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Former ABC presenter Seini Fale’aka Taumoepeau has died aged 48.
The Tongan Australian, best known for her work hosting Pacific Mornings on ABC Radio Australia, died last week.
ABC Pacific paid tribute to the pioneering presenter after her family confirmed her death, saying she paved the way for the introduction of pacific people in Australia media.
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“Saney will be remembered and celebrated as a dedicated entertainer, speaker, singer and storyteller who spent over 30 years advocating for Pacifica communities and their representation in the Australian media landscape,” ABC Pacific said on Instagram.
“Seini’s first appearance on ABC Radio Australia was as a 13-year-old in programs produced by her mother, going on to become the first host of Pacific Mornings in 2018.
“Colleagues recall her last signature: ‘I hope that ABC Radio Australia will consider replacing me with another 2-5-10 people of Pacific heritage and understanding and thereby develop the Australian perspective of the Pacific with the large and valuable resource that is our region, including the people in it’.
Taumoepeau has had a varied career, including performing under the stage name SistaNative.
She was also heavily involved in the Pacific Wave Festival, which sought to showcase arts from the Pacific Ocean.
The presenter went on to host ABC’s Pacific Beat, where she helped promote culture from across the Pacific.
Friends and followers expressed grief at her loss.
“I’ll miss you… Days go by and I’m still hoping this isn’t true. Keep looking after us all, Seini. I love you,” wrote one on Instagram.
“I will miss you, sister. I still can’t believe it. Sending so much love to your family,” wrote another.
“I love you, sister. Thank you (for) your love, light and eternal energy.”
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