Our Work
Leadership
We encourage Pacific women and girls to take advantage of the leadership opportunities and provide support for women seeking leadership positions in the workplace and in our communities.
Young Women Reference Group - April, 2019
Our Pacific young women and girls are the emerging leaders who will help shape tomorrow’s world and create change. The reference group will provide quality recommendation towards existing and new initiatives.
TAFE Leadership Course
Our main purpose is to listen, share, empower and inspire. We listened through conversations and feedback from our Pacific women and the key support requested were leadership training and a support network to enhance confidence, leadership skills that will in turn open up pathways/ opportunities to personal and economic development.
TAFE Granville partnered with PWPBN to offer a fee-free Leadership skillset which involves participating and the successful completion of 3 units through TAFENSW, Granville campus. The skillset ran for 9 weeks with 15 participants.
Sponsorships - March, 2019
We sponsored 2 young women to the UN More Powerful Together breakfast.
Young Pacific Women's Collective
The Young Pacific Women’s Collective (YPWC) is an inspiring and dynamic initiative that emerged from the Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network (PWPBN) with the mission to empower and uplift young Pacific girls and women in pursuit of personal, career, and economic success. Founded in 2017, the PWPBN strives to create an inclusive and safe space where Pacific women can connect, unite, and find empowerment through leadership development, education, and shared experiences.
With a vision rooted in the principles of inclusion, collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment, the YPWC is a groundbreaking movement that seeks to provide young Pacific women with a platform to amplify their voices, aspirations, and concerns. The collective was conceived as a result of the collaborative efforts between the PWPBN board and a core group of young Pacific women who were dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within their communities.
Led by visionary champions Bridget Cama, Kesaia Takau, and Rosaline Ah Chong, the YPWC made its mark through an inaugural launch event held in Sydney, NSW. This event showcased the diverse and vibrant group of young Pacific women who form the core of the collective. The launch celebrated unity, purpose, and insightful discussions through panel sessions and networking opportunities.
The YPWC’s role extends beyond its launch event. It aims to actively engage with the PWPBN board to shape itself as an empowering space for young Pacific women’s voices. The collective is committed to driving projects that are informed and led by young Pacific women, all while receiving the network’s support. In alignment with the NSW Women’s Strategy 2023–2026, which emphasizes participation and empowerment, the YPWC strives to achieve its goals by fostering economic opportunities, promoting health and wellbeing, and encouraging active participation across sectors. Through shared values like community, family, faith, and diversity, the YPWC creates a nurturing environment that encourages growth and resilience.
Key discussions within the collective have emphasized the significance of community building, empowerment, and the value of youthful perspectives within established networks. By addressing challenges such as stereotypes and cultural expectations, the YPWC seeks to create opportunities through mentorship programs, workshops, and partnerships, empowering young Pacific women to overcome barriers and excel.
The collective’s goals and aspirations are centered on empowering, inspiring, and enhancing representation across various sectors of Australian society. Anchored in community, diversity, and faith, the YPWC is driven by its cultural identity and resilience. It aims to foster connections, support entrepreneurship, and celebrate the excellence of Pacific communities.
The YPWC envisions a range of events to achieve its objectives, including cultural sessions, high tea gatherings, educational workshops, and career expos. These events aim to foster cultural celebration, build networks, and empower through knowledge-sharing and mentorship. The collective recognizes the significance of cultural experiences and travel in promoting growth and understanding. The YPWC’s impact has already been demonstrated through its successful launch event, which generated overwhelmingly positive responses from participants. Attendees valued the networking opportunities, insights from executive panels, and engaging storytelling moments. The collective’s launch event has laid a robust foundation for its mission to make transformative contributions within their communities and the broader Australian society.
In conclusion, the Young Pacific Women’s Collective is a vibrant force driven by visionary leaders and shared values. With an unwavering commitment to empowerment, collaboration, and the celebration of diversity, the collective is poised to make a lasting and significant impact on the lives of young Pacific women within their communities and beyond.
YPWC Updates
Young Tongan Women Preserve Traditional Culture
Spearheaded by Seini Afeaki, the Senior Advisor of PWPBN, supported by Akanesi Kaufusi, founder of Siuhuu, and Elizabeth Tuʻitavake, in collaboration with the Powerhouse Museum. Tongan experts, Siosi’ana ‘Uheina Kalaniuvalu and Tunaʻula Pahulu (from Langagonua ʻa Fefine Tonga), led the Ngafa a fafine traditional Workshop to preserve and revitalize Tongan cultural heritage.
Capturing Moments: Young Pacific Women’s Collective Launch in Photos
Embark on a visual journey through the vibrant launch event of the Young Pacific Women’s Collective. These captivating photos capture the spirit, empowerment, and unity of this remarkable initiative.
Pacific Perspectives Brunch – Launch of the Young Pacific Women’s Collective
In a momentous celebration of unity and purpose, the Pacific Perspectives Brunch marked a remarkable milestone for the Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network (PWPBN) and its new endeavor, the Young Pacific Women’s Collective.
Empowering Voices: Launching the Young Pacific Women’s Collective (YPWC) A Movement for Change
Introducing the Young Pacific Women’s Collective (YPWC), we envision a fresh wave of empowerment and inclusion.
Young Pacific Women’s Collective
The Young Pacific Women’s Collective is collaboratively creating a secure and introspective environment! PWPBN is founded on inclusivity and driven by collaboration, openness, respect, and empowerment.
Personal Well-being & Professional Development
We create a safe and inspiring environment for women to learn from one another.
Personal
Well-being & Professional Development
We create a safe and inspiring environment for women to learn from one another.
You are simply fabulous Panel June 2017
“You are Simply Fabulous Panel” launched on 22nd June 2017. The Panel creates a professional space for women to come together, share, explore, embrace and inspire on an array of #whatpacificwomenwant topics.
An evening of networking and inspiring opportunities over an elegant three course private dining experience. The topic for discussion was ‘Pacific identify Crisis’ where four Pacific women shared their journeys creating a space to discuss a potential intervention health and well-being project.
ICARE- Introducing Careers and Real Experts August 2017
Lead by Melissa Malu, Manager of ADRA in Campbeltown, the initiative brings young Pacific women to a roomful of experts in the fields of hospitality, management, photography and writing to explore career directions. The Network embraced the commitment of various members of PWPBN who have kindly offered their time and resources to make this happen.
Strategic Direction July 2018
With Giovanna Lever, founder and managing director of Sparrowly Group. She thrives in roles across multiple industries with InterContinental Hotels Group, Tourism Australia and Australian Rugby Union where she was known for the commercial success of her work. She also gained a reputation for inspiring teams to give their best and her ability to facilitate competing sets of stakeholders to work together towards common goals.
A review of our operations and direction was inevitable in 2018. To stay relevant, we seized on this opportunity to review our purpose and strategies, explore partnerships and service funding opportunities, evolve and improve quality of governance.
As a result, we commissioned Ms Lever and the two-hour session enabled clarity on the strategy and possible innovative partnerships in moving forward.
Pasefika Women and Girls Turning the Tide on COVID19
A COVID19 information share through our women and children inclusive of an Interactive children’s Book – The Little health Inspector, Pasefika Kids Korna videos, and women Talanoa sessions. The campaign aimed to dispel misinformation about the coronavirus while promoting precautionary measures. In addition, the women’s Talanoa session will include round table discussion on barriers to break through to be able to live life with Covid19 safely and children are resilient.
Personal Well-being & Professional Development Updates
Serenity Sisterhood Celebration
Honouring Lives, Empowering Futures. We look forward to honouring the remarkable journey of our incredible women and celebrating our collective achievements. Remembering those gone, embracing health, and fostering a stronger community through our commitment to regular screening.
Cancer Screening Powerful Talanoa
Around 30 women gathered for a powerful talanoa on cancer screening at the EFKS Fairfield Church, led by the Pacific Women Professional and Business Network (PWPBN).
Our Women Our Success Stories: Messages from the Heart
Join us for our 3rd screening Information Session. Our healthcare professionals will be there to share valuable information on screening. Hear inspiring personal stories and gain valuable insights into the importance of early detection from our women who have walked the path.
Listening to Our Bodies Taking a Preventive Step: Cancer Screening for Pacific Women in NSW
On July 24th, 2024, the Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network (PWPBN), in collaboration with the Pasifika Moving Program through NSW Health, hosted over 20 Pasifika women at the Emerton Youth Recreation Centre.
Screen-Save-Thrive: Empowering Pacific Women Through Cancer Screening
Join us for our 3rd screening Information Session. Our healthcare professionals will be there to share valuable information on screening. Hear inspiring personal stories and gain valuable insights into the importance of early detection from our women who have walked the path.
Screen-Save-Thrive: Empowering Pacific Women Through Cancer Screening
We have collaborated with The Pasifika Moving Program (healing Hula by Tele) to be part of a culturally inclusive physical activity session followed by an interactive screening information session.
Screen-Save-Thrive – Ilovi – Taqomaka – Me Bulabula Sara: Empowering Pacific Women Through Cancer Screening
Empowering Pacific Women Through Cancer Screening, an interactive culturally tailored Talanoa session supported by our POWER Ambassador.
Screen-Save-Thrive: Empowering Pacific Women Through Cancer Screening
The Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network is thrilled to announce a vital initiative for cancer screening, funded by the Social Policy Group under the NSW Government.
Pioneering TAFE NSW Initiative Empowers Next Generation of Trade-Savvy Pasifika Women
Miller, 20 November 2023 -At the Pacific Girls/Women in Trade Graduation Ceremony at TAFE NSW Miller, Chair Loau Donina Vaa praised the collaborative effort of PWPBN, TAFE NSW Miller, NSW DET, and VERTO in empowering Pasifika women.
Sunrise Sisterhood
Sunrise Sisterhood Sereni-TEA
In commemoration of cancer awareness, the Sunrise Sisterhood Sereni-TEA transformed into a sea of pink this past Saturday, November 11th at Lambeth Reserve, Picnic Point.
Sunrise Sisterhood Breakfast
Sunrise Sisterhood Brekkie is a health & wellbeing adventure, Walking for Positive Mental Health. Pacific women can come together to engage in a physical exercise while engaged in heart to heart discussions, share experiences, and build a strong community of support.
Advocacy & Networking
We enable women to develop strong networks locally and nationally, taking advantage of our international connections.
V-Expo (Virtual Expo) April 2019
Staying true to the PWPBN vision, this V-Expo will give the opportunity to cottage industry, micro business and small businesses, owned or operated by Pacific Islanders in Australia to promote, grow and share their businesses with our 16K strong online community. PWPBN will feature a single business every month for 9 months giving exhibitors the opportunity to connect with our Facebook community.
CORE Pacific Collective
Under the Core Pacific Collective with NSW Health and Multicultural NSW:
- Developed the HOPE Kit – Life with COVID-19 For Pacific Families in NSW. The Toolkit is a comprehensive collection of ‘Life with COVID-19’ information in the one space, translated in Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Cook Islands, Niuean and Fiji-Hindi. Led by Dr Jan Fizell.
- Sourced Produce videos with Pacific community members in their languages with COVID-19 messages managed by NSW Multicultural Health
- Developed and produced the Nurturing Va sessions • developed the backyard COVID-19 videos of community members
- Set up a subsite on the NSW Council for Pacific Communities (NSWCPC) website – make is more accessible for the Pacific communities
Collab Project
A groundbreaking authentic meeting of hearts- three established Pacific Networks, Pacific Women Professional Business Network, NSW Council for Pacific Communities and the Pacific Islands Mt Druitt (Blacktown) Action Network.
Facilitated by Insight Consulting Australia Director Ross Beaton, the Networks shared with purpose, exploring a multisectoral approach and leveraging of the shared strengths and expertise.
The key focus are our children and young people, to see, hear and learn that we can together be the change.
NSW Women's Economic Opportunity Review
To be part of the dialogue as a Pacific woman is beginning, it is progress. ‘Australia’s dire record on women’s workforce participation is a “stunning” indictment of the country’s unwillingness to maximise resources and its dismissal of the role women can play in the economy’ says Sam Mostyn, Chair of the Reference panel for the NSW CALD WOMEN Economic & Empowerment Consultation. PWPBN was invited to a sincere dialogue where many shared their experiences and stories on the strengths, barriers and economic opportunities for CALD Women. What is key, is moving forward together and not leaving anyone behind. Faith and cultural inclusiveness, empowerment, education & support networks and creative alternatives for mothers returning to work were some of the many discussed to inform a brighter pathway tomorrow.
Multicultural Women’s Reference Group
Educate a woman, educate her nation
End violence today
Give her what she deserves – Equality
She belongs
Hello beautiful, uniquely you, wide shoulders carrying the world, brown, caramel, white or black all quite beautiful, straight, curly or fizzy hair simply gorgeous and YES YOU ARE the unique Piece THAT MAKES THIS WORLD WHOLESOME And if we each contribute a droplet, we will create an ocean of difference.
Home Affairs first International Womens Day and Sneha Chatterjee, Regional Director Citizenship and Multicultural Programs Division
Department of Home Affairs proudly called diversity and inclusion to the table in her hope to celebrate the uniqueness of Australia and look at how we can utilise the greatness of diversity.
PWPBN alongside PIMDAN, Muslim Women’s Association and several other CALD services connected to share, empower and inspire together we can be better.
