Solomon Islanders in South Australia celebrate the nation’s 48th Independence Day with culture, unity and community
The wet winter weather on Saturday evening failed to dampen the spirits of Solomon Islanders in South Australia to travel into Adelaide and celebrate their 48th independence anniversary.
Members of the Solomon Islands Wantok Association of South Australia (SIWASA) gathered in Adelaide together with their families, Pacific Islands friends and other guests for the event.
The celebration bought together the community in a cordial, warmth and déjà vu atmosphere of Solomon Islands into the cold Adelaide evening.
It is one of the few major events each year on SIWASA calendar that Solomon Islanders residing, working and studying in South Australia come together to celebrate over food and dancing.
Food and entertainment are the typical Solomon Islands celebration, however SIWASA President Mr. Eluether Kalialaha reminded those attending that culture is not only kept alive through traditional dances, songs or food.
“Culture lives in our kindness. In our generosity. In the way we check on one another. In the way we gather to celebrate achievements and stand together during hardships. It lives in the stories we continue telling. Every one of us contributes something valuable to this community.
“Whether you’re mentoring young people, volunteering at community events, supporting families, studying hard, working long hours, raising children, caring for loved ones, or simply showing up—you are helping shape the legacy we leave behind.”
Mr. Kalialaha said we sometimes underestimate the impact of ordinary acts of kindness, but communities are not built by extraordinary people.
“Communities are built by ordinary people who choose, every day, to care for one another. Tonight is also a reminder that while we may live in Australia, the Solomon Islands will always be part of who we are.
“We carry our identity wherever we go. And one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is not just opportunities—but belonging.”
The SIWASA President also reminded Solomon Islanders in South Australia to also celebrate the incredible diversity within its own community.
“Let us continue building bridges—not only among ourselves but with the wider Australian community that has welcomed us.”
Celebrating the Independence Day on the week of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) 50th anniversary in Australia was a fitting honour to the host country.
Mr. Kalialaha said this was a time to celebrate and recognise the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and enduring strength of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
“It is a meaningful reminder that while we proudly celebrate our own identity, heritage, and journey as Solomon Islanders, we do so on lands that have been cared for by the world’s oldest continuing cultures for tens of thousands of years.”
“May this occasion inspire us to continue learning from one another, honouring our shared values of family, community, respect, and belonging, and strengthening the friendships that connect our two nations and all who now call Australia home,” Mr. Kalialaha added.
The small SIWASA community was grateful for the participation of guests which included Aboriginal elder uncle Tamaru, Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC), Pacific Islands Council of South Australia (PICSA), PICSA members and Solomon Islanders under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM).
SIWASA members on the PALM scheme travelled into Adelaide city from their workstations of Murray Bridge, Mallala and Davoren Park to be part of the celebration.
The night ended with traditional performances from our PALM workers including fellow wantoks from Vanuatu.
PRESS RELEASE
