Tia Suemai is the executive director and co-founder of Charis Mentoring which runs programs and workshops aimed to assist Pasifika Youth to find themselves while living in a confusing world. He talks to Tara Murray.
What is your connection to the Brimbank area?
Brimbank is my home where I I live here with my beautiful wife, Taua, and our three lively kids, Seutia (seven), Tai (four) and my princess Leata-Ana (three). I coach rugby at the Brimbank Rugby Union Club in Deer Park and I attend IJNC church in Albion. We have based our organisation in the heart of Sunshine and have worked in local schools for over six years, particularly in St Albans .
What is your favourite thing about the Brimbank community?
My favourite thing about the Brimbank community is the people. You will not find a more welcoming, progressive and passionate community who will support you, walk with you and share with you. Brimbank is such a melting pot of cultures, talent, diversity and amazing food.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Brimbank?
Brimbank has some of the best and groovy little cafes around Melbourne. My ultimate favourite to eat is a great a little coffee shop with Wayne and his team at Three Zero Two Zero in Ardeer. In my opinion they have the best expresso and juice bar.
Tell us about the Pasifika community in Brimbank and the work you do with Charis Mentoring?
The Pasifika community in Brimbank is made of many Pacific Island nations i.e. Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue (just to name a few) under the umbrella term Pasifika. Some have lived in Brimbank for over 50-plus years, and are proud to call Australia home. Many have contributed positively and significantly to society. A perfect example of the genesis and the story of the Brimbank Rugby Union Club and how the community came to together to find a solution to tackle serious issues concerning the safety of all young people and the safety everyone in the community, made possible with the support of local key leaders, the police and sports bodies.
We deliver, school Pasifika mentoring programs, re-integration pathways for most our vulnerable young people, youth-led, leadership and community projects and Pasifika cultural competency training and professional development.
What do you hope to achieve with your work with Charis Mentoring?
Our hope and vision at Charis Mentoring is to see every young person in their element serving and leading the way. Our Pasifika young people are the change makers and we all responsible to building forward together.
