Dr Talia’uli Afeaki was awarded  the 2015 Tongan of the Year award by HRH Princess Angelika, the Tongan High Commissioner to Australia on November 13 in Sydney, Australia.

The award presentation dinner was organised by the Tongan Community Development Australia Inc. in recognition of the contribution that members of the Tongan Sydney Community to their community, in four professional categories, Education, Voluntary Community Services, Business and Sports.

The winner of the Tongan of the Year award was selected from one of the four categories.

Dr  Afeaki was one of seven award recipients in the Voluntary Community Services Category, with Maka Lemoto, Lady Maria, Valeti Moeakiola, Koniseti Liutai, Valu Sikimeti and Lisiate Prescott.

Education Awards went to Richard Saula Maka, Richard Tui’one Maka and Tupou Veiongo Mafi.

A Business Award went to Fe’ofa’aki Nalesoni.

Sports Awards went to Israel Folau, Tatafu Polota Nau, Michael Jennings, Alexander Ma’afu Tu’itavake and Tatiana Penitani.

The Tonga Awards Presentation Dinner was attended by Ms Louise Waterhouse, Tonga’s Honorary Consul in Sydney, Hon. Loou Amato, a representative of the New South Wales Premiere and Mr Fred Borg, a representative of the Campbell Town Council.