South Pacific Foundation (SPF)

MaraeMelbourne was established as a result of comprehensive research collated and documented by the South Pacific Foundation of Victoria Incorporated (the South Pacific Foundation) from 2004–2007 and published in the report “Pasifika Victoria: ‘The Way Forward” for and on behalf of the Polynesian and Pacific Island communities of Victoria.

Key issues identified in the report reflect a high proportion of Polynesian and Pacific Island communities over represented in the juvenile justice system, poor health, an alarming number living in low socio-economic environments and truancy or school leavers increasing rapidly, specifically in the years 9–12 age group.

The issues identified raise concerns as to the availability, or lack, of culturally appropriate resources by government and non-government service providers offering a range of services to their municipality.

Although these services may be well intentioned, the ‘need’ reflected in the report epitomises the urgency for the Polynesian community to establish a facility to which they will gain access to services which acknowledge their cultural identity, values and protocols without inhibition.

A further concern raised in the report was the lack of facilities available at affordable costs offering an opportunity for the Polynesian community to meet for cultural sustenance. Many venues within the local municipalities have an hourly rate, lack the facilities or discourage groups for overnight workshops.

The report Pasifika Victoria: ‘The Way Forward clearly demonstrates key recommendations towards the successful building of community and facility for the Polynesian community to progressively develop, structure and maintain a marae build by the guiding principles of their cultural heritage.

Following the report, the South Pacific Foundation continued to develop strategies to progress the development of the marae build.  This included a proposal recommending the merging of the South Pacific Foundation and the Polynesian Community Federation of Victoria Te Rangatahi Incorporated in a unified approach as the steering committee to drive this kaupapa forward under the banner of MaraeMelbourne Incorporated.

Although the Polynesian Community Federation of Victoria Te Rangatahi Incorporated declined the proposal of a merger, the South Pacific Foundation dissolved to further develop the progress of a marae build under the banner of MaraeMelbourne.

View the comprehensive report below

Click here to report the report “The Way Forward”