Pasifika and Māori

Origin Story

Established in July 2021

Village Connect is grounded in the leadership of Pasifika and Māori families across Logan. Although not confined to a single suburb, much of the work happens at this community hub. The hub hosts a Pasifika Maternity and Child Health clinic and serves as a place of spiritual gathering, care and cultural belonging. The origin of Village Connect came from a deeply felt urgency among leaders who said, “Our children are dying, we must find a way.” That call has become the guiding flame for this collective movement.

Ways of Working

The movement gathers the voices of Māori and Pasifika families through Talanoa – a culturally grounded way of coming together to share stories, experiences, challenges and solutions through open and meaningful conversation. Together, these voices form a powerful wave that helps shape priorities, guide decision-making and identify opportunities for families and communities to flourish.

Early Signs of Success

Led by respected Pastors and cultural Elders, Village Connect blends faith, culture and practical support. The Pasifika Maternity and Child Health Clinic has delivered impressive data and outcomes, showing real improvements in maternal and infant wellbeing when families are supported in culturally authentic ways. Despite this success, demand far exceeds capacity. The clinic is currently having to turn away up to 70 percent of Pasifika mothers, simply because the funding and infrastructure do not yet match the need.

Village Connect is helping shape systems across Logan. It has developed Pasifika cultural safety training that is shared across the Logan Together network, strengthening cultural responsiveness across services.

Village Connect is also contributing to youth justice reform through the KOKO program, which provides culturally grounded mentoring and support for young people who are at risk, helping them reconnect with culture, community and opportunity. Another strength of Village Connect is its cultural connectors, who walk alongside newly arrived families as they navigate some of the most complex parts of the system. Across health care, education, housing and social services, connectors help families feel seen, understood and supported.

Priorities & Collective Plan

Leading Pasifika Health and Social Services for Pasifika children, families, and communities, Village Connect provides a range of support for families:

• Maternal and Child Health Hub
• Community Connectors
• Family LinQ
• Foster and Kinship Care
• Youth Justice program
• Emergency Food Relief
• Immigration support