CARNARVON TONGAN GROUP CELEBRATE WITH CEREMONIAL BEVERAGE

Last week in Carnarvon, Tongan residents celebrated the first anniversary of their community group by sharing kava, a traditional ceremonial beverage.

Fofoanga Club members enjoyed a beverage that is made from the roots of the kava plant and has relaxing properties.

The government banned kava imports in 2007 before reversing the ban late last year.

Fofoanga Club member Vake Vaitaki said kava was an important part of Pacific Islander culture.

“For years, the Tongan community in Australia has been trying [to get] the government to allow Pacific Islanders to bring kava into Australia,” he said.

“It’s not just Tongans it’s all Pacific Islanders. It is a major part of our culture.”

Mr Vairaki said members of the Aboriginal community joined in with Pacific Islanders for the one-year anniversary.

“Pacific Islanders joined in [with] the Yamatji people of Carnarvon, [who] had some representatives there, which made it even better,” he said.