2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Queensland Government’s formal recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group.
The formal Recognition Statement was tabled and signed in Queensland Parliament on 7 September 2000, with Australian South SeaIslander community members watching on in the public gallery.
The Recognition Statement is on display at Parliament House. A downloadable copy is available here.
Queensland Government Recognition Statement Australian South Sea Islander Community. Source: Queensland Museum
The Recognition Statement acknowledges the injustices and exploitation faced by Australian South Sea Islanders, as well as their significant contributions to the economic, cultural and social development of Queensland.
Australian South Sea Islanders travelled from across the state to be part of the Queensland Government Recognition Ceremony, Queensland Parliament, 7 September 2000. Source: Queensland Museum
“… I remember sitting in the public gallery of the Queensland Parliament on the morning of 7 September 2000. People were hurrying to their chairs overlooking the Queensland Parliament. The atmosphere was exciting with a touch of apprehension as the room filled with people who had travelled from across Queensland to witness to a significant moment in Queensland’s history…”
Imelda Miller (7 September 2020). Queensland Australian South Sea Islanders embrace 20th Anniversary. Queensland Museum. https://blog.qm.qld.gov.au/2020/09/07/queensland-australian-south-sea-islanders-embrace-20th-anniversary/
Today, Australian South Sea Islanders are recognised as a distinct cultural group with a unique history and position in Australian society. The 25th anniversary provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and significant contributions of Australian South Sea Islanders to Queensland.
Join us in commemorating this milestone by:
Australian South Sea Islander artist Casey Coolwell-Fisher has created an artwork to help commemorate the anniversary named “Resilience & Beauty through the Sugarcane Fields”.
“This artwork represents the resilience and beauty of our Australian South Sea Islander people, through the sugarcane fields.
The Hibiscus flowers and Cowrie shells represent the Island way of life in the South Sea.
The water is decorated in the flow of our waters and the teeth of sea creatures.
The inner artwork that is situated in-between the sugarcanes indicate entrapment of many South Sea Islanders through “Blackbirding”.
The upper red flowing line represents the blood that was shed during the misplacement and mistreatment of our people.
Our people are represented in the silhouettes in the traditional canoes signifying our resilience, knowledge of culture and how we are keeping it alive.”
—Casey Coolwell-Fisher
You’ll see this artwork throughout the year at various commemorative events and featured on resources which will be available to download soon.
Australian South Sea Islanders are descendants of South Sea Islanders who were bought to Queensland from 1863 to 1904 as indentured labourers to work in the primary industries (such as sugar and cotton). More than 60,000 people from 80 Melanesian islands, mainly from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, were either kidnapped or deceived into coming to Queensland. This was known as ‘Blackbirding’.
According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, 5562 Queenslanders identify as having Australian South Sea Islander heritage. The Queensland Government remains committed to ensuring that present and future generations of Australian South Sea Islanders have equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to the economic, social, political and cultural life of Queensland.
Read more about the history of Australian South Sea Islanders and discover how the Queensland Government continues to support the community through various programs, policies, and initiatives.
Follow Multicultural Affairs Queensland on Facebook and Instagram for more information, news and stories about the Australian South Sea Islander community.
Learn more about Australian South Sea Islanders and help celebrate this significant anniversary by attending an event.
Date: Open now until 13 July 2025
Location: Queensland Museum
Cost: Free
The histories and lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islanders are intricately woven into the tapestry of this country’s diverse cultural landscape.
Come and take a moment to be a part of history and say our name, Australian South Sea Islanders.
Visit the Queensland Museum website for more information.
Date: 12 to 13 June 2025
Location: Rockhampton Showgrounds
Cost: Tickets are from $5.10 to $25.50
Visit the Australian South Sea Islander display at the Rocky Show. Come see the display and learn more about the Australian South Sea Islander history and culture.
Date: 17 to 19 June 2025
Location: Mackay Showgrounds
Cost: Tickets are from $20 to $60
The Australian South Sea Islander display will be at the Mackay Show. Visit us and connect with Australian South Sea Islander history and culture.
Date: 2 September 20025
Location: Virtual event
Cost: Free
Registration: Opening soon
Hear from Australian South Sea Islanders who will be sharing their stories while reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, including where to from here.
This virtual panel discussion is as an opportunity to learn about Australian South Sea Islander’s experiences and history as we commemorate the 25th anniversary.
Last reviewed:11 June 2025
Last modified:11 June 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors—our First Nations peoples—give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations towards creating a better Queensland.
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