Sydney, Australia – The Pacific Women Professional and Business Network continues to strengthen its leadership, with Co-Chair Jasmine Smith stepping into a more leading role, supported by Co-Chair Loau Donina Vaa and Advisor Seini Afeaki, advancing mentoring and leadership pathways for Pacific women.
In this context, Loau Donina Vaa met with Mal Fruean, Chair of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities, in Sydney to reaffirm a shared commitment to coordinated, Pacific-led action across New South Wales. Discussions focused on aligning priorities, addressing key gaps facing Pacific communities, and identifying partnerships that complement – not duplicate – existing efforts. At the centre was a shared recognition that Pacific-led solutions, grounded in culture and lived experience, are critical to achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Loau Donina Vaa stated:
“PWPBN sees itself as an extension of the NSW Council for Pacific Communities – not separate, but complementary – working together to surface the real issues facing Pacific women and girls, and to ensure those voices inform policy, investment, and action.”
Mal Fruean welcomed the engagement, acknowledging the importance of trusted Pacific networks in shaping responsive and inclusive approaches.
Both parties committed to ongoing collaboration, including:
- Strengthening access to data and research
- Exploring joint initiatives
- Identifying aligned funding and partnership opportunities
Together, they reaffirmed a shared vision: to elevate Pacific voices and strengthen outcomes for Pacific communities across NSW.
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Pacific Women Professional and Business Network (PWPBN)
