We met with Ronique Aiolupotea Leaula and Poto Faalili, staff members at Craigieburn Secondary College.

The purpose of our meeting was to discuss a couple of our programs and to see how it could potentially support their Pasifika students, families, and staff but also to find out about the work they’re doing. As Ronique and Poto shared with us the work they and their Pasifika colleagues are doing you could hear and feel their passion for their Pasifika students, families, and community. It was encouraging to hear about the support they receive from the school to create a space for Pasifika. Most public schools struggle to provide extra support, so to know that Craigieburn Secondary

We had the privilege of meeting with Sylvia Coombe, FICDA to align our strategies on empowering the Pasifika communities of Victoria.

The Village Response Collective (VRC) is very intentional about creating space for strategic partnerships within our "village," particularly with those who have been the forerunners of change for our people. Sylvia Coombe is a Commissioner with the Victoria Multicultural Commission. President of the Fijian Community Association Victoria Inc. (FCAV) in Melbourne and the Vice President of the United Pasifika Council of Victoria Inc.(UPCOV).

On Wednesday, 21 February 2024, the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, a dedicated Green MP, passed away during a charitable event in Auckland. He is fondly remembered for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to community causes, tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of Pasifika individuals. VRC, Executive Founding Director, Dr Marion Muliaumaseali’i shares some thoughts in his honour.

Talofa lava & warm Oceania greetings. It gives me great pleasure to be sending out our first Christmas message via our quarterly newsletter. As the Executive Founding Director of the Village Response Collective (VRC), I am very proud of what we have achieved in 2023.