How Pacific Diaspora helped return Labor to Power

Jacynta Fa’amau shares her story—a moment that stirred something deep within her, shifting her perspective in ways she never imagined. It redefined activism, not as something distant or abstract, but as an undeniable responsibility.

I was born in Western Sydney after my family moved from New Zealand to Australia in the early ’80s. At that time, Muldoon led New Zealand. Meanwhile, Australia was under Bob Hawke’s Labor government. My parents thrived in their new home—they had steady jobs, a vibrant community, and built a life they loved. Before long, more relatives followed, crossing the ditch to settle nearby.

Growing up as a Pacific Islander in Sydney’s Western suburbs provided a great appreciation for diversity in cultures and perspectives. My family was able to build a successful life because they felt accepted, respected and safe. These helped shape and strengthen our Samoan values, and because of it, it allowed us to take care of our families and communities. It wasn’t until I learned about the experiences and impacts that climate change had both here in Australia and in the Pacific, more so the connection these two places have, that had me question these very things.

I met the Pacific Climate Warriors in 2014. They travelled to Australia with a crucial message for the government: rethink the expansion of the fossil fuel industry. Pacific Islanders paddled their traditional canoes into the open waters of the world’s largest coal port. They formed a flotilla to block massive ships from exporting coal globally. These young warriors had put their bodies on the line, risking deportation to lay a challenge to the Australian government. I remember feeling ashamed because the risks could have been different if it was me out there instead.

This display of protest changed my outlook on activism and leadership. Inspired by their bravery, armed with their culture and supported by their communities and villages back in the Islands. While being grateful to live in this country had its many pros’, it was this Canoe blockade event that forced me to reflect on my privileges. The role I needed to step into to protect our communities.

The Pacific Climate Warriors have grown since then. They now reach diaspora communities in Australia, Aotearoa, and the United States. They formed the biggest Pacific youth network in the climate movement. From sharing stories, building communities, nurturing leadership, and creating iconic campaigns. They have shifted the narrative of Pacific victims of climate disasters to Pacific leadership in climate action.

This work connects climate impacts in the Pacific to fossil fuel extraction on sacred lands. These include Gomeroi country and Wangan and Jagalingou country. The Pacific diaspora helped keep 500 million tonnes of dangerous coal in the ground each year for the last decade. They did this through many rallies at banks and embassies. Singing and dancing on coal mines, endorsed letters from our elders to CEO’s and billionaires, and giant art puzzles at Parliament. The Pacific Climate Warriors have gifted the movement a powerful legacy that continues to grow and strengthen the work.

We know Australia has not been a good neighbour to the Pacific. While they claim to commit to climate action, they continue to approve fossil fuel projects. That’s why we started the Pawa To The Ballot campaign. Our goal was to get our communities ready for the 2025 Australian Federal Elections.

Pacific Climate Warriors from Canberra, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria gathered for a movement support training in Western Sydney. 350.org Pacific offered tools to aid their campaign efforts. These tools supported a set of demands that made up the Our Pawa petition. A tool that united thousands of people in the region to tell the Australian government to choose safe, clean and fair renewable energy, and make sure that none of our communities are left behind.

The team organised a series of local events to make space for conversations about the elections. To focus on the stories of Pacific communities wanting a better and safer future not just in Australia but for the region. It was important for us to empower our communities to demand both. Our people should not have to choose between feeding their families and keeping their islands safe.

This was a chance to collaborate with our communities. We could share their stories about how they have shaped Australia’s culture and economy. Regardless of citizenship, they have earned a place in society to voice their needs and concerns. This includes communities that moved here to work in factories and on farms. They formed faith groups, academic circles, and even construction teams. Each group has added to Australia’s culture, economy, and infrastructure. It was a powerful way to respond to the very dangerous game of political division that the opposition party was using.

The election process can feel overwhelming. But the teams got creative. They used custom resources and fun digital tactics. They also did street interviews, light-hearted skits, and role plays. The warriors already possess a skill that can be found in the legacy of all the PCWs that have grown through this work.

 

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Nobody knows how to work with our communities better than our people. While opinions may be diverse, it was also our goal to create a ‘north star’ in the campaign. When unsure, vote for Pacific values. These values focus on family and community. They also show respect for elders and highlight a strong bond with the land and sea.

While the election outcome was deemed a win, there are many policies in the Labor government that require improvement, but it’s a step in the right direction; an opportunity we will not waste.

The fight for a fossil-free, dignified Pacific needs your voice. Join us in building the systems that serve our people and breaking the ones that don’t. Sign the ‘Our Pawa’ Petition today and stand in solidarity with the Pacific Climate Warriors. Together, we can amplify Pasifika leadership, empower communities, and ensure the stories we write are of resilience and victory.