A very special day was held at Ormiston House recently to commemorate the arrival of South Sea Islanders in Queensland. Over 60,000 South Sea Islanders came to work initially on the cotton fields and then moving into sugar cane. Their journeys, which was arduous, were voiced in an emotional re-enactment of a single boys journey, “Story of a boy called Toupay”. Everyone was given a chance to talk about their experiences and the older generation gave emotional accounts of their family histories.
The event was organised by Nasuven Enares and was opened by Councillor Helen Abrahams. Pacific Island food was provided along with traditional Pacific Island dancing.
All images are copyright Lynette Rees Photography 2013, specialising in portraiture and events in the Redlands.
An image of one of the early ships used to bring South Sea Islanders to Queensland
Organiser, Nasuven Enares
Listening to the speeches
Attending officials listen to the speeches
Listening to speeches
Nasuven thanks Meg O’Driscoll
Relaxing in the grounds
Period costume
Catching up with friends
Councillor Wendy Boglary
Catching up with friends
Councillor Helen Abrahams
Catching up with friends
Catching up with friends
Catching up with friends
Catching up with friends
Pacific Island Dancing
Pacific Island Dancing
“Story of a boy called Toupay”
“Story of a boy called Toupay”
“Story of a boy called Toupay”
Emotional personal histories
Stalls selling Pacific Island produce
Pacific Island dancer