Tonya Toi is president of the Pasifika Community of Australia. She talks to Jaidyn Kennedy about her connection to Wyndham.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am the mother of four children and take pride in being a grandmother. I am a third-generation migrant from Tonga since the late ’80s and the second eldest daughter among six siblings. Growing up, I found joy in connecting with nature, the land, and the ocean. Taking care of the elderly was an absolute delight, showing respect to our parents, aunts, and uncles is a genuine pleasure.
In 2019, I co-founded the Pasifika Community of Australia Inc, an unprecedented organisation dedicated to advocating for our vulnerable communities. When we find the time for generosity, we use it to contribute to the greater good. I am passionate about embracing diverse communities and learning about their unique cultures because, at the end of the day, we are all human. Let’s stand and unite for good!
What is your community’s connection to Wyndham?
Our connection to Wyndham is that it feels like home to us. As a first homebuyer living and working in Wyndham, it is my opinion that grassroots organisations have recognition here. Wyndham granted me the honour of joining the Tarneit Revitalisation Board, presenting an opportunity to develop projects for our communities. Through these initiatives, we launched the inaugural Nesian Festival and the ‘Carving for the Cops’ program, which uses wood carving as a means to address the mental health issues of our youth and to connect them with our culture through art.
What do you like about where you live?
It feels comfortable to be in a space that spans a quarter of an acre, where we can easily connect with nature and are within walking distance to amenities and the local hospital and train station. Twenty-five years ago, it underwent significant improvement, and I frequently say that this is the place to be. The surroundings are safe, and we will continue to strive for the best possible environment.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
My favourite place to spend time is our community garden because it’s incredibly rewarding to share our organic vegetables with the community, meet individuals for the first time, learn about their journey to this great country, and be a part of Wyndham. This is why we say “West is the best”—we laugh, we share meals, and we learn simple greetings in various languages and about different cultures.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
For our local supermarket’s footpaths to feature raised garden beds that bring joy to our growing families and seniors, enhancing the walkways around the Woolworth area. I want to add an open space that would embrace the Indigenous community, instead of having to rely on the local community centre.
