Australian Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley have launched the latest season of a video series showcasing Samoans making significant impacts in their fields.

The series, which is called ‘Change Makers’, features a diverse group of Samoans making an impact in various areas of interest according to a statement issued by the Australian High Commission on Friday afternoon.  

The line-up of Samoans includes Mata’afa Fa’atino Utumapu, a disability advocate and President of Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA); Lagi Keresoma, a veteran journalist and President of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS); and Vaimo’oi’a Ripley, a sailing athlete with hopes of making it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mr. Hurley, as part of his remarks before launching the series, spoke about the importance of collaboration in order to have a lasting impact. 

“It is through collaboration that we can truly become change-makers, transcending boundaries, and making a lasting impact on the world around us," the Governor-General said. "As we honour the change-makers amongst us, let us remember that the power to affect change resides in each of us.”

The Governor-General also spoke about our collective efforts to respond to climate change and acknowledged the Australia Awards climate alumni in attendance who are also change makers in this critical space.  

He commended them on their leadership in advocating for sustainable practices, developing innovative solutions, and inspiring others to make meaningful contributions to protecting the Blue Pacific region and beyond.

Emphasising the importance of looking to traditional knowledge for solutions to address the profound challenges today, Mr. Hurley reminded everyone of their capacity to make meaningful changes in their everyday lives.

The ‘Change Makers’ video series is a co-production between the Australian-funded Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and SamoaGEM, with content makers in both Samoa and Australia collaborating to tell the stories of influential Samoans.

The video series will be available to watch on local free-to-air television, including TV1 Samoa. PACMAS is managed by ABC International Development and supports the development of a diverse, independent and professional Pacific media sector through training, sharing media expertise and providing technical and program support.