Vanuatu Chiefs Request State Land in Australia

Vanuatu’s Malvatumauri Councils of Chiefs made a heartfelt request for state land in Australia during the visit of Australia’s Governor-General, David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), and Mrs. Linda Hurley to the Chiefs Nakamal premises yesterday.

Acting President of the Malvatumauri Councils of Chiefs, Chief Jimmy Meameadola, emphasised the significance of Australia’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP), noting its positive impact on the living standards of Vanuatu communities through remittances.

“It is our humble intention to request the Australian Government through your presence here today, to consider allocating a piece of state land in any part of Australia that you may consider appropriate for our Vanuatu citizens,” Chief Meameadola conveyed to the Governor-General.

“We believe that there are an estimated 20,000 Ni-Vanuatu citizens that are engaged in the seasonal work program, education program, and all others related external fields of staying in Australia.

“We request that the Australian Government continues addressing the welfare of Vanuatu citizens in Australia and may we all work hand in hand to address social issues that may arise in the near future.”

The envisioned purpose of the state land is to create a space known as a Vanuatu “Marai,” where the Ni-Vanuatu community can gather, express their cultural identity, and engage in traditional activities while residing in Australia.

Chief Meameadola highlighted the importance of such a space.

“Given the fact that these activities will continue to rise in the near future, we conclude that the purpose of the state land will be considered as a centre for all Vanuatu people in Australia to exercise their cultural identity and a safe place to gather together, fostering a strong sense of community, even when far away from their homeland,” he said.