Stories

Do you know about Queensland's South Sea Islanders' hidden history as sugar slaves?

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) were trafficked in the 1860s Blackbird trade… tricked or kidnapped as “Indentured Labourers” to work our sugarcane fields and clear land for cropping.

4ZZZ’s Eliot Rifkin spoke with Starrett Vea Vea the chairman from MADASSIA (Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association) about Queensland’s Australian South Sea Islanders' hidden history and what’s up with their community today

If you want to get involved with or learn more about the ASSI (Australian South Sea Islander) community visit - MADASSIA and follow them on Facebook

For a deep dive…

There’s some history, current projects, events and personal stories on the Australian South Sea Islanders Secretariat website as well as an easy history introduction on State Library Queensland’s Australian South Sea Islander page

Here’s a short 10 min. documentary “Blackbirding in Queensland Australia” as well as some info on Bundaburg’s South Sea islander Wall

…and finally, here’s the 1994 Queensland Government Recognition Statement

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In breaking news QPS have enforced a 3 hour evacuation notice to personnel involved in the Goori Camp Embassy at Barrambin Victoria Park. A large police and fire presence has been reported to be on site complete with UAV drones as they survey the area.