Australian South Sea Islanders unite for Kanaka Proud Cup
Published on 07 November 2025
Rockhampton will come alive with Australian South Sea Islander pride and passion on Saturday as more than 200 players unite for the annual Kanaka Proud Cup Rugby League Challenge at Saleyards Park.
Players and supporters will travel from across Queensland, and interstate, for the seventh Rockhampton versus Mackay challenge.
The event marks a significant milestone celebrating 25 years since the Queensland Government recognised the Australian South Sea Islander community as a distinct cultural group.
There will be six games of fierce competition – U16 Girls and U16 Boys, U19 Men and U19 Women and Open Men and Open Women’s games.
Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support the event on this milestone year, with $8,500 in funding from the Community Assistance Program, used to assist with their Cultural Day and the Rugby League Challenge.
The event is a collaborative effort involving the Australian South Sea Islander United Council, Linking Generations, Fitzroys Gracemere Sharks RLFC and Fitzroys Sharks Junior RL.
The Cup alternates bi-annually between Mackay and Rockhampton, strengthening ties between the two communities and promoting mental health, wellbeing, and cross-cultural awareness
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said the Australian South Sea Islander community has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Rockhampton region for more than 150 years.
“The Australian South Sea Islander community are resilient and proud people whose ancestors were blackbirded to Australia to work in the sugar cane fields,” Mayor Williams said.
“We know they contributed significantly to the growth of the sugar cane industry and continue to enrich our local communities and region.
“We wish them well for their Kanaka Proud Cup Cultural Day today and their Rugby League Challenge on Saturday.”
Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI) United Council member Joanne Warkill said the Cultural Day and Rugby League Challenge were important events for their community.
“It’s important for people to know who we are and what happened in history - without our ancestors being blackbirded to Australia to work in the canefields, the sugar industry would not have grown so quickly.”
“The Rugby League Challenge brings our people together, celebrates great sport in Rockhampton and Mackay and gives us strength and confidence in playing for our culture.”
The Kanaka Proud Cup Rugby League Challenge is on Saturday 8 November at Saleyards Park, 1 John Street Allenstown commencing at 9am.
Entry is $7 for adults, with Elders and children at discounted prices. Cultural food will be provided by Earl and Latoya Harbin from Linking Generations.
For more information visit the Australian South Sea Islander United Council Facebook page.
The Community Assistance Program supports non-profit community-based organisations with funding for grants and sponsorships towards projects and events that enhance the region’s well-being. The next funding round opens on 1 December 2025 and closes on 2 February 2026.
For more information and how to apply, contact Council Community Services on 4936 8368 or visit our website.