25th anniversary of Queensland recognition

About the anniversary

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/}

Celebrating 25 years of recognition

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:

• participating in events
• learning about the history of Australian South Sea Islanders
• celebrating their important role in Queensland’s story.

How do I get involved?

Learn more about the history of Australian South Sea Islanders

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.

Attend an event

Learn more about Australian South Sea Islanders and help celebrate this significant anniversary by attending an event.

Say Our Name: Australian South Sea Islanders exhibition

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.