Wests Tigers Pasifika Youth Summit Secured by $60,000 NSW Government Grant

The Wests Tigers NRL organisation has successfully held its second annual Pasifika Youth Summit in Campbelltown, a major community and brand-building initiative funded significantly by a $60,000 grant from the NSW Government and backed by Official Event Partner, Gavmanak.

The Summit, which hosted nearly 150 high school students from across the South West region, is a high-value element of the club’s broader Empower Community Program, strategically designed to deepen cultural ties within the club’s key demographic catchment.

The Pasifika Youth Summit, themed “Tales of the Tiger,” focused on storytelling and cultural connection for second, third, and fourth-generation Pasifika youth.

The long-term strategic goal is to leverage the club’s strong cultural representation, both among staff and players like Christian Pio and Sarah Togatuki, to provide meaningful role models and cement the Wests Tigers brand as an authentic community leader.

Commenting on the program’s value, community manager, Kenneth Tuala, said: “The Summit creates an environment to share stories, experiences and bond over our culture.”

“Broadening their understanding of Pasifika culture and opening lines of communication helps build strong connections,” Tuala said.

The $60,000 financial backing from the NSW Government confirms the public sector’s recognition of the club’s role as a powerful platform for community engagement and cultural change in South West Sydney.

The grant, alongside the crucial support of event partner Gavmanak, ensures the continuity and scalability of the Summit, which is a critical part of the Tigers’ strategy to connect with future players and fans in the region, where 10 per cent of Australia’s Pacific Islander population resides.

The involvement of high-profile external figures, including the chair of the Pacific Officers Law Enforcement Network, Tuala-Tamalelagi Ben Saga, and Vaughan Vitale, government partnerships manager at the NRL, provides additional strategic and corporate honour to the club’s community efforts.

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