AFTER 10,000 people packed streets and parks of Logan to celebrate Samoa’s recent rugby league heroics, community elders hope the energy is streamed into future events.
Faumuina Carlos Matautia said he hopes the energy from these celebrations can be harnessed and poured into future events.
“I think this would be good for our community if it was an annual event to bring our communities together, not just limited to the Samoa community, but the whole Pasifika community,” he said.
“It would be great to encourage unity and encourage the values of our culture as well.”
More than 10,000 people attended the Logan City Parade organised by Mr Faumuina Matautia, his brother Masini and his sister-in-law Temukisa.
“There was just a wave of people coming from different areas,” Mr Faumuina Matautia said.
“We’ve been celebrating since the first day of the campaign and after the loss to England, we still did a parade.
“The kids are the ones who are really passionate and they’re the ones that wanted to support the team, and do the parades and the marches and all that kind of stuff.
“We’re all about our kids and ensuring they are safe and get to celebrate being Samoa.
“For some kids this is their only exposure or experience being Samoa and they just want to share just how passionate they are as supporters.”
Faumuina Matautia also runs a non-profit organisation called Teti’s Club with his family, which is driven by Pasifika men for men.
“The purpose is to create a safe space for talanoa (unconcealed conversations) to offer holistic support, to check in and connect,” Faumuina Matautia said.
“My wish is that we have learnt how to support each other, no matter the outcome or result.
“Support local businesses, support local artists, support local athletes, all in all just support Samoa.”
Red and blue flags, flown with jubilation, have dominated the streets of Logan after Samoa reached the Rugby League World Cup final last weekend.
It was the first time Samoa – or any Pacific Island nation – reached a rugby league final, and it showed.
Despite the 30-10 loss to Australia, the outpouring of culture, pride and emotion bonded the City’s Samoan people, and the broader Pasifika community.
