ABC presenter Sēini Taumoepeau dies

We are deeply saddened at the passing of beloved orator and songwoman Sēini ‘Sistanative’ Taumoepeau (1975–May 2024) at 48, known to many across Indigenous Australia and Oceania because of her dedication to extending the stories and narratives of Indigenous Oceania, Sēini began her career at just 13 years of age, working alongside her mother on ABC radio.

Sēini was born on Gadigal lands on the Eora Nation and spent her early childhood living with her grandparents and extended family in the Kingdom of Tonga, moving back to Gadigal lands at the age of eight. Feeling a close connection to place and community both in her ancestral homelands and those of her birth, after finishing her University studies Sēini travelled regularly to Ti Tree in the Northern Territory to teach in local schools and carried the skin name Napangardi.

She was one of the co-founders of the Pacific Wave Festival, a recurring event during the early 2000’s that provided one of the first platforms for members of the Pacific diaspora to share their contemporary culture. For many budding artists, it was this Festival and the opportunities that it provided to see themselves represented that sparked the ambition to follow this path.

Sēini first established a connection to QAGOMA in 2006 when the then Curator of Pacific Art, Maud Page invited her to present her ‘soulful lyrics’ independently and as part of Bounty 75 (with Airi Ingram (Drum Drum) and Si Fixion (The Bird)) for the opening weekend celebrations of the Gallery of Modern Art. In the program for this event Sistanative is described as a Tongan Diva — and she certainly could move a crowd. Though probably less well known Sēini was an equally passionate life-long learner, continuing to grow her expertise and practice across disciplines as diverse as contemporary music, media, arts, education and the metaphysical sciences. This diversity something Sēini insisted was who she is as an Indigenous woman.

I first met Sēini in 2014 when she was the master of ceremonies for the performances staged as part of the Contemporary Pacific Arts Festival at Footscray Arts Centre in Melbourne. Apparent from the moment that she first walked on the stage, Sēini was there to elevate and make space for the amazing community of creative talent that surrounded her from her sister Latai and lifelong friend Lisa Fala’afi to the members of West Papuan band Rise of the Morning Sun.

Sēini’s acted from a place of deep commitment to the struggles of Indigenous peoples worldwide and was as politically active in fighting for the recognition of the First peoples of Australia, West Papua, New Caledonia and, for many years, Palestine, as she has been for the rights of the peoples of Oceania in the face of climate change and ongoing imperialism.

In her role as presenter for the ABC’s Pacific Beat, Sēini travelled to Brisbane for the opening of ‘The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT9) in 2018 providing one of only media platforms for Pacific artists to reach beyond the walls of the Gallery to engage a broader cross section of the Australian community. Sēini’s commitment to this community is perhaps best exemplified through Reading Oceania, a practice she streamed from her Marrickville loungeroom to provide spaces for her community of creative Oceanians to ingest knowledge, bearing witness to and confronting what she termed our collective indigenous vanishing.

Such was the importance of this practice and the community that it nurtured that it was curated into the NIRIN: 22nd Biennale of Sydney by Brook Andrew. In Venice a month ago, Sēini captured the hearts of hundreds singing LOTU: Kumi Hina (Pray/ER seeking Hina) as she led a procession through the lofty spaces of OceanSpace in Chiesa di San Lorenzo for the Vernissage opening of Re-stor(y)ing Oceania. It felt at once nurturing and challenging to mark time with Sistanative as she warmed the air and cold marble of this ancient church further with laughter, respect, careful thought and sharing as she guided us through — NATIVE GAZE — and what would be her last Reading Oceania.

At the time of her passing, Sēini was preparing to travel to Hawaii for the Festival of Pacific Arts and had been commissioned to bring back interviews and stories from her time with artists there for a number of media platforms.

We are proud to have had her insights, support and energy fill the spaces of these Galleries and, like many in her beloved community will miss her energy, integrity, honesty and generosity of spirit dearly.

Our deepest condolences to Sēini’s extended family and close friends.

Rest peacefully Sistanative.

Ruth McDougall is Curator, Pacific Art, QAGOMA

Martine Paterson of FM97.3 Nominated as Lake Macquarie Citizen of The Year 2019

Martine is a local radio personality who is being recognized for her significant contribution as advocate for our community on radio shows: “Lake Mac Life” & “The Saturday Sports Edition” with feature “Polly Waffle”.

Since Feb 2017 Martine has produced and presented both Lake Mac Life Show as well as The Saturday Sports Edition on a weekly basis with local community radio station Lake Macquarie FM.

Whilst most programs consist of a great line up of music within a theme, Martine fashioned her 2 shows to be interactive within the community,
making her stand out from her colleagues.

Each weekly show runs for 3 hours with at least 3 community groups being interviewed alongside weekly contributors. She then spends many hours weekly scheduling in various community / sporting groups &
individuals to interview on the shows, as well as promote their services/ events.

Martine is also active in attending these groups/ services events, volunteering time to MC as well as hand out awards etc and speak to
groups.

Martine demonstrates leadership with a voice, where she is not afraid to discuss sensitive topics and approach difficult issues, always looking for solutions to assist the community. Martine is tireless in attending local events and community groups to lend support and assist in promoting their causes.

As well as being an excellent interviewer, Martine is compassionate and passionate about many causes. Martine was happy to be signed up for raising $5000 in the Big Freeze Newcastle and sliding into ice water to raise much needed money and awareness for MND following interviews with those affected by MND.

This local cause has now raised a quarter of a million dollars and celebrity status. Martine is a strong advocate of homelessness and its associate issues of mental illness and domestic violence. She raised $1000 for Sleep Out for Soul, sleeping rough in a local car park and broadcasting live into the night whilst interviewing participants, and learning more about their stories and plights.

Martine is currently actively raising $5000 for 5 local groups in the area identifying the following recipients thus far: ARAFMI ( Carers of Mental Illness), Southlakes Market Place (community support), Cystic Fibrosis Research at JHH.  The other 2 local groups will be announced very soon.

Polly Waffle is the first local show on local community radio providing a platform for all politicians and community leaders to engage with the community. In this, Martine has been able to bring issues in the community to the forefront of residents and promote action. Further, this is also an opportunity to for politicians and community leaders to communicate to the community is a safe forum to listeners who would otherwise may not be
interested. It also provides a humanistic side to community leaders by involving their music favourites.

Martine has been approached to interview high profile Australians such as Rosie Batty, domestic violence advocate and Australian of the Year; Manuel Whitford CEO of Friends with Dignity and Australian Charity of the
Year, to discuss issues in our community such as homelessness, domestic violence and promote local services, encouraging the community to be educated and come together to assist.

Further, Martine has raised the profile of the only community radio station in Lake Macquarie by bringing in a range of sponsors (local businesses) as well as increased listenership given the nature of her Shows and
community presence. The local tune-in population could be as large as half a million- with many more streaming the shows across the world as well as accessing the interviews on You Tube.

Martine has also promoted local artists whether they be musicians, performers, bands, actors, writers/ authors, poets, as well as building engagement in these arts and attendance at events. She invites them in to showcase their talent, assisting them increase confidence and staging.

Also, Martine has promoted local sporting talents, young and old such as golfers, futsal players, roller darby skaters, rugby league payers, cricketers, encouraging involvement in sport and community. Martine has also
involved local schools and school children in promoting achievements as well as fundraisers…

Further to these 2 weekly radio shows, Martine promotes the community again through Social Media bring groups to a larger community that would otherwise not be aware of their presence. This has not only promoted
many groups but also enabled those requiring their services connect with them.

Martine is a strong advocate of volunteering and promotes these opportunities as a way of refreshing skills, learning new skills so as to progress into paid employment. Martine promotes new start ups in the area, liaising with local services supporting local business.

Through FM97.3, Martine allows sponsorship of her shows, events as well as segments to promote local businesses at affordable rates. Martine encourages parochialism and using local business and services to
strengthen our district.

When not interviewing on her 2 shows, Martine continues to work in the local community as a Vocational Psychologist. Martine has worked in this area for over 20 years, assisting those injured or following sickness/
disability transition back into the workforce. Martine specialises in the military with returned service men and women and is inspired by their amazing stories. She enjoys working with those who has been injured regain their lives, particularly in a return to meaningful work.

Martine and her husband have 5 children ranging from 3 years old to 18 years old and are dedicated to ensuring this region is the best possible for their kiddies to grow up in. Martine loves the beach with her kiddies, gardening, cooking and watching her kiddies enjoy our amazing area.