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 led tributes to the pioneering presenter, after her family confirmed her death, saying she paved the way for the representation of Pacific people in Australian media.
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“Seini will remembered and celebrated as a dedicated artist, orator, song woman and storyteller, who spent over 30 years advocating for Pasifika 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 on programs produced by her mother, going on to become the inaugural host of Pacific Mornings in 2018.
“Colleagues recall her last sign off, ‘I hope that ABC Radio Australia will consider replacing me with 2-5-10 more people of Pacific heritage and understanding, and in doing so evolve the Australian lens of the Pacific with the great and valuable resource that is our region, inclusive of its people’.”
Taumoepeau had a varied career, including performing under the stage name, SistaNative.
She was also heavily involved in the Pacific Wave Festival, which seeks to showcase arts from the Pacific.
The presenter went on to host ABC’s Pacific Beat, where she helped promote culture from across the Pacific.
Friends and followers have expressed grief at her loss.
“Going to miss you…Days pass and I still hope that it isn’t true. Keep looking out for all of us Seini. Love you,” one wrote on Instagram.
“Going to miss you, sis. Still can’t believe it. Sending so much love to your family,” another wrote.
“Love you, sis. Give thanks (for) your love, light and eternal energy.”