Australia's Fiji online community

FIRST BLOOD TO FIJI

The Fiji under 18 schoolboy rugby representative team on their way out to their game at T.G. MIlner Field in Eastwood. They defeated the Combinned NSW team 53 vs 10. The Fijians were too fast and too fit for the locals. Due to fouls three NSW players were yellow carded in the very physical match.

The coach for the Fiji schoolboy team is Samisoni Baikitoga, a teacher and former Fiji Rep. He is one of the founders of the Northland Tailevu Rugby Union. During his playing years, Bai held the position of number 10 for Fiji and was renowned for his kicking skills. He is a Tailevu lad and hails from Nadali.

Playing at lock for the Fiji schoolboys is Ratu Inoke of Nasinu Secondary. He originates from Mualevu, Vanua Balavu.

Announcing details of Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union OZ tour 2010:

WED 1 SEP FIJI MATCH 1 versus NSW COMBINED HIGH SCHOOLS T G Millner Field Eastwood 1.45 pm. Result: Fiji 53 versus NSW COMBINNED 10.

SAT 4 SEP FIJI MATCH 2 versus AUSTRALIA ‘A’ Knox Grammar School Wahroonga 2.00 pm

WED 8 SEP FIJI MATCH 3 versus NSW COMBINED CATHOLIC COLLEGES St Marys Stadium St Marys 5.30 pm

SAT 11 SEP FIJI MATCH 4 versus AUSTRALIA ANZ Stadium Sydney Olympic Park 5.30 pm (curtain raiser match to Blesdisloe Cup All Blacks vs Wallabies)

Please support the Fiji Schoolboys team in their Australian tour!!

FIJI DAY CENTRAL COAST

For a larger version click the above image.

SGS JUBILEE PICS WOW!

Thanks to Maraya Gutugutuwai and Flo Mitchel who went to the Suva Grammar reunion in Fiji, we have some pics to share. Two pages of pictures and more to come.If you have some photographs from the reunion you'd be happy to share, send them as an attachment to: admin@ozfiji.com. Meanwhile, help yourself to the photoz.

SAKI's TAKE ON TAVALE's TRIP

Saki sums it up brilliantly once more, kaila mada! Don't forget to click on the image to view a bigger picture.

SOME HAZARDS OF A HOMETRIP

Fiji's ace cartoonist Saki, sums up what happens to Fijians when they make a sentimental visit home. Some of you returning from the Suva Grammar reunion might relate to this. Click on the image to see a clearer version of Saki's etchings.

BRISBANE ISLAND NGHT

It's the biggest Island Night of the year in Brisbane. So, don't miss out folks. The Fiji Catholic Community in Brisbane are staging this grand event. Come along and support them.

A TOP INVESTMENT

SUVA GRAMMAR SCHOOL CRUISE

On a brilliant sunny day, the July 3rd Sydney Harbour Cruise organised by Suva Grammar's Battery Hill Club begins. The cruise boat turns up at the Man of War Landing by Sydney's Opera House, and Tony Toko is at the door to check everybody's tickets. It was a sellout event, that was superbly organised and one enjoyed by all. Many photos have been taken. Two pages of tabaz up now guys! Here are a few.

KAVA MALT

Thanks to Flo and John Mitchel we've just received some great photos of a mothers day outing. For starters, here is Tony and Irene of Kava Malt in action. Take a look here!

HAPPY ROTUMA DAY

A large crowd gathered at Villa Maria Catholic Church community hall in Hunters Hill, NSW on Saturday 15th May to celebrate Rotuma Day 2010. Rotuma is an island in the pacific located some 400 miles north of Fiji. As usual their organisation, catering and entertainment was A plus! Some pictures here. Two pages of pictures now!!

COMING UP

1. Marist Brisbane grand Social Night. Sept 4th. Venue: Northlakes Community Centre, 40 Cnr. Laefield Dr and Endeavour BLVD. 7pm to midnight. Band: O'Shunz Live performance. Reservations: Contact - Nev Kissun: 040-439-0527. Abhay: 041-017-3319.

2. AFRL The Australian Fjian Rugby League Golf Day. Date: 17th September 2010. Venue: Marrickville Golf Course. For more details contact: http://www.afrl.com.au/fijicommunity.htm.

Pacific Island Night. Saturday September 25th. Time: 5.30pm to midnight. RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane. 600 Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley. Free underground parking. Come savour the taste of the pacific. Island Lovo food. Island performers that will dazzle you. Band: Mataqali Pasifika. Admission: $50. For reservations contact: Jale: 0435579708. Caroline: 0448228941. Presented by: the Brisbane Catholic Group.

4. North Brisbane Fiji Day Sports - Saturday 2nd October 2010. Time: 8am to 4pm. Ladies Netball - at Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports Complex,Mixed Netball, Viti Tags, Mens Seven-A-Side. Informal dinner at 6.30 pm. Limited tickets @ $25 adults, $10 children.For more information pone: Anne 0433 277 870,Kini 0407 152 079, Simone 0412 399 424.

5.Fiji Day Sydney, Belmore Sports Ground October 8th, 9th, 10th, 2010.

6.Fiji Day celebrations staged by UFFAA celebrating Fiji's 40th Independence Day. Dates: 9th and 10th October. Venue: Bigge Park, Liverpool, NSW. For further information contact: Pastor Moape on 0468 940 318

HELLO SAILOR

Photo op in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, scene of the WW2 Japanese attack on the US Navy. Rachael poses with some US Navy personnel visiting the USS Arizona memorial from WW2 on which some 1,177 sailors perished. The ship was bombed by aircraft from the Japanese Imperial Navy's air fleet on the "day of infamy" December 7th, 1941. This incident caused America to enter WW2. The sunken warships in Pearl Harbour are considered a sacred gravesite now, for the sailors who lost their lives when their ships sank on that fateful day long ago. The USS Arizona can still be seen underwater, and an eerie sight is oil from the sunken ship, still seeping to the surface. The memorial pulls in boatloads of tourists everyday.

IF YOU GOING TO SAN FRANCISCO

On Twin Peaks mountain high above San Francisco some Fijian kids enjoy the view (L-R): Metui Lewanavanua, Manfrey Lewanavanua and Dylon Utanga.

Here is Mozak Samson photographed in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, USA. Mozak flew in from Calgary to attend his aunty Amy's 50th birthday in San Bruno. He now works as a Paramedic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He plays representative rugby for the Calgary Wolves which is the Calgary rugby union representative team. He is the 225lb
Fijiian six foot Goliath that is making a name for himself on the wing. For the first time the Calgary team is into the semi finals. The big dream at the moment is to get into the Canadian national rugby union side. All his ex Marist friends and families have their fingers crossed that his dream will come true.

Qori, the birthday girl in San Francisco - Amy Samson Tabin. In the background is the famous crooked street of San Francisco. The street is so unusual that people flock from all over just to see it.

FIJIANS IN FRISCO

Bula dudes! Here is a few members of the San Francisco Fijian community photographed in the suburb of San Bruno California on 23rd August. On the left is Elliot Fong, ex Marist from Suva and originates from Buakanikai, Rabi Island. Also in the picture is Joe Toroca ex Fiji rep basketballer and kai Kadavu. Now both enjoying the Californian sun.

NABUA BOY IN WAIKIKI

Old boy from Nabua, Morning Star (David) Breckterfield in Waikiki, Hawaii. He left Nabua for Hawaii in 1971. He has 7 grand children so far. Aloha to all he says! He still reckons Lee made the best ice blocks in old Nabua! A close second was Kalipan followed by Arthur Ben!

Taro is a staple food of the Pacific Islanders.It is a food closely linked to Pacific Island identity, particularly Fijians, Samoans, Tongans even the Rarotongans. Well, the polynesian Hawaiins also eat Taro. But not the way it is eaten in the southern part of the pacific islands. They eat it mashed up and then thinned with water until it takes on a paste like consistency. The Hawaiins then eat it with their fish that way. They call it Poi. In the picture above, is some poi purchased from the food stall in the Alamoana Shopping Center, Honolulu.

LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, MIGHT HELP AGAINST HEART DISEASE

A summary of the article featured in the Spring 2010 Health Science magasine.

1. People have been sceptical about the role happiness plays in maintainning good health. Many theories exist but so far there has been no actual hard evidence.

2. But at last, some research has confirmed the link between a happy frame of mind and good health.

3. Columbia University Medical Center researchers studied the link between emotions and heart disease: They published their findings in the latest issue of the "European Society of Cardiology's European Heart Journal".

4. The study is the historical first to establish proof of the impact positive emotions play in the prevention of coronary heart disease.

5. "In other words, being happy may be good for your heart" says Katrina Davison, PhD., the Herbert Irving Associate Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and director of the Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, the leader of the research.

6. The type of research was observational and conducted in trial populations that had suffered cardiac incidents.

7. Positive effect is defined as the experience of pleasurable emotions such as joy, happiness, excitement, enthusiasm and contentment.

8. The researches have speculated about the process by which good emotions prevent heart disease. First, it is thought those with positive effect have longer periods of relaxation physiologically. Second, they recover quicker from stressors and may not spend as much time "re-living" them.

9. More study will be conducted with clinical patients to pin point the exact sequence.

10. The song by Bobby McFerin "Don't Worry Be Happy" might be true after all "...in every life we have some trouble, when you worry you make it double, don't worry, be happy..."

MARIST BRISBANE

Calling all ex-Marist and friends to the big Brisbane Marist Social. Venue: Northlakes Community Centre. 40 Cnr Lakefield Drive and Endeavour BLVD.Click on the image here for more details.

NEW FIJI DVD

A wonderful new DVD has been made featuring some of Fiji's classic legends. The rare ceremony of the installation of a Paramount Chief is captured. See the stunningly beautiful island of Kadavu and the unique link they have with turtles. The pristine island of Yaduataba with its world heritage Saumure. The legend of the Tagimoucia is retold beautifully. The strange tale of the Red Prawns of Vatulele is enacted. The meaning of 'Vanua' is explained. The DVD is an outstanding production from Juniper Films, Sydney. Now available for purchase on our eshop.

LAVULO LAWYERS

It pays to keep informed about legal issues that could affect you. Read this interesting newsletter from lawyer Veronica Lavulo.