This is Lieutenant Vaoafi Hart's story.
After leaving full-time service in the Navy in 2018, I felt lost, searching for a sense of purpose and direction.
I decided to reconnect with my Samoan roots, and through this journey I met Regina Taua, a remarkable Samoan woman who became my bridge to the Pacific community in southeast Queensland. Although I was initially shy, she encouraged me to join a Samoan dance group.
Through this group I encountered extraordinary women - professors, shift workers, university students, doctors and warriors battling chronic illnesses. This experience immersed me in the vibrant tapestry of the Brisbane Pacific diaspora, offering an immense sense of belonging and fulfillment.
My journey continued when I met Iree Chow who leads the Pasifika Women's Alliance - a non-political, non-sectarian and not-for-profit organisation fostering a sisterhood among Pacific Islander women in Queensland.
Through her mentorship, I deepened my understanding of Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian cultures. Firstly as a volunteer, and later as a board member, I witnessed this sisterhood in action through shared laughter, warm embraces, collaboration and community support services. I also gained insight into the unique struggles Pasifika women face, both in Australia and in our island homes, reinforcing our enduring connection to our heritage.
'My first boss ... encouraged me to align my professional and personal goals with my cultural commitments, emphasising that my connection to my culture was a strength.'
When I returned to full-time work, I worried that I might lose the connection to the Pasifika community that I had worked so hard to build. However, my first boss, Harry Butler, saw the value in my cultural ties and supported my involvement. He encouraged me to align my professional and personal goals with my cultural commitments, emphasising that my connection to my culture was a strength, not something to hide or diminish. He introduced me to William 'Benny' Hodges, an advocate for First Nations people, and encouraged my involvement in our company's Reconciliation Action Plan. I genuinely valued connecting with First Nations people, finding meaningful similarities between our cultures.
Harry set my expectations for future supervisors high. I knew from then on that working for those who understand that my cultural connection is a source of both deep fulfillment and great strength was not only possible, but essential. Later, I was fortunate to find similarly supportive bosses in Defence as a Navy reservist, who also recognised my need for cultural connection was about belonging and purpose, and worked with me accordingly.
My involvement with the Pasifika Women's Alliance has continued to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with our community. I participated in various projects, such as the Cervical Screening Pasifika Resource launch. According to research from Cancer Council Australia at the time, 80 per cent of women who developed cervical cancer had never been screened or screened regularly. Given these statistics and the lack of open discussion on this topic within Pasifika communities, we felt it was vital to educate our people about cervical health. In partnership with True Relationships & Reproductive Health, we hosted an online roundtable consultation to review a cervical screening resource. This led to the development of a culturally appropriate, pocket-sized, fold-out booklet, featuring images of island women with brown skin who resembled our Pasifika women.
Another important project was Karakeni Nani - named from a Nasioi phrase (a language spoken in the Kieta district of Bougainville, PNG). Kara means to talk, keni refers to binding people or things of value with rope, and nani represents the vital role of female speakers and their perspectives. Together, Karakeni Nani describes a meeting place where matrilineal leaders drive conversations aimed at unifying people together around a shared vision through listening and talking with the community.
'I believe there is a growing need for people who not only understand but also celebrate and uplift the beauty of diverse cultures.'
A big part of Karakeni Nani is the collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, which developed a program that engaged Pasifika families in intergenerational learning spaces. One of the many initiatives under Karakeni Nani focused on helping students connect with art, culture and storytelling. The feedback showed just how deeply impactful this initiative was, with students commenting on how important it was for their sense of identity and cultural connection to meet women who looked, spoke and felt like them, and how excited they were to return next time.
These projects provided me with a deep sense of purpose and a better understanding of people from all backgrounds. One key lesson I learned is the importance of recognising and respecting the cultural needs of both myself and others. For instance, in my culture, funerals are not just a single-day event; they can last for weeks. While this is a beautiful chance for the community to come together, it can place immense pressure on the grieving family. Even after the funeral, families often struggle to find time to grieve while managing their obligations and work. To truly understand what someone is going through, it's essential to ask them directly and connect with them genuinely, rather than relying on information found online. I have even experienced this within my own family, with my Irish sister-in-law. Finding common ground in our cultural experiences has led to a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Although I have moved on from my formal role with the Pasifika Women's Alliance, I continue to support them in any way I can. My focus now is on honing my technical skills to navigate the modern world, while embracing my unique journey as a Pasifika woman. I believe there is a growing need for people who not only understand but also celebrate and uplift the beauty of diverse cultures. I feel a calling to help empower our youth and support my Pasifika sisters, knowing that while my path may look different, it is just as meaningful. As I move forward in my journey from here, I am guided by the Samoan proverb, "o le ala i le pule o le tautua" (the pathway to leadership is through service).
To my First Nations people, I see you. To my fierce Pasifika women, I hear you. To my ancestors from the villages of Salelologa and Falevao, I feel you.
