On Saturday 24 October 2026, the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) joined the Queensland Naoero Community (QNC) in Brisbane to celebrate Angam Day, one of the most important national occasions for the people of Naoero.
Held at The Room in Woodridge, the celebration brought together dei-Naoero families, children, community leaders and friends for an evening of culture, food, friendship and national pride.
PAYA was represented by President Dominic de Moura McCarthy and Treasurer Jessie Penning, who were warmly welcomed as special VIP guests and had the honour of judging the children's competitions.
Celebrating Naoero's History and Culture
Angam Day, celebrated annually on 26 October, is one of Naoero's most important national occasions. It celebrates the survival, resilience and continued growth of the indigenous dei-Naoero population.
The day commemorates the birth of the 1,500th Naoeroan, a population milestone reached in 1932 after years of hardship and population decline. The milestone represented renewed hope for the survival of the Naoero people, their culture and their future.
For dei-Naoero living overseas, Angam Day is also a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their identity, honour their ancestors and pass their traditions, language and history on to younger generations.
However, the story of Angam Day does not end in 1932. During the Second World War, the population suffered another devastating decline through displacement, disease and loss of life. In 1949, the birth of another baby girl, Bethel Enproe Adam, marked the second time the population reached 1,500. Today, 26 October remains the national day of celebration, honouring both milestones and the determination of the dei-Naoero people to survive.
For the Queensland community, celebrating Angam Day is therefore about much more than festivities. It is a way of remembering their people's history, celebrating their survival and ensuring that future generations remain proud of their Naoero heritage.
An Evening of Community and Celebration
The programme began with the national anthem and a welcome address from QNC President Cheryl-Ann Andrews, followed by prayer, the Angam Day song and a shared dinner.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Little Miss and Mister Angam 2026 competition, which gave children an opportunity to celebrate their culture and showcase their confidence.
Children participated across two age groups, with the youngest contestants aged 0–6 years taking part in the Dazzle and Sparkle category, while those aged 7–12 years celebrated Naoero's national colours of blue, white and yellow.
The evening also featured the Eita mwe Amta Dabug competition, with categories for participants aged 13 and above showcasing island-pattern evening wear, and a seniors category for those aged 50 and above featuring island-floral evening wear.
These activities celebrated creativity, cultural identity and the important role of all generations in keeping Naoero traditions alive.
The celebrations concluded with the presentation of prizes and a community raffle.
PAYA Supporting the Naoero Community
PAYA President Dominic de Moura McCarthy and Treasurer Jessie Penning were honoured to serve as special VIP judges for the children's competitions.
It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage the young participants and recognise their confidence, creativity and enthusiasm as they proudly celebrated their Naoero heritage.
During the celebrations, PAYA President Dominic de Moura McCarthy was also pleased to meet Mr Ruston Marcus Kun, Deputy Consul-General of the Republic of Naoero in Queensland. The meeting provided a welcome opportunity to connect and strengthen relationships with Naoero's diplomatic representatives in Australia.
PAYA's participation also reflected our ongoing commitment to strengthening connections with Pacific Island communities across Australia.
Earlier this year, PAYA officially established PAYA Naoero, our first local branch outside Australia, led by a committee of young dei-Naoero.
Our involvement in the Queensland Angam Day celebration was another opportunity to build relationships between our regional network and the Naoero diaspora in Australia.
Strengthening Pacific Connections
Community celebrations like Angam Day play an important role in bringing people together, especially for Pacific Islanders living away from their home countries.
They provide opportunities for young people to learn about their culture, connect with their elders and develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
For PAYA, supporting these occasions is an important part of our mission to connect and empower young people across the Pacific and Australia.
We extend our sincere thanks to QNC President Cheryl-Ann Andrews, Secretary Monalisa and the entire Queensland Naoero Community Committee for their kind invitation, warm hospitality and dedication to organising the celebration.
We also congratulate all the children and participants who took part in the evening's competitions.
Tubwa kor to the Queensland Naoero Community for allowing PAYA to share in this special occasion.
We look forward to continuing our friendship and supporting the community's activities in 2027 and beyond.
Happy Angam Day to all dei-Naoero, at home and across the world!
