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The Tongan-Speaking Community in Australia The Tongan language is Polynesian, belonging to the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian Languages. It is the official language of the Kingdom. However the native language of one northern island, Niuafo'ou, is distinct and closer to Samoan. Arrival and Settlement Settlement in Australia by Tongans is a fairly recent migration trend. It has only been since the 1970s that an increasing number of Tongans have looked to migrate to Australia. Many had previously lived in New Zealand joining family who were already in Australia and this continues to be an important migration factor. According to James Jupp, editor of The Australia People, the church is an important element for the Tongan speaking community, with much support given to church activities. In Tonga the church is the focal point for community life - a situation which has been continued in Australia. Tongans who have migrated to Australia first arrived in Sydney. There are those who came to Melbourne, mainly these people came to study, Canberra and industrial centres such as Wollongong and Newcastle. According to 1996 census data the Tongan population in Australia is just over 9,000. Community Contacts Here is a list of some of the Tongan community organisations in Australia. Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia PO Box 344 Curtin, ACT 2605 Phone:02 6282 5755 Fax: 02 6282 5734 Tongan Consulate-General 158 Pacific Hwy. North Sydney NSW 2060 Phone 02 9929 8794 Balwyn/Canterbury Uniting Church 31 Balwyn Rd. Canterbury VIC 3126 Phone 03 9836 1591 Tongan Christian Fellowship 1 Watkin St. Robinvale VIC 3549 Phone 03 5026 1536 Fax 03 5026 1436 Manly Warringah Pittwater Tongan Community and Advisory Council 12 Coles Rd. Harbord NSW 2096 Phone 02 9905 3628 Tongan Uniting Church in Australia 27 Arthur St. Ashfield NSW 2131 Phone 02 9798 3510 Tongan Association of New South Wales Phone 02 9799 4518 Tongan Parish Uniting in Sydney Phone 02 9669 5517 United Church in Canberra Phone 02 6258 0101 Church of Tonga, Brisbane Phone 07 3261 8395 Special Events Calendar SBS Radio's Tongan Language Program presents special coverage of these and other community events throughout the year, these are written below; March World Day of Prayer May Mother's Day September Father's Day October 'Willie O' cup Competition and the 'Lavengamalie' cup - Rugby Union game December 25 Christmas Day Recommended Websites www.tongaonline.com This website features weekly news service and general links to Tongan resources. |
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