Two members of Brisbane’s Tongan Community received Local Heroes Australia Day Community Service Awards on January 26, at Oxley Bowls Club on Brisbane’s west side.

Rev Maile Molitika and Mele Ngauamo, were selected for the honours by Cr Steve Griffiths from the Brisbane City Council Moorooka Ward.

Cr Steve Griffiths said the awards recognized the work of volunteers whose selfless efforts had helped improve the lives of others and helped build community spirit, resilience and identity in the local area

Rev Molitika has served for seven-years as the resident Minister of the Uniting Church of Australia Tongan Congregation at Highgate Hill.

He volunteered many hours a week to coordinate fundraisers, championing respite programs, broadcasting spiritual devotions, as well as his leadership role as President of the Brisbane Tongan Community Inc.

Mrs Ngauamo (nee Manu) has been an active volunteer broadcaster with the Voice of Tonga on Brisbane’s multilingual broadcaster Radio 4EB FM since 1988. She has also served on community boards, fund raising events, respite care and as Treasurer of the Brisbane Tongan Community Inc.

Sulieni Layt, Public Officer for the Brisbane Tongan Community, said it was humbling to see two Tongans recognized for their tireless efforts in serving as volunteers to build their community.

The Australia Day Awards followed a mass Australian Citizenship ceremony.

It was open to volunteers living in or active members of community groups based in the Moorooka, Oxley and Teneriffe Wards of Brisbane City Council.