Big congratulations to Banaban-Australia Association members - Inoke and Nyree with the birth to their third child - a boy (yet to be named) on Christmas Eve at Redlands Hospital, Brisbane. Inoke's mum has flown in from Fiji and Inoke's sister has come up from Porland Victoria for the event.

The BAA member are all looking foward to seeing the new baby at a Curry night planned for next weeked at their home.

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA Updated December 24, 2009 17:18:03

Nauru denies it's recognised two breakaway republics in the Caucusus in exchange for aid from Russia. Nauru has recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which broke away from Georgia in the wake of Russian invasion of Georgia last August. Russia backs the two territories, but so far only Venezuela and Nicaragua have joined it in recognising their independence. Nauru's finance minister, Kieran Keke, insists that Nauru has j… Continue

spasifikmag.com Wellington NZ

A Wellington brother and sister will celebrate their graduations from university over the next month, in a rare occasion for their small ethnic community.

Quentin Smith, aged 26, graduated from Massey University with a de… Continue

Find a report on the progress on the Banaban Rehabilitaion Project

at: Update 2009 Banaban Rehabilitation Project - Banaban Vision

Nawaia Touakin, Suva Fiji

We regret to advise the sudden passing away of Ruabete Ruabou (Sgt) who was called to rest on Sunday 20/12/09 while on peace keeping duties in Iraq.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized in consultation with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who are organizing the transfer of Ruabete’s body back to Fiji for a full military funeral.

The funeral gathering is being held at their home in Waila, Nausori.

Our condolences are with Christina, and their children, durin… Continue

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA: Pacific Beat Updated December 15, 2009 18:06:30

The official death toll from Cyclone Mick in Fiji was put at three, but that could rise as two fishermen have been reported missing at sea. The system has been downgraded to a category one storm and was heading south east, away from the country's main island of Viti Levu, after causing flash floods. More than three thousand eight hundred people are reported to have slept in evacuation centres because of fears their houses migh… Continue

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA: Pacific BeatUpdated December 15, 2009 09:16:16

Tropical Cyclone Mick is about to leave the Fiji group and appears to be tracking towards Tonga's main island of Tongatapu, Ha'apai and the Eua group. After reportedly damaging houses and battering Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, Cyclone Mick has moved off the coast and is now 450 kilometres north-northwest of Tongatapu.

The Dir… Continue

RADIO AUSTRALIA: Pacific Beat
Updated December 15, 2009 09:16:15

The Pacific is keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Cyclone Mick as it now heads near Tongan islands, while Australia faces Cyclone Laurence in the country's west. Mick crossed the coast of Fiji's main island Viti Levu late on Monday afternoon, where it made its way across the island in a southwesterly direction.

Presenter: Campbel… Continue

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Update: 11:20AM HEAVY rain and strong winds as a result of Cyclone Mick have eased in most parts of the northern division.

No reports of casualties have been received but evacuees have been asked to remain in their respective evacuation centres in villages around the division.

Divisional Planning officer north Ratu Eliki Tikoidraubuta said flood waters have receded in Nabou… Continue

RADIO AUSTRALIA: Pacific Beat
Updated December 14, 2009 18:05:43

Fiji has been experiencing strong winds and flooding from tropical Cyclone Mick. A tropical cyclone gale warning has been in force for the Fiji group, and flash flooding has been reported in some parts of the country. Tony Wedd from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Brisbane spoke to me earlier about Tropical Cyclone Mick.

P… Continue