PAYA Recognised at Queensland’s Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception
The Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. (PAYA) was honoured to attend the 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane on 19 August 2026.
PAYA was represented by Founder and President, Dominic de Moura McCarthy, and Company Secretary, Walai Tongia, joining community representatives from across Queensland for an evening celebrating the many cultures and communities that call Queensland home.
A special moment for PAYA was the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation, received by President Dominic de Moura McCarthy on behalf of the organisation.
The certificate recognised PAYA in acknowledgement of significant contribution to Queensland’s Multicultural Community.
The certificate was presented by the Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans, the Hon David Crisafulli MP, together with the Hon Fiona Simpson MP, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism.
For PAYA, the recognition reflects the work of the many young people, volunteers, members and community partners who have contributed to our journey.
Queensland has deep and longstanding connections with the Pacific. Today, Pasifika communities continue to make an important contribution to Queensland through family, community, culture, education, sport, business and service.
PAYA also acknowledges the important history and contribution of Australian South Sea Islander communities in Queensland, whose stories are closely connected with the history of Queensland and the wider Pacific. We also recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the cultures, communities and connections that have existed for thousands of generations.
As a Pacific-Australian organisation, these relationships are important to who we are.
Across the Pacific, community is built through people. It is found in our families, our stories, our cultures and the relationships we build with one another. PAYA carries these values into its work by connecting young people and creating opportunities for leadership, cultural exchange and stronger links between Australia and its Pacific neighbours.
Receiving this Certificate of Appreciation was a proud moment for PAYA and an opportunity to reflect on how far our community has come.
PAYA values the support of the Queensland Government for Queensland’s diverse cultural communities and community organisations. We look forward to continuing our work with communities across Queensland and the Pacific, building relationships and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Vinaka, tenkyu tumas, malo ‘aupito, fa’afetai, ko rabwa, tubwa kor, merci beaucoup and thank you to everyone who continues to be part of the PAYA story.
