Today 5 containers set sail for Vanuatu as we gear up for Tuff Tumas for Vanuatu 2015 to raise the much needed funds that will assist paying for the land cartage and distribution of specific needs in Vanuatu.

For those who don’t know, the word ‘Tuff‘ means Tough and ‘Tumas‘, Too Much (Strong). They come from a common language spoken in Vanuatu called Bislama.

Bislama was created in Australia during the 1800s as a means of communication for the many clans that were taken from some 80+ islands in the South Pacific including Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

As descendants of the blackbird trade (slavery), members of The Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson and it’s many supporters have banded together to fundraise for the much needed land cartage and direct distribution costs of goods to many Vanuatu families who are the victims of the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam which has all but destroyed their beautiful nation.

ASSI.PJ were moved by the graphic posted on our fb page entitled Tuff Tumas which depicted these words over the flag of Vanuatu with the cyclone imagery and used it as a cover photo for both pages without any question. The design was then used to create an event page by a thoughtful and committed volunteer.

As a common saying, TUFF TUMAS is the perfect symbol of the resilience being shown by our families in Vanuatu and the many Islands surrounding who are currently suffering.

The record label Tuff Tumas Records has been supportive and understanding of our plight during these pressing times and our adoption of the common language / wording particularly “Tuff Tumas for Vanuatu 2015” but we must advise that we are in no way related to the Tuff Tumas Record label/DJ.

We look forward to seeing those who can attend a star studded international calibre concert on the 26th April 2015 at the Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville Sydney NSW.

Emelda Davis president of ASSI.PJ & ASSI NSW State Alliance