Beloved presenter dies aged 48
Former ABC presenter Seini Fale’aka Taumoepeau has passed away aged 48.
The Tongan-Australian, known for hosting Pacific Mornings on ABC Radio Australia, died last week, her family confirmed.
ABC Pacific led tributes to the beloved presenter, who paved the way for the representation of Pacific people in Australian media.
“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,” they 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 also performed under the stage name, SistaNative and was heavily involved in the Pacific Wave Festival - which showcases arts from the Pacific.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by her family to help cover the costs for her funeral, with over $14,000 raised so far.
On the page her family said that she “moved on from this earthly life very suddenly."
“Seini was for many a loving, caring, compassionate, and sincere human. Through her art, culture and her resounding voice Seini helped create the musical soundtrack of our lives.”
Friends and followers have also paid tribute to the presenter on social media.
“Going to miss you, sis. Still can’t believe it. Sending so much love to your family,” one wrote.
“Love you, sis. Give thanks (for) your love, light and eternal energy.”
“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,” another added.
Image: ABC