Pictured above are Natty D, Margaret Tadokata, President of SIVA, and Ali Rock at Brooklyn Hall.
A big thank you to Hobsons Bay Council Victoria! AIAA with the support of a grant from the Hobsons Bay Council and wonderful collaboration with the Solomon Islands Victoria Association, Natty Dolaiasi, Jimi Nare, Ali Rock and the Solomon Islands musician community were able to present a series of performances and open mikes the Solomon Islands community and Solomons seasonal workers at Brooklyn Community Hall between April to June 2025. This project was a major support for newly arrived seasonal workers, breaking down isolation and creating a sense of belonging and community among the workers and Solomons community.
This series of four events at Brooklyn included performances of traditional and contemporary music, Open Mike, Kastom Dance practice, basketball practice, Pacific Triva as well as “Tok stori” Natty Dolaiasi sharing stories and ideas for seasonal workers adjusting to life in Australia. This project attracted participants of all ages who enjoyed home-cooked Solomons favourite meals including “Motu” dinner, BBQ of sausages and burgers, baked fish, Curry Night and more.
Coordinators for the events included Judy Shelley AIAA President, Margaret Teobasi Tadokata SIVA President and Fiona Maelasi SIVA Treasurer and Solomon Islands Consul Victoria and Nancy Fugui from the Solomon Islands Victoria Association Committee as well as Natty Dolaiasi Musician-in-Residence and Jimi Nare sound coordinator.
