Meeting with Sylvia Coombe

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). Our meeting focused on the outcomes from the Pasifika Roundtable (2023) and VRC's proposal to work arm in arm with UPCOV to implement a Victorian Pasifika Community Action Plan. This key recommendation from the roundtable report seeks to provide the level of engagement and success with government and sector leaders that the Victorian African Communities Action Plan affords its people.

This is no small feat and requires a village approach, which is part of our Pasifika (Polynesian, Melanesian, Micronesian) heritage and cultural capital. This talanoa (dialogue) was the first of many and one that we'd like our Victorian Pasifika community to be part of. If this resonates with you or your organisation, please do not hesitate to message me directly.

We thank you, Commissioner Sylvia Coombe, for the opportunity to connect. We wish you all the best in advancing the cause of Pasifika through your advocacy. We pray and believe that you were placed in this position for "such a time as this!"