Miss Samoa Victoria launched

01 May 2018, 12:00AM

The Miss Samoa Victoria Incorporated has launched their pageant ‘The Miss Samoa Victoria Incorporated Pageant 2018 – Faiva o alofi lima o tamaitai – The artistries of women.

The launch was held last Saturday at the Dallas Brooks Primary School Hall where six contestants were named as finalists for the pageant. They are:

• Miss Coburg Uniting Church, Karen Sooaemalelagi (Leulumoega Tuai, Neiafu, Satoalepai, Avao)

• Miss Ezilend, Rachael Aulelio-Fili (Samusu – Aleipata)

• Miss Leneta Care Services, Rona Alainuuese (Satuiatua, Satupa’itea, Vailoa Palauli, Vaitele Uta)

• Miss KKNM & Off2War, Shanasha Tanuvasa Tofaeono (Siumu, Nofoalii, Magiagi, Faleasiu, Salelologa)

• Miss Tausala Manaia, Norah Aloiai (Sapapalii, Taga)

• Miss Sami’s Car Sales, Britanny Aiono (Saoluafata, Fasito’o Uta)

The launch which took place in the form of a ‘Tausala’ event also formed part of the ‘contestants pre-pageant programme’ with a focus on contestants using their networking skills to gather support. 

Their networks of family, friends and community affiliations turned out in great numbers to help support their individual ‘Siva Samoa’ with all contestant contributions being collected to go towards the Miss Samoa Victoria Inc charity project partner – The Leulumoega School of Fine Arts & Museum. 

The contestants and the community were successfully able to raise over A$7,000 to go towards the support of the Arts.

The Miss Samoa Victoria Inc pre-pageant programme started on the 13th of April being facilitated by major sponsors, PICAA Incorporated (Pacific Island Creative Arts Australia Incorporated) and the Nesian Pearl Dance Group.

 The pre-pageant program has included workshops covering topics in Samoan dance (practicing their opening number for the pageant), Samoan language, Samoan culture, Samoan history, Samoan myths and legends, Samoan traditions and additional workshops scheduled to include finance management, presentation skills, social media, specialized media training, public speaking training and a health and fitness workshop.

The contestants will also complete an artistic challenge in completing a workshop to create a ‘Pale Fuiono’ through the mentorship of Gina Taupau-Tafea (Former Miss Samoa Australia) and find a connection to the pageant theme.

The holistic approach by the Miss Samoa Victoria Incorporated committee seeks to provide a platform for the Samoan community in Victoria to engage with young women and create future community leaders with a passion for the Samoan culture and becoming ambassadors for Samoa, whether they win the crown or not.

Board of Director (and also member of the Victorian Samoan Advisory Council), Lemalu Vaofusi Faatau says: “For all you young Samoan tama’ita’i of Victoria, we are proud of the efforts of each of you and your supporters, I pray to see each of you in become great ambassadors for our Samoa, our Samoan community and for all future female leaders that are watching and wishing you well on this journey that you are undertaking.

May you inspire the love of our Samoan culture to those of your peers, those younger than you and shall you pass on the knowledge of the culture that you learn on this journey to all you come in contact with, I am proud of your love of our culture and I am proud that you are strong and courageous daughters of Samoa” and shared his encouragement to all in attendance to continue to take pride and for everyone to do their bit in nurturing and sustaining our Samoan culture within our homes, between friends and in our community.

The Miss Samoa Victoria Inc Pageant 2018’s theme is ‘Faiva o alofi lima o tama’ita’i’ ‘The artistries of women’ with the challenge to the contestants to: look into the near past of all the contributions that women have made towards our Samoan Arts, find inspiration and deliver those stories through their selection of category garments and talent selection.

The Miss Samoa Victoria Inc Pageant 2018 will be held on the 9th of June 2018 at the Williamstown Town Hall (Williamstown, Victoria) with tickets being sold online through a ticketing portal. 

The winner of the pageant is destined to be entered in the Miss Samoa Pageant 2018. Last year’s contestant and current Miss Samoa Victoria, Adele Faaosofia placed 2nd Runner Up after winning two categories – 1. Best Puletasi Award 2. Best Traditionally Inspired Creative Wear – Laulaau & Fugalaau (Designed and created Pelenato Liufau and the Leulumoega School of Fine Arts & Museum).

01 May 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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