here with our
people here in Sydney.”
One of the attendees at the celebration, Mosese Ratugone, shared his experience of the day,
“The things I like about this event is that I came to meet some new people, especially the Kaiviti and
Indo-Fijians and also, most importantly, the grog that we share.”
A Tongan-Fijian, Latisha, shared her experience with the Meke dance (Fijian Traditional Dance).
The event was also attended by Katie and Abbey, who are not from Fiji but said they really enjoyed the sense of community at the celebrations.
Professor Jioji Ravulo was also part of the celebrations and had hands behind organising this
event.
The Fiji Day celebrations revived the Island spirit for many Fijians away from home, showcasing the power of community and unity, transcending boundaries and bridging cultures.
Contributing Authors:
Yukta Chand is from Suva, Fiji. Currently, she is part of a student exchange program between the University of the South Pacific and Western Sydney University. Yukta is undertaking an internship at The Australia Today as a part of her academic and professional development.
Viliame Tawanakoro hails from Fiji and is currently part of a student exchange program between the University of the South Pacific and Western Sydney University. Viliame is undertaking an internship at The Australia Today as part of his academic and professional growth.