PAYA Celebrates Angam Day with the Queensland Nauru Community

On Saturday 25 October 2025, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) proudly joined the Queensland Nauru Community (QNC) in celebrating Angam Day 2025 at the Sunnybank Community Hall in Brisbane.

Representing PAYA were President Dominic de Moura McCarthy and Board Director Enoli Tsitsi, who joined members of the Nauruan community, friends and partners from across the Nauruan local community and diaspora to mark this significant national occasion. Dominic was honoured to be invited by QNC to serve as a judge for the Lei and Garland Competition, recognising creativity and pride in traditional island adornments.

In attendance was also Mr Suli Layt, Assistant Director Pasifika Community Engagement QLD / NT, Department of Home Affairs.

PAYA extends heartfelt thanks to the Queensland Nauru Community Committee for organising this vibrant celebration, and to QNC Secretary Mona-Lisa Amber-Rose for her warm coordination and support throughout the event.

What Is Angam Day?

The word Angam means jubilation or celebration. The day commemorates Nauru’s rebirth as a nation, a time of renewal and gratitude after the population recovered from near extinction following two world wars. The phrase “coming home” is inspired by the story of the first Angam baby, whose birth symbolised hope and unity for the Nauruan people.

Angam Day is one of the most important national days in Nauru, celebrated every 26 October. The first Angam Day was declared in 1932, when Nauru’s population finally recovered to 1500, the number considered the minimum for a sustainable population. It symbolises not just survival, but unity, resilience and hope for future generations.

This spirit of resilience continues to inspire Pacific youth across the region, reminding us that identity and togetherness are at the heart of sustainable development.

PAYA’s Connection with Nauru

PAYA’s participation in Angam Day 2025 reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Nauruan youth.

In April 2024, PAYA hosted a workshop in Nauru at USP focusing on sustainable development, which was attended 15 local young elders. Later in 2024, we held our third edition of the Youth Leadership Summit in Nauru, which bought together 25 young leaders from si xcountries for three days of workshops, cultural activities and group project work.

In September 2025, PAYA delivered a Financial Literacy workshop Nauru, equipping youth with the tools to understand finances and budgeting.

Through these programs, PAYA continues to build pathways for Nauruan youth to connect with other Pacific leaders, share their culture and create meaningful change at home and abroad.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

The QNC Angam Day 2025 celebrations featured vibrant island performances, traditional songs, cultural displays and a beautiful feast prepared by families who brought food to share.

For PAYA, joining the event was a reminder of the strength and unity of the Nauruan family in Australia, one that continues to grow, thrive and celebrate their heritage.

As PAYA continues to expand its work across the Pacific, partnerships with communities like QNC reinforce our mission: to empower young Pacific leaders through connection, culture and capacity-building.

From Nauru to Honiara, from Brisbane to Port Moresby, every celebration like Angam Day reminds us of the shared values that unite our region — resilience, community and faith, that brighter days are always ahead.