The Wests Tigers Pasifika Youth Summit has been held at Wests League Club, Campbelltown with almost 150 high school students from across the area in attendance.
The Summit – now in its second year – has been a significant event within the Club’s Empower Community Program, fostering connections with youth from across the South West through shared heritage and culture.
Attending students came from several schools within the region including Campbelltown Performing Arts School, Eagle Vale High School, Fairfield High School, Ingleburn High School, John Edmonson High School, Oran Park High School and Sarah Redfern High School.
The theme for this year’s Summit Tales of the Tiger focused on storytelling from the students regarding their family story and connection to culture. With many students being second, third or fourth generation Pasifika growing up in Australia, the Summit strives to discover common ground based on heritage, family traditions and interests.
Tales of the Tiger was integrated throughout the Summit’s program which featured a range of activities including cultural workshops, a Talanoa session and panel discussion.
The Summit also included key members of the Pasifika community including Tuala-Tamalelagi Ben Saga, Chair of the Pacific Officers Law Enforcement Network and Vaughan Vitale, Government Partnerships Manager at the NRL.
Their involvement in the Summit was complemented by that of Wests Tigers staff including, Charmian Steventon, David Fauonuku, Bronson Harrison and Feleti Mateo. While Pasifika NRL and NRLW players Christian Pio, Sarah Togatuki, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Kit Lualilii and Luke Lualilli were all in attendance.
The Wests Tigers Pasifika Youth Summit was made possible thanks to a $60,000 grant from the NSW Government, and the generous support of Official Event Partner, Gavmanak.
Wests Tigers Community Manager, Kenneth Tuala said he was proud to share his experiences with the next generation of Pasifika youth in the region.
“I was lucky enough to take part in this Summit as a student and know just how valuable these events are to our Pasifika youth,” Tuala said.
“The Summit creates an environment to share stories, experiences and bond over our culture.
Opportunities like these can be limited for some of our youth, so broadening their understanding of Pasifika culture and opening lines of communication helps build strong connections.
Kenneth Tuala Wests Tigers Community Manager
“Given this year’s theme Tales of the Tiger, we wanted to tell stories from within the Club and showcase the wonderful things being achieved by our Pasifika staff and players. They’re fantastic role models for the students and their engagement across all our activities contributes to the Summit’s success.
“We have a strong Pasifika representation across all levels of the Wests Tigers, so this Summit and the work our Empower Program does within the region is so important. We’re so grateful to all those who have supported and contributed to the event,” Tuala concluded.
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:
“Sport plays a powerful role in influencing community attitudes.
“The Wests Tigers Healthy Relationships program aims to educate young people about healthy relationships and prevent gender based violence.
“The NSW Government is proud to be working in partnership with Wests Tigers to drive cultural change and build a safer community in South West Sydney,” Kamper concluded.
