On the 25th of August 1994, the Commonwealth Government officially recognised descendants of Australia’s blackbirding trade as a “Distinct Cultural Group”.

The Salvation Army‘s Freedom Partnership – to End Modern Slavery, and the Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson (ASSIPJ) invite you to join us as we remember an important period of history unknown by many Australians today about the practice of blackbirding which is akin to the slavery of some 62,000 Melanesian labourers taken from 80 Pacific islands mainly within Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

We will be screening the documentary “Sugar Slaves” and hosting conversations around the impacts on Australian descendants of the trade in creating a greater understanding of our community integration via coastal, mainland workstations and plantations firstly to NSW in 1847 (by Benjamin Boyd), with an influx to Queensland between 1863-1908.

Discussions will be joined by Emeritus Professor Clive Moore (UQ), founding board members of ASSIPJ – Emelda Davis (president) and Shireen Malamoo. Also sharing in conversation will be Pearl Wymarra.

Light refreshment will be served with an ambience of Tanna Island music in the lead up to discussions around our shared history.

Date: Thursday 25 August
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Salvation Army HQ
261-265 Chalmers St, Redfern