BY JOY OFASIA
Makirians living in Ayr and Townsville, North Queensland, Australia, came together on Sunday, August 9, to celebrate the 43rd Second Appointed Day of Makira-Ulawa Province.
The celebration brought together seasonal workers and invited friends for a day of unity, culture, fellowship and remembrance, showing that Makirians continue to maintain their connection to their province despite being far from home.
The program included a range of cultural activities, including face painting, blindfold games and custom storytelling aimed at keeping Makira kastom and traditions alive among the community.
The official program also featured speeches highlighting the significance of the Second Appointed Day, reflecting on Makira-Ulawa Province’s 43 years and sharing aspects of its history.
The celebration concluded with fellowship over shared food and the cutting of a cake to mark the province’s 43rd Second Appointed Day.
In his remarks, community leader Timothy Magusi thanked the leaders, members and friends who attended and supported the celebration.
Mr Magusi highlighted the importance of marking the provincial day for Makirians living abroad and encouraged seasonal workers to be role models while participating in the Seasonal Worker Program.
He said the opportunity to work abroad should be valued because it enables workers to support their families back home and improve their living standards.
“We must value this opportunity because in return our families back home benefit, and it helps improve our standards of living when life demands are high,” Mr Magusi said.
This year’s celebration marked the third time Makira-Ulawa Day has been celebrated by the Makira community in Ayr and Townsville.
The Makira community expressed its appreciation to everyone who attended and supported the celebration, saying the event provided an opportunity to come together as one family and keep their culture and identity alive while living abroad.
The community also extended its best wishes to Makira-Ulawa Province on its 43rd Second Appointed Day.
