-
Jun 17, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
Lifting the tapu - or taboo - is the theme of a new Pacific art project in Mount Druitt in Western Sydney that references themes of mental health challenges and displacement. The project is a collaboration between the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Blacktown City Council, exhibiting the work of Sydney-based Samoan artist, Greg Semu. It features three large artworks, which remake classical European artworks, adding a Pacific island setting and faces to the characters in the paintings.
-
Jun 16, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
Researchers say the current 'bring your own lunch to school' approach is failing some children in light of the cost-of-living crisis and are calling for a national conversation on school meals. It comes as research points out an association between food and mental health, and data shows a rise in mental illness among young people.
-
Jun 11, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
A contemporary performance by Fijian dancers at the opening ceremony of FestPAC, has triggered critics, who say the performance was inappropriate. It's raised debate about the place of contemporary-traditional dance at Pacific Island cultural displays. "The expectation for FestPAC is to have a traditional dance performed in the opening act," said Fiji's cultural dance is culture expert Simione Sevudredre.
-
Jun 10, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
P&O Cruises Australia is the largest provider of cruises into the Pacific. But as of March next year, the company says it'll be folding its operation into Carnival Cruise Line. Last week, the company announced its fleet would be ceasing its operations in 2025 after more than 90 years. The Australian travel brand will fold its operations into parent company Carnival Cruise Line from March 2025.
-
Jun 9, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
An artist is paying tribute to Nauru and other parts of the Pacific in a major exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney. In 'A World Undone', Nicholas Mangan explores Australia's place in the Pacific region and how its colonial rule over Nauru, lead to most of the island being heavily mined and turned into a wasteland. Mangan says the work suggests new perspectives on pressing issues, such as the impact of mining on natural resources and climate change.
-
Jun 6, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Doug Dingwall |Dubravka Voloder |Lice Movono |Marian Kupu
Vasa Selupe is about to enter the lottery. She's been travelling between Australia and Tonga for three years, working as a fruit picker. Now she hopes to become one of the first Pacific Islanders to settle permanently in Australia under its new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme. Ballots opened on Monday, and a random selection process will determine who is invited to apply to live, work and study in Australia. For Ms Selupe, the decision to enter is an easy one.
-
Jun 4, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
Not seen or heard in their natural habitat for decades, Guam kingfisher birds have hatched and will be released into the wild soon. The birds will be released on Palmyra Atoll, one of few areas of the world that is free of land predators. It's part of an ambitious project to reviving the species, by transitioning their population into the wild. The bird became extinct in Guam during the 1980s because of invasive brown snakes.
-
Jun 2, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
A first-of-its-kind ballot for an Australian permanent resident visa opens to people from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste today. The new Pacific Engagement visa ballot is open to 3000 people and some workers in the region have been getting ready to put down their names. The initiative is part of Australia's diplomatic efforts to improve relations with the region, but there's some concern there won't be a level playing field for applicants.
-
Jun 2, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
Australia's Pacific Engagement Visa commences today with the goal of offering visas to three thousand applicants from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Lest. The visa process which requires an employment offer, a medical assessment and proof the applicant can support themselves in Australia for a year. It facilitates Pacific labour mobility to Australia, which is in high demand as Pacific Islanders seek a higher standard of living.
-
Jun 2, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Dubravka Voloder
One of the Australian government's biggest diplomatic efforts to develop closer relations with the Pacific starts today with the opening of the Pacific Engagement Visa. The visa allows 3000 Pacific Islanders to permanently settle in Australia every year and it's got many across the region excited, but there are concerns by some that it won't be a level playing field. Most Pacific countries will take part in the new scheme, with only Samoa, Kiribati and Marshall Islands opting out.
